
Nothing gets me out of bed faster than the thought of this cheese pull toast with a sunny-side-up egg. Imagine a golden crisp bread with bubbling cheese that stretches with every bite, crowned with an egg whose yolk is ready to run all over the plate. With a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a whisper of cayenne, this breakfast is everything I want on a cozy morning.
Every time I make this the smell fills the kitchen and everyone comes running even the sleepy teenagers. Making it became a weekend ritual after I discovered how good that cheese pull looks draped over the bread.
Ingredients
- Your favorite bread: adds texture and flavor to the base sourdough gives tang whole grain for heartiness pick a loaf that feels heavy for best results
- Cheese: provides gooey melt and taste cheddar for sharpness mozzarella for stretch always buy a block and slice it yourself for better melt
- Unsalted butter: creates crisp edges on the toast and helps the egg not stick choose European butter for a creamier flavor
- Fresh egg: gives that luscious runny yolk go for the freshest you can find at a local market or farm
- Fresh herbs: like parsley or chives add brightness and a touch of green pick leafy vibrant sprigs with no wilting
- Coarse black pepper: wakes up all the flavors crack it fresh over your finished plate
- Cayenne pepper: brings a subtle heat that lifts the richness only use a pinch a tiny bit goes a long way
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Toast:
- Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat melt the butter swirling to coat the pan evenly
- Toast the Bread:
- Lay in both slices of bread and press gently using a spatula wait until the undersides are deeply golden before flipping after about three minutes per side resist moving them this makes the crust extra crisp
- Melt the Cheese:
- As soon as both sides are toasted place your cheese slices over each piece cover with a lid for thirty seconds to get that signature melty stretch then remove from the pan
- Cook the Sunny-Side-Up Egg:
- While the toast is finishing warm a second smaller pan over medium low heat melt your butter or swirl in oil
- Fry the Egg:
- Crack the egg carefully into the pan without breaking the yolk let it settle gently and cook without moving until the whites turn opaque with tender crispy edges and the yolk is still jiggly covering the pan helps the whites set faster
- Assemble the Plate:
- Transfer your cheesy toasts to a plate carefully slide the egg on top of one slice keeping the yolk perched right in the center
- Dress and Serve:
- Scatter chopped herbs over both slices finish with cracked black pepper and a rapid pinch of cayenne then serve while the cheese is still warm and stretchy

The blend of cheddar and mozzarella is a secret I picked up from my grandmother who always thought one cheese was never enough Watching my kids pull the cheese up in long strings always makes me smile and brings back breakfast memories from my own childhood kitchen
Storage Tips
If you need to make this ahead toast the bread and add cheese then assemble just before eating The egg is best fresh but you can keep the cheese toast in a sealed container for up to one day and reheat in a toaster oven for a fresh crunch
Ingredient Substitutions
Try whole grain or rye bread for a robust taste Go for havarti or gouda if you want extra creaminess and swap in avocado slices if you are out of eggs Fresh basil or dill works instead of parsley for a change in flavor
Serving Suggestions
Serve with sliced tomatoes or a simple salad for lunch If you are making brunch add a side of crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for more complexity Sometimes I make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce
A Breakfast Classic
This recipe brings together classic breakfast elements with the thrill of pulling stretchy cheese and the satisfaction of a perfectly runny yolk It is rooted in comfort food but feels elegant enough for special occasions or lazy mornings alike
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for this toast?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both provide a great melt and classic cheese pull texture, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
- → How do I get the cheese to melt perfectly?
After placing cheese on the hot toast, cover the skillet briefly to trap steam, ensuring a gooey melt and excellent cheese stretch.
- → Is there a bread type that gives the best results?
Sourdough delivers a hearty crunch, but whole grain or white bread also toast up beautifully. Choose your personal preference for texture.
- → How can I keep the sunny-side-up egg yolk runny?
Cook the egg over medium-low heat until the white is set. Avoid flipping and cover the pan for a softer yolk if needed.
- → What herbs and spices complement this dish?
Fresh parsley or chives add brightness, black pepper deepens flavor, and a sprinkle of cayenne offers subtle heat.
- → Can this dish be made in advance?
For best taste and texture, prepare and serve immediately so the cheese remains gooey and the egg yolk is perfectly runny.