The Breakfast Sandwich: It's So Hot Right Now
Ah, the breakfast sandwich. Versatile. Filling. My happy place. I don’t know about you, but I can say without a doubt that breakfast sandwiches have always held a place in my heart. I’ve been craving one lately and apparently, I’m not alone. As it turns out, breakfast sandwiches and well, breakfast foods are on trend for the new year. So if you’ve been a fan like I have, know that you’re already a trendsetter! Look at you go!
With the new year comes new food trends. I have an annual tradition of doing a little research and in the first few days of January, I look to my food gurus (Bon Appetit, Food&Wine, NYTimes) to check out what everyone will be eating and the way the food landscape could change.
So what else is on trend? Well, I thought you’d never ask! Here are a few that we’re exceptionally excited about:
Breakfast Foods - People are spending more time at home and are seeking to savor the mornings. Biscuit/breakfast sandwiches, pancakes (see our previous posts), egg bites a la Starbuck’s fashion, and hot breakfasts will be what everyone’s making on the regular.
Comfort Foods - Given the past year that everyone is had, people are seeking foods that provide that warm and fuzzy feeling. Envision making more of your family recipes and dishes like mac and cheese, tacos (yes, please!), pizza, burgers, grilled cheese: nothing fancy, just the classics.
Homemade Pastas- Apparently sourdough is so 2020. By Spring, you can plan on seeing your Instagram feed full of homemade pasta pictures.
Virtual Classes - You’ll see your favorite chefs and restaurants continuing to invite you into their homes to make their favorite dishes. Sign. me. up!
Condiments, Elevated - Companies are coming out with your basics (pastas, sauces, spices) but taking it up a notch by adding some heat and fun, surprising takes on the typical pantry staples.
Chickpeas - Expect to see more creative products featuring the chickpea. I feel like it’s really having a moment and don’t mind one bit that it will continue to shine this year. (Have you tried Banza Pasta…hello, yum!)
Eco-Friendly Foods/Minimizing Waste - Yes. yes. and yes! Companies are moving towards more eco-friendly packaging and are developing new products from food that would have otherwise been thrown away.
Plant-Based Foods: The move towards more meatless dishes will continue to be happening this year. Expect to see plant-based seafood (made from carrots and cellular agriculture) as the biggie for this year. You can also expect to find bacon, eggs and your favorite desserts created from plants. Mushrooms are apparently also going to be really enjoying it this year. There’s even a jerky that is made solely from fruit. Everyone’s getting creative and I am here.for.it.
In honor of the food trends, I’m going to share with you the most delicious breakfast sandwich ever. I also promised you more whipped feta in 2021….so I’m going to deliver. Whipped feta. ON the sandwich. I’d like to take credit for this, but my inspiration came from my most beloved restaurant, Butcher and Bee.
So really, what you’ve been waiting for is here: Honey whipped feta, homemade hash browns, bacon and a scrambled egg. Smashed in between a gluten-free English muffin. Each bite is packed full of flavor and comfort, and I don’t think you’ll be mad that you took the time to make this for yourself.
Breakfast Sandwich with Honey Whipped Feta, Hash Browns, Bacon and Egg (GF & DF)
Ingredients
Directions
- Place feta in a food processor.
- As the food processor is going, add in 1 Tbsp of olive oil at a time, about 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed with a rubber spatula. Feta will be smooth and creamy.
- Blend in salt and pepper.
- Cook the bacon. Place a single layer of bacon in a cold skillet, preferably cast-iron. Cook on medium-low heat—you want to render a lot of the fat out of the bacon and this takes time.
- Turn bacon occasionally with tongs so bacon cooks evenly. Since most pans don’t heat evenly, you should move the bacon to a different part of the pan when flipping it.
- When cooked to desired doneness, transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towel to absorb the excess grease.
- Pour grease from skillet into heatproof dish until cool. Discard or save for another use.
- In the same pan, cook the egg. Place 1 Tbsp of olive oil and prepare the egg, your way. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Prepare hash browns (homemade) or from frozen.
- Toast GF English muffins and spread whipped feta on both sides. (About 1 Tbsp)
- Sandwich Assembly: Spread whipped feta onto the bottom of the muffin, top with egg, bacon, hash browns, and spread more whipped feta (drizzle honey on top) on the top of the muffin.
Notes:
The whipped feta makes about 1 cup. When covered and stored in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 1 week.
You can also quick cook your bacon in the microwave. Place 2-3 sheets of paper towel in a microwave-safe dish and top with bacon slice. Place 1-2 sheets of paper towel on top. Microwave approximately 2-3 minutes or until cooked to desired crispness. Thick bacon will need a little more time and thin bacon will need less.
Sandwiches are best served warm.