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German Toasted Max

A rustic open-faced sandwich featuring warm bread, savory ham, and a runny egg, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend brunches.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: European, German
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread and Spreads
  • 2 slices hearty rye or sourdough bread Use gluten-free bread for a GF option.
  • 2 tsp butter or olive oil Use avocado oil for heart-healthy fat.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard Optional, for a tangy layer.
Main Ingredients
  • 4 slices good-quality ham Smoked or Black Forest ham. For vegetarian swap: use marinated tempeh or smoked tofu slices.
  • 2 large eggs Or vegan egg substitute / scrambled tofu.
Garnishes and Extras
  • 1-2 tbsp pickled gherkins or cornichons, thinly sliced Optional.
  • 1/2 avocado sliced Adds creaminess and healthy fats, optional.
  • Freshly ground black pepper To taste.
  • Sea salt To taste.
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the bread for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
  2. Spread Dijon mustard on each toasted slice, if using.
  3. Layer 2 slices of ham evenly on each piece of toast.
Cooking
  1. In the same skillet, add 1 tsp butter or oil and crack in the eggs. Fry sunny-side-up for 3–4 minutes until whites are set but yolks remain runny.
  2. For over-easy eggs, flip and cook an additional 30–45 seconds.
  3. Carefully place one fried egg on top of each ham-covered toast.
  4. Season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Add pickled gherkins and avocado slices if using.
  5. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve immediately.

Notes

Low-carb/Keto: Swap bread for toasted thick-cut grilled aubergine slices, portobello caps, or cloud bread. Vegan: Use smoked tofu or seitan 'ham' and pan-fried tofu scramble or commercial vegan egg. Healthier fats: Replace butter with olive oil or mashed avocado.