Who says a delicious breakfast needs to break the bank? Our microwave egg and cheese sandwich costs under $1 per serving and cooks faster than your coffee brews.
Skip the dishwashing drama—this recipe requires just a mug, microwave, and your hunger. Even better? No culinary degree or fancy kitchen gadgets required. Just pure microwave magic.
We’ll show you how to master this wallet-friendly meal, including ingredient swaps, texture hacks, and pro-level fixes for common microwave mishaps.
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Cheap Microwave Egg and Cheese Sandwich
Course: BreakfastCuisine: American1
5
minutes2
minutes250
kcal7
minutesThis microwave egg and cheese sandwich offers a quick solution for breakfast or any time you need a meal. Simply whisk eggs, microwave them, and assemble your sandwich with your favorite cheese. It's an incredibly easy and cost-effective way to get your protein fix without the hassle of cooking on the stove.
Ingredients
egg
of cheese cheddar or your choice
of bread any kind
salt and pepper to taste
toppings . like ketchup or hot sauce
Directions
- Crack the egg into a microwave-safe bowl and whisk it with a fork until combined.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, Then, microwave the egg in the bowl for about 30 seconds.
- Stir the egg and microwave for another 30 seconds, until fully cooked.
- While the egg is cooking, place the slice of bread on a microwave-safe plate.
- Once the egg is done, place the slice of cheese on the egg and let it melt for about 10 seconds.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing the egg and cheese on the slice of bread, adding any optional toppings if desired.
- Cover with another slice of bread if preferred, and enjoy your quick microwave egg and cheese sandwich..
Notes
- Feel free to customize this sandwich with different types of cheese or add extra ingredients like cooked bacon or vegetables. Make sure to keep an eye on the microwave to prevent the egg from overflowing. This sandwich is not only quick but also a blank canvas for your favorite flavors!
Can You Microwave Eggs Safely for Sandwiches?
Absolutely – but handle with care. Raw eggs can explode if microwaved in shells, but our sandwich method uses scrambled or gently pierced yolks. We cook to 160°F (71°C), the USDA-recommended safe temperature for eggs. No salmonella surprises here!
How Microwaving Affects Egg Texture
Microwave radiation excites water molecules in eggs, cooking them faster than stovetop methods. But this speed comes with risks: overcooked eggs develop tight protein bonds, creating that dreaded rubbery texture. At John’s office holiday party last year, someone microwaved eggs for 90 seconds straight – let’s just say the result resembled bouncy balls more than breakfast.
We combat this by microwaving in 20-second bursts at 50% power. This gentle approach keeps eggs fluffy. Stirring between intervals breaks up dense patches. Think of it as giving your eggs tiny massages.
What Does a Microwave Egg and Cheese Sandwich Taste Like?
Imagine diner-style comfort without the grease coma. The eggs stay surprisingly tender when cooked properly, cradling melted cheese that oozes into bread crevices. It’s lighter than pan-fried versions – no butter required unless you’re feeling fancy.
Cheese choice makes or breaks the flavor. Low-moisture options like cheddar or colby jack melt beautifully without making bread soggy. John once used blue cheese during a “gourmet phase” – we don’t talk about that. Stick to basic cheeses for guaranteed satisfaction. For a quick and easy meal, consider making macaroni and cheese in the microwave. It combines convenience with that classic cheesy goodness.
Ready to assemble your budget masterpiece? Let’s break down the ingredient lineup that keeps this sandwich both tasty and wallet-friendly. When considering quick meal options, a lazy microwave pre-cooked meatloaf sandwich can be an ideal choice for busy days. This delicious sandwich offers the perfect balance of flavor and convenience to satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.
Ingredients for a Cheap Microwave Egg and Cheese Sandwich
Our recipe thrives on pantry staples. Let’s talk protein first – eggs are the MVP here, but we’ve got backup players for tight budgets or dietary needs. For a quick meal option, consider adding canned mixed veggies to your eggs. This combination makes for a cheap and nutritious dish you can whip up in the microwave.
Egg Alternatives (Liquid Egg Whites, Rehydrated Powdered Eggs)
Liquid egg whites (about $0.25/serving) skip the yolk-separating hassle. For ultra-cheap options, try rehydrated powdered eggs – they’re shelf-stable and perfect for camping trips or broke college moments. Pro tip: Add a pinch of turmeric to mimic yolks’ golden hue. We once survived a snowstorm with nothing but powdered eggs and determination. It was… character-building. If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, microwave egg whites can be a fantastic choice. They cook in just a few minutes and are perfect for a healthy breakfast.
Cheese Substitutes (Dairy-free, Low-moisture Options)
Low-moisture cheeses like pre-shredded cheddar ($1.99/bag) melt reliably. Dairy-free? Violife’s coconut oil-based shreds (89¢/serving) work wonders. Avoid fresh mozzarella unless you enjoy bread soup. John once tried blue cheese crumbles here. The smell still haunts our break room. Melting cheese in the microwave can be a quick and easy way to enhance your meals. Just a few seconds can turn that ordinary dish into a gooey delight.
Budget Bread Recommendations
Grocery store brand English muffins ($1.79/6pk) toast beautifully in microwaves. Day-old bagels (50% off at bakeries) or $1 sourdough rolls also shine. Avoid ultra-thin sliced bread – it turns into egg-soaked cardboard. Our current obsession? 99-cent potato buns from the discount bread rack. For a quick and easy breakfast, cooking muffins in the microwave is a great option too. You can enjoy warm, fluffy muffins in just a few minutes with minimal effort.
Also See: Easy Microwave-blended Spring Herb Butter Spread
How to Make a Microwave Egg and Cheese Sandwich Step-by-step
Time to transform ingredients into glory. Total cook time: 3 minutes. Yes, really.
- Crack 1 egg into greased mug, scramble with fork
- Microwave 20 seconds, stir, repeat until just set (≈1 minute total)
- Slide egg onto bread, top with cheese, microwave 15 seconds
Preventing Rubberiness in Microwaved Eggs
Rubbery eggs happen when proteins overcook and tighten. We fight back with 50% power and frequent stirring. Think of it as giving your eggs a spa day – gentle heat, frequent relaxation breaks. A teaspoon of milk or mayo adds fat to soften texture.
Layering Cheese for Optimal Melting
Cheese belongs between bread and egg, acting as a moisture barrier. Shreds melt faster than slices. For extra gooeyness, mix 1 part cream cheese to 3 parts cheddar. That time we put cheese under the egg? Let’s just say it involved a mop and tears. If you want an even quicker way to enjoy cheese, you can make grilled cheese in the microwave. This method is perfect for those who crave a warm, cheesy meal without the fuss of a stovetop.
Also See: 4 Fun & Fruity Microwave Drinks (With and Without Alcohol)
Recipe Variations for Microwave Egg Sandwiches
Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s playtime. These tweaks keep things exciting without breaking the bank.
Adding Vegetables Without Sogginess
Spinach (frozen, squeezed dry) or diced bell peppers (10¢/slice) add crunch. Always microwave veggies separately for 30 seconds first. Mushrooms? Sautee them in advance – raw ones release enough water to flood your sandwich ark. For a quick meal option, consider adding lazy microwave pre-cooked bacon or canned spinach to your dishes. These ingredients can save time and effort while still providing flavor and nutrition.
Spice and Sauce Combinations
- Buffalo: 1/4 tsp cayenne + 1 tsp hot sauce (adds $0.02)
- Everything Bagel: 1/4 tsp each garlic powder, onion flakes, sesame seeds
- Ketchup/mustard mixed 1:1 – the ultimate $0.05 flavor bomb
John swears by sprinkling crushed ramen seasoning packets. We don’t judge – survival is an art.
Mastered the basics? Let’s talk keeping these sandwiches fresh for days – because nobody wants to microwave eggs at 6 AM daily.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Egg Sandwiches
Leftovers? We’ve all been there. Proper storage keeps your microwave egg creations edible for days – and yes, they’ll still taste good. The key is moisture control.
For fridge storage: wrap cooled sandwiches in parchment paper, then aluminum foil. They’ll stay fresh 2-3 days. John once used plastic wrap instead – let’s just say the resulting condensation turned his bread into a science experiment.
Freezing Cooked Microwave Eggs
Freeze eggs separately from bread to avoid sogginess. Scoop cooled microwaved eggs into silicone muffin cups (50¢ each at dollar stores), freeze solid, then transfer to ziplock bags. They’ll last 2 months at 0°F (-18°C). For a quick meal, microwaved eggs can be gently reheated straight from the freezer, offering a convenient protein option any time of day.
Need a grab-and-go sandwich? Assemble with frozen egg puck and cheese, wrap tightly, freeze. Reheat frozen sandwich 60-90 seconds at 50% power. Microwaving is a quick and convenient way to get that sandwich warm again, making it perfect for busy days. We’ve tested this during road trips – beats gas station prices by 85%.
- Pro tip: Add a paper towel under the sandwich when reheating to absorb excess moisture
- Texture saver: 10-second microwave bursts with stirring between
Freezer burn is the enemy here. That sad, spongy mess happens when air reaches your eggs. Vacuum sealers work great, but for budget options, press plastic wrap directly onto egg surfaces before bagging. To prevent freezer burn more effectively, consider using microwave vacuum sealed bags. These bags help maintain the freshness of your food while also being microwave-safe for quick meal heating.
Now that your leftovers are sorted, let’s tackle those “oops” moments – because even microwave masters sometimes create rubbery eggs or cheese volcanoes. Learning the best practices for microwaving can really make a difference in these cooking mishaps. It’s surprising how many people microwave certain foods incorrectly, leading to less-than-desirable results.
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Quick Bite!
With these tips and tricks, your microwave egg and cheese sandwich will be anything but boring. We’ve covered everything from preventing rubbery eggs to layering cheese for that perfect melt.
Grab your ingredients, fire up that microwave, and let us know how your budget-friendly breakfast turns out. Who knew a 90-second meal could taste this good?
