The "Blarney Scone" Breakfast Sandwich
English
Chapter 5: The Modern Irish American Pantry (Trader Joe's Hacks)
There is a specific kind of alchemy that happens on a cold morning when the scent of pork fat and melting butter hits a hot skillet. This sandwich is a working-class hero streamlined for the modern kitchen. A crumbly, raisin-studded Irish soda bread, pan-fried in butter so it doesn't disintegrate in your hands, serves as the foundation. Layered with mild bangers, a gooey fried egg, and sharp whiskey cheddar, it’s tied together by an unapologetic slather of apricot preserves. It is rich, straightforward, and deeply comforting.
Ingredients
- Trader Joes Blarney Scone2 thick slices
- Trader Joes Irish Bangers2
- large eggs2
- Trader Joes Irish Cheddar with Irish Whiskey2 slices
- Kerrygold Irish Butter divided2 tablespoons
- Trader Joes Organic Apricot Preserves2 tablespoons
- fresh baby arugula1 handful
- sea salt and black pepperto taste
Method
- 01
Slice the bangers in half lengthwise and cook them gently over medium-low heat.
Place them cut-side down in a medium skillet and cover with a lid for five to six minutes so they cook through without bursting their casings, then remove the lid, flip, and brown for another two minutes before setting aside.
- 02
Pan-fry the bread in butter until a sturdy crust forms.
Wipe the skillet clean, melt one tablespoon of the butter over medium heat, and toast the scone slices cut-side down for two to three minutes to prevent the crumbly soda bread from falling apart.
- 03
Fry the eggs and melt the cheese in the residual heat.
Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter, fry the eggs over-medium, and during the last minute of cooking, arrange the bangers next to the eggs, drape the cheese over the top, and cover the pan for thirty seconds.
- 04
Assemble the sandwich immediately while the ingredients are hot.
Generously slather the top half of the toasted scone with preserves, then build from the bottom up with arugula, warm bangers, the cheesy fried egg, and the jam-covered top.
Notes
Seasonal ingredient substitutions ensure this can be made year-round.
Trader Joe's Irish items peak in March, but you can easily substitute standard bakery soda bread, regular pork breakfast sausages, and any sharp white cheddar.
Swap the bangers for corned beef if you prefer a dinner application.
Crisping up sliced uncured corned beef brisket in the skillet mirrors the deep, savory satisfaction of a traditional hash.
From The Irish American Table.