Simple Egg and Cress Sandwich on Rye

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A no-nonsense sandwich featuring fresh watercress and a perfectly poached egg on hearty rye bread, embodying the unadulterated essence of traditional fare. This american-inspired breakfast ready in about 15 minutes combines rye bread, egg, watercress into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 1, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 1 American cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Melt butter, then crack 1 large egg into the skillet.
  2. Step 2: Season egg with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until whites are set but yolk remains runny.
  3. Step 3: Toast 2 slices rye bread until golden. Spread remaining Dijon mustard on one side of each slice.
  4. Step 4: Place 1/4 cup packed watercress on the mustard-side of one slice. Top with the cooked egg.
  5. Step 5: Close sandwich with the second slice, mustard-side down, and cut in half.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Egg and Cress Sandwich on Rye take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Simple Egg and Cress Sandwich on Rye?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Egg and Cress Sandwich on Rye?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Simple Egg and Cress Sandwich on Rye for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Simple Egg and Cress Sandwich on Rye?

American breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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