Name: Breakfast Grilled Cheese with Soft Scrambled Eggs and Pesto Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; Kosher salt, to taste; Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste; 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature; 4 slices sourdough bread; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded havarti or fontina cheese; 1/2 cup basil pesto; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives; Honey, for drizzling

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 27 reviews

If you love the comforting embrace of melty cheese paired with perfectly soft scrambled eggs, let me introduce you to a true breakfast gem: the Breakfast Grilled Cheese with Soft Scrambled Eggs and Pesto Recipe. This sandwich brings everything you desire in a morning meal—creamy cheeses, fluffy eggs, and a vibrant hit of fresh basil pesto—all sandwiched between toasted sourdough slices that crunch just right. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into something worth smiling about, delivering a harmony of textures and flavors that wake up your palate and satisfy your soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two open sandwiches sit on a wooden board, each made with a base layer of light brown bread with a soft texture, topped with orange shredded cheese that spreads beyond the edges. On top of the cheese is a layer of fluffy, yellow scrambled eggs with a slightly creamy texture. The top layer is dollops of green pesto sauce, rough and chunky, spread unevenly across the eggs. To the top left, there is a glass jar filled with extra pesto, and to the right, a silver spoon with some pesto on it rests on the board. The whole scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is refreshingly simple yet wonderfully layered, relying on a handful of key ingredients that work together to create its irresistible flavor and texture. Each component adds something special, from richness and creaminess to bright herbaceous notes.

4 large eggs: The foundation of soft, creamy scrambled eggs that bring warmth and fluffiness to the sandwich.
Kosher salt: To season the eggs just right, enhancing their natural flavor without overpowering.
4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature: Butter ensures a golden, crispy crust on the bread and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste: A subtle spicy kick to elevate the eggs and bring complexity.
4 slices sourdough bread: The hearty, slightly tangy base that crisps gorgeously when grilled.
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Offers a bold, tangy sharpness that melts beautifully.
1/2 cup shredded Havarti or Fontina cheese: For smooth, creamy meltiness that balances the sharp cheddar.
1/2 cup basil pesto: Bursting with fresh, herbaceous flavor, pesto adds freshness and depth.
2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives: Bright green chives add a pop of color and a mild oniony note for finishing.
Honey, for drizzling: A sweet touch that contrasts delightfully with the savory, spicy layers.

How to Make Breakfast Grilled Cheese with Soft Scrambled Eggs and Pesto Recipe

Step 1: Whisk and Cook the Soft Scrambled Eggs

Start by cracking the eggs into a medium bowl, adding a pinch of kosher salt, and giving them a good whisk until the yolks and whites are fully blended. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Pour in the eggs and leave them undisturbed just enough to form a thin cooked edge. Then, gently fold and push the eggs around with a rubber spatula, allowing them to fluff up and barely set. This delicate handling results in eggs that are silky and tender, not rubbery or dry. Remove them promptly from the heat and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for that wake-me-up zing.

Step 2: Butter the Bread and Assemble the Sandwiches

Next, spread butter on the outside of each sourdough slice—this is how you get that golden, crispy crunch when grilled. On the unbuttered inside of half the slices, layer the shredded sharp cheddar, followed by the creamy Havarti or Fontina, a generous portion of the soft scrambled eggs, and a generous spoonful of vibrant basil pesto. Top each with a second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Now to the magic moment: gently place each sandwich in a hot skillet. Grill each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until the bread is a perfect golden brown, and all those beautiful cheeses have melted into a creamy, gooey treasure inside. Patience here pays off with the crunch outside and the luscious interior flavor experience.

How to Serve Breakfast Grilled Cheese with Soft Scrambled Eggs and Pesto Recipe

The image shows a wooden board with three grilled cheese sandwich pieces, each slice having golden brown toasted bread with crispy edges and melted yellow cheese inside. There are green herb bits sprinkled on the sandwiches. A small glass jar with green pesto or herb spread is placed on the board, with some of the spread also scattered around it. Fresh green basil leaves are placed beside the sandwiches and near the knife on the right side. A knife with a wooden handle lies at the right edge of the board. The board sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once grilled, the sandwiches come alive with the addition of chopped fresh chives dotted on top, adding fresh color and a mild onion lift. A light drizzle of honey elevates the savory and spicy notes by weaving in just enough sweetness to balance everything beautifully. Finish with a quick pinch of flaky sea salt for that elevated crunch and flavor burst.

Side Dishes

Pair this breakfast grilled cheese with something light and fresh like a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple bowl of fresh berries to add burst of natural sweetness. For something heartier, roasted breakfast potatoes with rosemary complement the sandwich’s rustic vibe perfectly. These sides keep the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try cutting the sandwich into quarters and securing each piece with a colorful toothpick, making them perfect for a brunch gathering. Alternatively, serve open-faced with eggs and sauces artistically arranged on top for a visually stunning breakfast plate. If you want to add texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the pesto spread before grilling for a delightful crunch surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, but the toasted bread may lose some crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze these sandwiches by assembling them but skipping the final grilling step. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then grill to freshen the crust and re-melt the cheese.

Reheating

To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat or a toaster oven to crisp the bread back up while warming the interior gently. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that satisfying texture and flavor intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this Breakfast Grilled Cheese with Soft Scrambled Eggs and Pesto Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Havarti or Fontina are ideal for their melting qualities and flavors, feel free to experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or even a smoked cheese for a different twist.

Is pesto necessary or can I skip it?

Pesto adds fresh herbal brightness and a touch of richness. You can skip it or replace it with something like sun-dried tomato spread or even a light smear of mayo, but pesto really elevates the sandwich in a unique way.

How do I get the scrambled eggs so soft and creamy?

The key is to cook the eggs gently over medium heat without rushing, moving them slowly with a spatula and removing them from the heat just before they fully set. Carry-over heat finishes them perfectly.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Vegetarian is easy—this recipe is naturally so. For vegan, you’d need to substitute the eggs with tofu scramble and use vegan cheese and pesto. The texture and flavor will differ but can be delicious in their own right.

What bread works best for this sandwich?

Sourdough shines for its structure, slight tang, and ability to crisp beautifully. You can try other crusty breads like a rustic country loaf or even a hearty multigrain if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to turn breakfast into a joyful celebration of flavors and textures, I can’t recommend this Breakfast Grilled Cheese with Soft Scrambled Eggs and Pesto Recipe enough. It is so rewarding to make, and each bite is a cozy hug of cheese, egg, and herbaceous pesto magic. Give it a try next time you want a breakfast that feels special but comes together quickly. Trust me, it will become a go-to morning favorite.