Prosciutto Sausage Breakfast Sandwich

This Prosciutto and Sausage Breakfast Sandwich is extra decadent for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Every bite is rich and hearty, yet this meal only takes about 20 minutes to make. Plus it can be easily made in advance and taken on the go.

This homemade Prosciutto Sausage Breakfast Sandwich combines a homemade breakfast sausage patty with eggs, prosciutto, and basil pesto for a simple breakfast that’s filling and easy to make. It’s a great option for weekend brunch or meal prepping the sausage patties ahead of time for busy mornings.

If you’re looking for a breakfast sandwich that goes beyond the usual bacon or sausage, this recipe is an easy way to switch things up. The homemade sausage pairs well with the salty prosciutto and pesto, creating a breakfast sandwich that’s packed with flavor using just a handful of ingredients.

If you like this breakfast, you’ll love my Chorizo Breakfast Burrito and my Croissant Ham and Cheese Bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A hearty, restaurant-style breakfast sandwich made at home: Skip the brunch line and make a breakfast sandwich that feels restaurant-worthy right in your own kitchen.
• Homemade sausage patties add fresh flavor you can’t get from store-bought: Making the sausage patties from scratch lets you control the seasoning for fresher, better flavor.
• Pesto fried egg with parmesan takes a classic egg sandwich up a notch: Frying the egg in pesto with a sprinkle of parmesan adds an easy layer of flavor to every bite.
• Great for a slow Saturday or Sunday morning treat: It’s the perfect recipe to make when you have a little extra time on a weekend morning.

Ingredients

• Parmesan: Parmesan melts into the pesto as the egg cooks, creating a crisp, savory layer around the edges.
• Pesto: Pesto acts as the cooking fat for the egg while adding fresh basil and garlic flavor.
• Egg: A fried egg brings richness and ties all of the sandwich layers together.
• Sourdough bread: Toasted sourdough provides a sturdy base with a crisp exterior and chewy texture.
• Hot Italian sausage: The homemade breakfast sausage is the hearty, flavorful centerpiece of the sandwich.
• Fennel seeds: Fennel seeds add the classic savory-sweet flavor that gives breakfast sausage its signature taste.
• Honey: A touch of honey balances the savory herbs and spices in the sausage mixture.
• Prosciutto: Prosciutto adds a salty, delicate layer that pairs well with the sausage and pesto.
• Arugula: Arugula adds freshness and a peppery bite that balances the richness of the sandwich.
• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon brightens the arugula and helps cut through the richness.
• Butter: Butter helps the sausage develop a golden, flavorful crust as it cooks.
• Fresh herbs: Thyme, sage, and rosemary give the homemade sausage fresh, aromatic flavor.

How to Make A Sausage Breakfast Sandwich with Prosciutto

1. If making pesto from scratch, follow my homemade pesto recipe here. If you are looking for a store-bought one, I love Alessi or Gotham Greens.

2. Add sausage ingredients to a bowl and mix until it is thoroughly combined. Form them into 2 patties per sandwich.

3. Add butter (or alternatively, neutral oil) to a skillet and add patties. Cook about 4 min per side on medium heat. Reduce heat slightly and cover pan with a lid to let the sausage cook completely though about 5 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F.

4. Add a little pesto to the pan on medium heat and spread in an even layer. Crack an egg over pesto and top with grated parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3. minutes for an over easy egg.

5. Toast bread and assemble: Add sausage patties, egg and prosciutto and top with a handful of arugula. Close and enjoy!

Bonus add: This sausage breakfast sandwich is great on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, combine a little yogurt, Calabrian chili crisp (or your favorite hot sauce) and lemon juice for a little creamy spread. 

Expert Tips

• Form sausage patties thin so they cook through quickly and evenly: Shape the sausage patties slightly thinner than you think, as they’ll shrink and puff up as they cook.
• Make sure honey is thoroughly combined and the heat it not too high. Honey can burn, so make sure it is thoroughly combined with the rest of the breakfast sausage ingredients and you don’t cook them on high heat. Stick to medium heat.
• Wipe out the pan after cooking the sausage before adding pesto so the egg doesn’t pick up excess grease: Give the pan a quick wipe before cooking the egg to keep the pesto flavorful instead of greasy.
• Cook the egg just until over-easy: Cook the egg until the whites are set and the yolk is still runny for the best texture and flavor.
• Toast the bread well so it holds up to the layered, juicy fillings: Toast the bread until golden so it stays sturdy once all the sandwich layers are added.

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap prosciutto for crispy bacon or pancetta: Crispy bacon or pancetta adds a smokier, crunchier alternative to the prosciutto.
• Use a store-bought breakfast sausage patty to save time: A pre-made breakfast sausage patty makes this sandwich even quicker to prepare on busy mornings.
• Add a slice of cheese (provolone or mozzarella) for extra richness: Provolone or mozzarella melts into the warm sandwich for an extra creamy, cheesy layer.
• Make it creamier and spicier with a Calabrian chili crisp spread: Combine a little yogurt, Calabrian chili crisp (or your favorite hot sauce) and lemon juice for a little creamy spread. 

Storage, Freezing & Making Ahead

Fridge: Store the cooked sausage patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, cook the eggs and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.

Freezer: Freeze the cooked sausage patties in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet before assembling the sandwiches.

Make Ahead: Prepare the sausage mixture or fully cook the sausage patties up to 2 days in advance. When ready to serve, simply cook the pesto eggs, toast the bread, and assemble the sandwiches fresh.

FAQs

More Breakfast Sandwich Recipes

• Spring Sausage Egg and Cheese Sandwich
• Breakfast Sandwich with Sun-Dried Tomato Aioli
• Mediterranean Style Breakfast Wrap 
  Scallion Pancake Crunchwraps