When she is not turning heads on the red carpet in custom Givenchy couture, Elle Fanning is just like the rest of us: a true lover of a hearty, messy breakfast. While many stars stick to green juices, Fanning has a deep appreciation for the comforting scents of cinnamon rolls and almond cake. Her latest food revelation, however, is a game-changer for anyone who believes that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
The secret to her perfect morning meal is not a rare spice or a gourmet cheese. Instead, it is a simple jar of strawberry jam. Fanning recently shared that she craves a specific salty-sweet profile that elevates the standard egg and meat combination to a whole new level.
The Flavor Profile: A Salty-Sweet Symphony
The beauty of this sandwich lies in the contrast. You have the savory, spiced notes of the sausage and the rich, velvety texture of a runny egg, all cut through by the bright, fruity acidity of strawberry jam. It is a technique used by professional chefs to balance heavy fats with sugar and acid, ensuring every bite is exciting.
If you have ever let your breakfast sausage touch the maple syrup on your plate, you already know why this works. The strawberry jam acts as a sophisticated glaze that ties the protein and dairy together. It turns a standard sandwich into a juicy, saucy experience that Fanning insists is a must-try.
Ingredients
To recreate the “Fanning Special” at home, you will need:
high-quality breakfast sausage patty (pork or turkey)
high-quality breakfast sausage patty (pork or turkey)
large egg
large egg
A slice of sharp cheddar or a creamy gruyere
A slice of sharp cheddar or a creamy gruyere
A generous tablespoon of strawberry jam
A generous tablespoon of strawberry jam
A toasted brioche bun or an English muffin
A toasted brioche bun or an English muffin
A touch of butter for frying
A touch of butter for frying
Instructions
Sear the Protein: Start by browning your sausage patty in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully cooked and has a nice crust.
Sear the Protein: Start by browning your sausage patty in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully cooked and has a nice crust.
The Perfect Egg: In the same pan, fry your egg. For the authentic Fanning experience, keep the yolk slightly runny so it can meld with the other ingredients.
The Perfect Egg: In the same pan, fry your egg. For the authentic Fanning experience, keep the yolk slightly runny so it can meld with the other ingredients.
Melt the Cheese: Just before the egg is finished, place your cheese slice on top and cover the pan for seconds to get it perfectly gooey.
Melt the Cheese: Just before the egg is finished, place your cheese slice on top and cover the pan for seconds to get it perfectly gooey.
The Secret Spread: While the meat and egg rest, toast your bun. Spread a thick layer of strawberry jam on the top half of the bun.
The Secret Spread: While the meat and egg rest, toast your bun. Spread a thick layer of strawberry jam on the top half of the bun.
Assemble and Enjoy: Layer the sausage, then the cheesy egg onto the bottom bun. Close the sandwich and give it a slight press so the jam and yolk begin to mingle.
Assemble and Enjoy: Layer the sausage, then the cheesy egg onto the bottom bun. Close the sandwich and give it a slight press so the jam and yolk begin to mingle.
Tips and Variations
While strawberry is the star here, you can experiment with raspberry or blackberry preserves for a slightly tarter edge. If you want to take it even further, follow Elle’s other favorite condiment rule and add a small swipe of mayonnaise to the bottom bun. This adds a savory creaminess that complements the sweetness of the fruit.
This sandwich is perfect for a slow Sunday morning or a decadent post-awards-show brunch. It is a simple, affordable way to bring a little bit of Hollywood flair to your kitchen table. Once you try the jam trick, you may never go back to a plain breakfast sandwich again.
