Catherine McCord’s Pull-Apart Egg Sandwiches: A Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Classic
Garlicky rolls filled with creamy ricotta eggs and prosciutto make gatherings simple.
Catherine McCord’s Pull-Apart Egg Sandwiches Will Feed a Crowd
If you’re seeking a breakfast recipe that delivers on flavor, visual appeal, and ease of preparation—especially when feeding a group—look no further than Catherine McCord’s pull-apart egg sandwiches. This inventive approach to the classic breakfast sandwich offers a brilliant solution for busy mornings and brunch gatherings, combining creamy ricotta scrambled eggs, crispy prosciutto, vibrant pesto, and a golden layer of garlic-herb butter, all piled onto soft dinner rolls and baked to perfection.
Why Pull-Apart Sandwiches Are a Game Changer
- Effortless Serving: Make a big batch at once and serve without fuss.
- Visual Appeal: The layered presentation is both appetizing and beautiful.
- Customizable Flavors: Swap out ingredients as needed for picky eaters and dietary requirements.
Ingredients at a Glance
The magic behind McCord’s recipe lies in a clever blend of classic brunch staples, elevated by simple upgrades:
- Ricotta Soft-Scrambled Eggs — Creamy and tangy, thanks to ricotta and parmesan.
- Crispy Prosciutto — Salty, savory crunch that offsets the eggs’ softness.
- Pesto — Herbaceous and bright, layered beneath the eggs.
- Buttery Garlic-Herb Topping — A finishing brush that crowns the rolls for flavor and sheen.
- Soft Dinner Rolls — The pull-apart base that makes serving and sharing simple.
Step-by-Step Directions
Here’s how you can recreate Catherine McCord’s pull-apart egg sandwiches easily at home:
1. Make the Ricotta Soft-Scrambled Eggs
- Begin by melting butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
- While the butter melts, whisk together eggs, ricotta, parmesan, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth and no ricotta lumps remain.
- Pour the egg mixture into the skillet; reduce heat to low.
- Cook, stirring nearly constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the eggs are set and no liquid remains.
2. Prepare for Assembly
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a rimmed sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup.
3. Crisp the Prosciutto
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook prosciutto slices until crisp, about 2 minutes per side.
- Let cool, then coarsely chop.
4. Assemble the Layered Sandwiches
- Place the bottom halves of dinner rolls on your sheet pan.
- Spread a layer of pesto over each roll.
- Divide the ricotta scrambled eggs evenly, topping each roll.
- Sprinkle crispy prosciutto over the eggs.
- Finish with the top halves of rolls to complete the sandwich.
5. Add Garlic Butter and Bake
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper, and flaky salt.
- Brush this garlic butter evenly over the tops of the rolls using a pastry brush.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Slice into individual portions and serve warm.
Expert Tips and Adaptations
McCord’s recipe is both flavorful and forgiving. Here are a few tips for success and personalizing your sandwiches:
- Pan Choice Matters: For the best ricotta eggs, use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron pan. If you don’t have one, apply nonstick spray before adding butter to prevent sticking.
- Egg Texture: Expect smaller curds than traditional scrambled eggs; this is key for creaminess. Don’t overcook—just until set.
- Kid-Friendly: Not a fan of pesto? Substitute with ketchup or any favorite savory spread for children or particular eaters.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare eggs and prosciutto a day ahead to make breakfast assembly even quicker for busy mornings.
What others are reading
Ingredient Substitutions
Pull-apart egg sandwiches are endlessly customizable. Consider these smart swaps:
| Original Ingredient | Possible Swap |
|---|---|
| Ricotta cheese | Cream cheese, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt |
| Prosciutto | Bacon, ham, turkey, or vegetarian deli slices |
| Pesto | Sun-dried tomato spread, aioli, ketchup, or hot sauce |
| Dinner rolls | Brioche slider buns, Hawaiian rolls, or homemade yeast buns |
| Parmesan cheese | Pecorino, cheddar, or your favorite grated cheese |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pull-apart egg sandwiches shine at breakfast, brunch, or even lunch. Consider these pairing ideas for a complete spread:
- Fresh fruit salad with berries and citrus segments.
- Hash browns or roasted breakfast potatoes.
- Coffee and fresh juices—classic brunch beverages.
- Simple green salad for a balanced, lighter brunch.
- Yogurt parfaits for extra protein and creamy contrast.
Nutrition and Practical Tips
- Portion Planning: This recipe yields 4–6 servings—ideal for families or small groups.
- Prep Time: Approximately 35 minutes prep plus 15 minutes cook, totaling 50 minutes.
- Macros: With eggs, cheese, and prosciutto, you get a hearty serving of protein, while dinner rolls contribute carbohydrates to sustain energy.
- Vegetarian Options: Simply omit prosciutto or replace with vegetarian slices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I prepare the sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and assemble the sandwiches, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking. Add the garlic-herb butter just before baking for best results.
Q: What can I use instead of prosciutto?
Feel free to use bacon, ham, turkey, or vegetarian alternatives for a similar savory crunch.
Q: How can I make the eggs extra creamy?
Use full-fat ricotta and avoid overcooking the scrambled eggs. Stir constantly and cook gently for the best texture.
Q: Are there ways to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free rolls for the dinner rolls and ensure all other ingredient labels comply with gluten-free standards.
Q: My child dislikes pesto. What’s a good substitute?
Ketchup, mayonnaise, aioli, or their favorite spread will work—customization is encouraged.
Recipe Recap
| Step | Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prep ricotta eggs | 3–4 mins cook |
| 2 | Preheat oven, arrange rolls | 5 mins |
| 3 | Crisp & chop prosciutto | 4 mins |
| 4 | Assemble with pesto, eggs, prosciutto | 5 mins |
| 5 | Brush garlic butter, bake | 5 mins |
Final Thoughts: Get Creative and Share
Catherine McCord’s pull-apart egg sandwiches are more than just a breakfast recipe—they’re a template for easy, delicious group meals. With simple swaps and playful presentation, you can tailor each batch to your guests’ preferences and party themes. Make them for family brunch, holiday gatherings, or school mornings, and discover why this dish is fast becoming a modern classic in kitchens across America.
More Crowd-Friendly Breakfast Ideas
- Sheet Pan Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches — Layer sausage, eggs, and cheese on biscuits for a similar pull-apart effect.
- Croissant Egg Sandwiches — Quick assembly with croissants, cheese, and optional ham.
- Breakfast Sliders — Use slider buns, scrambled eggs, and assorted toppings for bite-sized portability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the best way to transport these sandwiches for a potluck?
Keep sandwiches on the foil-lined pan and cover with foil. Reheat briefly in an oven on-site for maximum freshness.
Q: Are these sandwiches freezer-friendly?
Yes, assemble without the garlic butter, wrap tightly, and freeze. Add garlic butter and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
Q: Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Swap in cheddar, mozzarella, fontina, or your favorite melting cheese varieties to taste.
Q: How do I feed a larger crowd?
Double or triple the ingredients and use larger sheet pans for scalable batch cooking. Assembly and baking remain quick and easy.
Kitchen Success Starts Here
Embrace the flexible, flavorful world of pull-apart breakfast sandwiches and let Catherine McCord’s signature recipe inspire your next gathering. With its blend of creamy, savory, and herby layers, this dish ensures everyone leaves the table satisfied—one effortless, delicious bite at a time.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43757473/catherine-mccord-weelicious-pull-apart-egg-sandwiches-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a45125291/sheet-pan-biscuit-breakfast-sandwiches-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I-gNFXOBJo
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBCVBpXW8js
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a80105/make-ahead-freeze-breakfast-sandwiches/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5RKcXxyNkw
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