Bacon & Egg Sandwich

Place the bacon strips in a large, cold skillet or griddle - starting with a cold pan helps render the fat slowly for extra crispiness. Turn heat to medium and cook the bacon for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs until golden brown and crispy. The exact time depends on your preferred level of crispiness. Once cooked to your liking, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan for cooking the eggs - this adds incredible flavor. While the bacon cooks, prepare your condiment mixture by combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Heat the reserved bacon fat in the same skillet over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the hot fat, being careful not to break the yolks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes for runny yolks, or 4-5 minutes for firmer yolks, depending on your preference. For over-easy eggs, carefully flip after 2 minutes and cook for another 30 seconds. While eggs are cooking, toast the bread slices in a toaster or toaster oven until golden brown and crispy. Immediately butter one side of each toasted slice with softened butter while still warm. The butter will melt slightly, creating a perfect base for the sandwich.

Working quickly while everything is hot, spread the mayonnaise-mustard mixture on the unbuttered side of two bread slices. On the buttered side of the other two slices, layer the ingredients in this order: butter lettuce leaves, tomato slices (season tomatoes lightly with salt and pepper), cheese slices, crispy bacon strips (break in half if needed to fit), and finally the hot fried eggs. Top with the condiment-spread bread slices, condiment side down. Press gently to help everything stay together, then cut each sandwich diagonally with a sharp knife. Serve immediately while the eggs are still warm and the yolks are runny. Garnish with fresh chives if desired. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy egg yolk, fresh vegetables, and tangy condiments creates the perfect breakfast or lunch sandwich.