This Pesto Eggs and Crispy Mortadella Sandwich takes a breakfast classic and elevates it with flavorful pesto eggs and crispy mortadella. With pistachio pesto, fried eggs cooked in pesto, and perfectly crispy mortadella, this sandwich offers a deliciously satisfying and savory bite. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch, this sandwich combines rich flavors with a crunchy texture that’s sure to please.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the pesto:

• ¾ cup basil leaves

• ¾ cup olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup pistachios

For the sandwich components:

• 1 roll or bread of choice (bagels work well too)

• 2 eggs

• A few slices of mortadella

• Mozzarella cheese, for melting

Directions

1. Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pistachios, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, and taste for seasoning, adjusting as needed.

2. Prepare the Skillet: Toast your roll or bread. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a few scoops of pesto to the skillet. Leave room for the mortadella.

3. Cook the Eggs and Mortadella: Crack two eggs over the pesto, seasoning with salt and pepper. Add slices of mortadella to the other side of the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes until crispy, then flip the mortadella and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat and top the crispy mortadella with mozzarella cheese. Cover the pan for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

5. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread pesto on the bread, then layer with pesto eggs, melted mortadella, and top with the other half of the bread. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 30g

  • Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 220mg

• Sodium: 1,100mg

• Potassium: 430mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 5g

The Pistachio Pesto: A Nutty, Herby Base

The pesto is the heart of this sandwich, and making it from scratch adds depth and flavor that store-bought pesto simply can’t match. Traditional pesto is made with basil, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. In this recipe, the pine nuts are replaced with pistachios, giving the pesto a richer, nuttier flavor that pairs perfectly with the eggs and mortadella.

To make the pesto, simply combine basil leaves, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pistachios, salt, and pepper in a food processor and blend until smooth. The pistachios add a velvety texture, making the pesto thick and creamy, while the basil and Parmesan provide the herby, cheesy base that we all know and love. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or garlic to suit your preferences.

This homemade pesto is spread on the bread for an added burst of flavor and also used to cook the eggs in the skillet, ensuring that every component of the sandwich is infused with the delicious pesto flavor.

The Eggs: Creamy and Flavorful

The eggs in this sandwich are cooked right in the pesto, soaking up all the vibrant, herby flavors. Fried eggs work wonderfully in this sandwich because their yolks remain runny, adding a rich creaminess to the dish. You can adjust how you cook the eggs based on your preference—whether you like them sunny side up or with a slightly firmer yolk. The eggs are seasoned with salt and pepper as they cook in the skillet, making them flavorful and perfectly seasoned to balance out the richness of the pesto and mortadella.

By cooking the eggs in the pesto, they not only absorb the pesto flavor but also become rich and creamy, making them the perfect filling for the sandwich. The richness of the yolk adds a velvety texture that complements the crunchy, crispy mortadella and the soft bread.

The Mortadella: Crispy and Savory

The crispy mortadella is what truly makes this sandwich stand out. Mortadella is an Italian cured meat that’s smooth, savory, and slightly fatty, with a mild flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. To get the perfect crispy texture, the mortadella is cooked in the same skillet as the eggs, allowing it to crisp up and develop a deep, savory flavor.

Searing the mortadella in the pesto adds an extra layer of flavor, as the meat absorbs the herby notes from the pesto while crisping up nicely. This crispy, savory contrast to the creamy eggs and melted mozzarella creates a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. The mortadella provides a delightful crunch and savory depth that perfectly complements the richness of the pesto eggs.

Melted Mozzarella: Creamy and Melty

Melted mozzarella adds a creamy, cheesy element to this sandwich, tying all the flavors together. As the mortadella crisps up in the skillet, a slice of mozzarella is placed on top, allowing it to melt beautifully. The mild, melty cheese works well with the richness of the pesto and eggs, and its creamy texture contrasts nicely with the crispy mortadella.

The mozzarella provides a luscious melt that makes the sandwich indulgent without being overly heavy. It’s the perfect finishing touch to this already flavorful sandwich, ensuring that each bite is as satisfying as the last.

Assembling the Sandwich: A Perfect Combination of Flavors and Textures

Once the components are prepared, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. The bread or roll of your choice is toasted, adding a satisfying crunch to the sandwich and providing a sturdy base for all the delicious fillings. Spread a generous layer of pistachio pesto on both halves of the bread for an extra hit of flavor.

Next, layer on the pesto eggs, making sure to place them on the bottom half of the bread while they’re still warm and creamy. Top the eggs with the crispy mortadella, followed by the melty mozzarella. Finally, close the sandwich with the other half of the bread, and you’ve got a flavorful, indulgent sandwich that’s packed with texture and rich, savory flavor.

Serving and Enjoying

This Pesto Eggs and Crispy Mortadella Sandwich is perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Its combination of creamy eggs, crispy mortadella, and the nutty, herby pesto makes it a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Garnish the sandwich with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the sandwich is warm.

Pair the sandwich with a side of fresh fruit, a simple salad, or even some crispy potatoes for a well-rounded meal. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing iced tea would complement the sandwich perfectly, rounding out the experience.

Conclusion

The Pesto Eggs and Crispy Mortadella Sandwich is a delicious, flavorful twist on a breakfast classic. With the vibrant pesto eggs, savory mortadella, and melty mozzarella, it offers a satisfying combination of rich flavors and textures. Whether you’re treating yourself to a weekend brunch or serving it up for guests, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite. The nutty pistachio pesto adds a unique and savory depth to the dish, making it a memorable meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Try this sandwich today and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and savory goodness in every bite!