This homemade breakfast sandwich made with crispy prosciutto, watercress and a runny fried egg is guaranteed to impress at your next brunch!
Check out this ridiculous breakfast sandwich 😍
One of my favourite things about weekends is having really special breakfasts.
Whether that means going out for brunch with Will or some friends or staying in and cooking up something delicious.
Recently I've been trying out some different breakfast and brunch ideas like these Turkish eggs, this ham and cheese croissant bake and these huevos rancheros baked eggs but sometimes I just want to go back to basics and make a really good breakfast sandwich.
And this one was exactly what I wanted.
I have to admit that Will is normally the one that makes breakfast at the weekend while I stay in bed because he's the best but on the odd occasion that I get up first I like to make something that I know he's going to love like these sandwiches.
Why we love this recipe...
- That crispy prosciutto is a complete revelation, it's super flavourful, salty deliciousness and it's the exact kind of ingredient that makes a weekend breakfast extra special
- The sandwiches are easily customisable. If you can't get hold of watercress then switch for rocket (arugula) or baby spinach leaves, if you're not sure about the prosciutto then go for bacon instead
- They only need a handful of ingredients so they're one of my go to special breakfasts. I like to pick up the ingredients on a Friday on my way home from work so that I'm fully prepped to serve these sandwiches up the next morning
Ingredients
This section is here to provide further tips and ideas for alternative ingredients. The full recipe and instructions are included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post!
- Prosciutto: This gets all crispy after a quick fry in a hot pan. It happens almost as soon as it touches the heat. If you can't get prosciutto then use bacon. Use up leftovers in this salmon sandwich with prosciutto.
- Bread: Thick slices. I like a nice crusty loaf of white bread. You could also use an English muffin if you prefer
- Butter: For spreading on the bread slices before frying to get them nice and browned (hey, no one said this sandwich was healthy!). Use leftovers to make these chilli prawns with tomato butter
- Eggs: I like mine fried until a bit crispy around the edges and a tiny bit runny in the middle but you can do them however you like
- Watercress: Or any other green you like
- Mayonnaise: Spread a thin layer on your bread. Mayo is also amazing in my all time favourite veggie burgers
- Dijon Mustard: Plus a thin layer of mustard over the mayo before sandwiching the whole thing together
Keep scrolling to get the full recipe!
How to make this recipe
- Fry the prosciutto and bread: Heat a drizzle of oil over a high heat and fry the prosciutto in batches for a 30 seconds, drain on kitchen paper. Spread butter over one side of each slice of bread and fry until browned and toasted.
- Cook your egg: I go for fried here because that's the classic for a breakfast sandwich but if you prefer poached or even scrambled then go for it.
- Make your sandwich: Spread a thin layer of both mustard and mayo on one slice of bread, top with crispy prosciutto, watercress and your egg followed by the other piece of bread. Serve.
Expert tips for making this recipe
- To make this recipe gluten free then just use your favourite brand of gluten free bread or English muffins
- If you want to make this a vegetarian breakfast sandwich then you could switch the prosciutto for your favourite cheese
FAQS
Can I use a different kind of bread for this sandwich?
Really the options are endless when it comes to the container for this sandwich. I went for some thick slices of crusty bread but you could also use a bagel, an English muffin, a bread roll or even a croissant. Go for whatever you fancy!
What can I use instead of mayonnaise/mustard?
If you're not feeling either or both of these sauces then feel free to leave them out. Just butter would still be delicious or a classic ketchup or hot sauce would also be good. The kasundi from this post would also be so good here!
Try these other savoury breakfast recipes!
- Easy Southern Sweet Potato Hash
- Vegetarian Breakfast Bowl with Hummus
- Easy Flatbread Brunch Pizzas
- Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos
- Mediterranean Eggs
- Easy Breakfast Tacos with Eggs & Chorizo
- Chipotle Eggs and Potatoes with Kale
- Vegan Breakfast Tacos
Recipe
Breakfast Sandwich with Prosciutto & Watercress
Ingredients
- 6 slices Prosciutto
- 4 thick slices Bread
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- 2 Eggs
- Handful Watercress
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- ½ tablespoon Dijon Mustard adjust according to taste
Instructions
- Heat a tiny drizzle of oil in a frying pan and add the prosciutto. It will start to crisp up immediately. Fry for about 30 second, flipping halfway through then transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread and fry in the same pan until browned and crispy. Remove to a cutting board. Fry your eggs to your liking.
- Spread a layer of mayo and a layer of mustard on the unfried side of two of the slices of bread. Top with 3 slices of prosciutto each followed by half the watercress, an egg and the other slice of bread (fried side out). Serve.
Notes
Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!
Silvia says
Yummy! I can imagine this would also work well with a poached egg.
Emily says
Great recipe. The runny eggs were perfect with the prosciutto and watercress.
Noel Lizotte says
What a delicious sandwich! I'm going to make this for supper one night this week!
Week day breakfast is usually a hurried event and even a simple sandwich like this would take too much time for me. I'm not going to be able to wait for the weekend tho!
Valentina says
This looks AMAZING! Just scheduled to pin to my sandwich board. I love how crispy that prosciutto looks and the egg looks like it's cooked to perfection.
Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says
I love everything about this breakfast sandwich! The watercress is a nice elegant touch 🙂