Is there any food item more versatile than the sandwich? The portability, the versatility, the customizability? That Earl of Sandwich sure knew what he was doing the day he put a piece of meat between two slices of bread. Since that day, sandwiches have traveled the world and evolved to suit anyone's taste, spread across cultures, and have the power to turn exotic flavors into approachable experiences. On any given day, about half of all Americans are eating a sandwich for at least one meal. And for many of us, that meal is breakfast!
Fast food companies have made a push in recent years to add breakfast to their menus, providing many convenient and tasty options to our morning routines. Unfortunately, this can also lead to an excess of calories and spending. Can we think of a better solution? Of course we can!
DIY frozen breakfast sandwiches are the perfect alternative to the drive thru or the dubious box of egg sandwiches at your local grocery store. If your family is running around every morning, making a plan to meal prep a week's worth of tasty frozen breakfast sandwiches will save you time and money. Plus, reheating these sandwiches is a breeze, and a great way to give kids a taste of responsibility, since they're usually awake before we are!
Most breakfast sandwiches use scrambled egg as a base, plus an extra protein of your choice. Vegetables like onion, mushroom, and spinach are all healthy additions to the breakfast sandwich, usually with a slice of melted cheese on top to hold everything together. If prepared with minimal butter or oil, a breakfast sandwich can be a surprisingly low-calorie option, and provide enough protein to keep your kids full and focused until lunch time. We've spoken before about the importance of a balanced meal, so keep those ideas in mind as you put your sandwich together.
How to Make a Frozen Breakfast Sandwich
Preheat your oven to 325°F/165°C. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, and other spices you like to put in eggs. You can also add a liquid like water, milk, half and half, etc. However your family likes their scrambled eggs will do. Pour the mixture in a greased baking tray and cook until eggs are set, about 18-22 minutes. Feel free to undercook a little, since the eggs will be reheated later. When eggs are set, cut into squares and place on your bread of choice. English muffins tend to be a favorite, but you can try bagels, croissants, or rolls. Next, add your other proteins and vegetables, and optional hot sauce if you prefer a little kick. Cover with cheese and then top the sandwich with the other half of the bread. Compress sandwich slightly so that the individual items on the sandwich seal themselves together.
Now we're ready to store. Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper or tinfoil, or both! Be sure to label each sandwich based on ingredients or the names of your family members. Store all sandwiches in a resealable bag for up to 1 month. When ready to reheat, move the individual sandwiches from the freezer to the fridge to thaw overnight. In the morning, unwrap and reheat the sandwiches using your preferred method. If using the microwave, wrap sandwiches in a moist paper towel. If using the oven or toaster oven, simply leave uncovered. Making and reheating these sandwiches can be a collaboration between family members, and is a great way to give older kids an easy chore they'll be happy to complete.
