This Tomato Basil Breakfast Sandwich is incredibly easy to make, even on busy mornings. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious breakfast:

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes and Basil

1. Wash and Slice Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Slice the tomatoes into approximately ½ inch thick slices. You want them to be substantial enough to hold their shape in the sandwich but not so thick that they make the sandwich difficult to eat.
2. Chop Fresh Basil: Rinse the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. Stack the leaves on top of each other and roughly chop them with a sharp knife. Set aside. If using garlic, mince the garlic clove finely at this stage.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

1. Heat Oil or Butter in a Pan: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter and let it melt and heat up. Ensure the pan is hot enough so the eggs don’t stick.
2. Cook the Eggs to Your Preference: Crack the eggs directly into the hot pan. You can cook them sunny-side up, over-easy, over-medium, or scrambled, depending on your preference.
   • Sunny-Side Up: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
   • Over-Easy: Cook for 2-3 minutes, then gently flip and cook for another 1 minute for runny yolks.
   • Over-Medium: Cook for 2-3 minutes, flip, and cook for another 2-3 minutes for slightly set yolks.
   • Scrambled: Whisk the eggs with a splash of milk or water and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Pour into the hot pan and cook, stirring gently, until cooked through but still moist.
3. Season the Eggs: While the eggs are cooking, season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using minced garlic, you can add it to the pan with the butter or oil and sauté it briefly before adding the eggs for a garlicky flavor.

Step 3: Toast the Bread (Optional but Highly Recommended)

1. Toast Bread Slices: You can toast the bread in a toaster, toaster oven, or in the same skillet you used for the eggs. If using the skillet, add a little more butter or olive oil if needed. Toast the bread slices until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Toasting the bread adds texture and prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy.
2. Garlic Rub (Optional): For extra flavor, once the bread is toasted, you can rub a clove of garlic (cut in half) over the warm bread slices. This imparts a subtle garlic aroma and taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Tomato Basil Breakfast Sandwich

1. Layer the Sandwich: On one slice of toasted bread, layer the tomato slices. Season the tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, place the cheese slice(s) on top of the tomato slices.
3. Top with Cooked Egg: Carefully place the cooked egg on top of the cheese (or tomatoes if skipping cheese).
4. Sprinkle with Fresh Basil: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil generously over the egg.
5. Top with the Other Slice of Bread: Place the remaining slice of toasted bread on top to complete the sandwich.
6. Optional Finishing Touches: If desired, drizzle a balsamic glaze over the top of the sandwich or add any other optional add-ins like avocado slices, spinach, or pesto at this stage.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Immediately

1. Cut and Serve (Optional): You can cut the sandwich in half diagonally for easier handling and a more appealing presentation.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Tomato Basil Breakfast Sandwich immediately while it’s warm and the bread is still crispy. Enjoy the fresh flavors and satisfying combination of textures!