Natalie * Eggtastic Breakfast Sandwich
Natalie J. Forté is a busy lady. Armed with a degree in broadcast journalism, she has traveled the globe to cover some of the world’s most sought-after vacation spots and exotic destinations. She’s led local and international press junket interviews and lifestyle programming for major networks like ABC Family, and interviewed stars such as an Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman and Liam Neeson. And now, as the charming, spunky host of America’s Best Bites, Natalie brings viewers a taste of some of the country’s most delicious dishes.
Natalie J. Forté
Jealous yet? Me too. But as much as I’d love to hate her, Natalie is just too darn likeable, especially since she has clued me in to her signature Eggtastic Breakfast Sandwich — a masterpiece marriage of eggs and cheese taken to a whole new level. The origins of the sandwich date back all the way to middle school in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where her mother would make Natalie a simple egg and cheese sandwich on potato bread every day before school. In her teenage years, Natalie’s love of the breakfast sandwich continued to grow, though she ditched the white carbs in favor of healthier whole grains, and began to eat on the run. “Every morning I’d hit the road in my little red Honda Civic with my egg and cheese sandwich and a carton of orange juice,” Natalie says with a laugh. “I was obsessed.”
Then, in 2002, after Natalie graduated college, she decided it was time she took that little red Honda Civic — and a breakfast sandwich to go — to Los Angeles, CA to pursue a career in broadcast journalism: “I thought, this is my 20’s, it’s now or never.” With that in mind, Natalie and her friend set out for the Golden State — trailing one another in separate cars, staying connected via walkie-talkie. “I think I had just gotten my first cellphone at that point,” Natalie explains, “but they weren’t really common yet, at least where I grew up, so it was more for emergencies.”
Since arriving in LA, Natalie’s career has taken off, and so too, has the breakfast sandwich that fuels her. The changes were gradual: first, some tomatoes, sautéed onions and spinach added for a healthy kick of flavor; then some dill whisked into the eggs for greater depth; some Tapatío hot sauce and melted jalapeño cheese for spice; and sliced avocado for a creamy, rich texture. But the real star of the show? Trader Joe’s cilantro-chive yogurt dip slathered over both pieces of toast. “I put that stuff on everything,” Natalie says. “It is heavenly, and in my opinion, it just completely makes the sandwich.'”
Natalie claims that she has yet to meet a breakfast sandwich that measures up to her creation, and coming from someone who has traveled the country in search of good food, I think that’s saying a lot. Not only is the sandwich incredibly healthy — with a perfect combination of good-for-you grains, healthy fats, energizing protein and vitamin-rich veggies — it is also completely satisfying and loaded with flavor. It is a classic American breakfast, all grown up and truly Eggtastic.
Three Quick Questions…and Natalie’s Answers
It’s your last meal. What do you have?
My husband and I met while I was serving/tray-passing caprese salad skewers at a restaurant, so to start, I would have a caprese salad. Then for the main course, I would have angel hair bolognese with spinach, tomatoes, tons of fresh Parmesan and plenty of red chile flakes. Plus red wine to go along with it. I think this would be my ultimate comfort food meal, and if I were going to die, I’d want to be comforted!
Your kitchen is burning down. What’s the one thing you grab?
Besides my cat? I do love my coffee maker because it grinds the beans for you — and I can’t live without coffee.
Do you have a favorite cookbook?
I really love my Longaberger Fresh From the Pantry cookbook. Longaberger is this great company based out of Dresden, Ohio, that sells baskets and pottery. Their cookbook is very user-friendly and filled with great photos.
- olive oil
- ¼ of a large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 slices tomato
- a slice or two of your favorite deli meat (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- dash of sea salt
- dash of black pepper
- few dashes Tapatío (or other hot sauce)
- pinch of fresh chopped dill, or a few dashes dried
- 1-2 tsp butter
- 1 slice Jalapeño cheese (or other sliced cheese)
- generous smear of Trader Joe’s Cilantro Chive Yogurt Dip*
- 2 slices toasted whole wheat bread (or bread of your choosing)
- ½ ripe avocado, sliced
- In a small sauté pan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-low heat, then add the onion and cook until soft. Add the fresh spinach and stir it around with the onions. Add the tomato and a slice or two of deli meat (if using), and cover pan. Keep the covered pan on the burner, but turn off heat.
- Whisk together the eggs, sea salt, pepper, Tapatío and dill. In a separate sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat until it starts to foam. Add the eggs and stir gently with a spatula, folding up the edges of the cooked egg from the bottom of the pan. Once scrambled and eggs are nearly set, turn off the heat, gather the eggs into the center of the pan, and place the cheese on top of the eggs. Cover and let cheese melt.
- Spread a generous amount of cilantro chive yogurt dip on two pieces of toast. Place the sliced avocado on one piece of toast, along with the onion, spinach, tomato and deli meat (if using). Using a spatula, transfer the egg/cheese mound on top of it all. Sandwich everything together with your second piece of toast, and slice sandwich in half.
I love a breakfast egg sandwich on whole grain bread, and the one pictured above looks perfect! Note to self: jalapeño cheese is a must. Why hadn’t I thought of that? Great post!
Thanks, Jess! The jalapeno is incredible on this. And I am now completely addicted to the cilantro-chive spread Natalie told me about.
Charming post..
I love breakfast egg sandwich on whole grain bread. Dill in an omelet.. great idea.
Thanks for sharing.
The dill does add a little something extra 🙂 Thanks for reading, Esther!
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What beautiful photos. I love each and every one of them. They look fantastic and that sandwich? Aww man! It looks toooooo good!
Thank you so much, Tia!
[…] and meatball soup :: eggtastic breakfast sandwhich :: Kale fried rice :: Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies :: Valentine ginger crinkles [pictured […]
I love a good egg sandwich and this one looks beautiful!
Thanks, Jeannette — Natalie does not mess around! : )
This will get made this weekend. Looks fantastic and I’m always trying different things to start the day.
Thanks so much
Awesome! Let us know how it goes!!
Um, HELLO, i’ve just found my breakfast for tomorrow. Such beautiful pictures, thanks!!
Thanks for reading, Lannie! I hope you love it!
I love everything about this sandwich, start to finish. Tapatio, tomatoes, avocado and egg, oh yes!
It’s a pretty wonderful combo 🙂
I know what I’m having for breakfast tomorrow! Tapatio seals the deal for me.
I agree. Tapatio makes everything better, doesn’t it?!
This is 100% my ultimate dream sandwich. yum!
Thanks for stopping by, Maria 🙂
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This looks delicious. I must make it soon!
It’s so good! I make this a LOT.
[…] Place toast on top of each other and slice in half. Serve with apples or any fruit of your choice. It’s a messy, delicious way to start your day! This sandwich was also featured on the popular blog Dramatic Pancake. […]
[…] Place toast on top of each other and slice in half. Serve with apples or any fruit of your choice. It’s a messy, delicious way to start your day! This sandwich was also featured on the popular blog Dramatic Pancake. […]