Some breakfast sandwiches are light, with sneaky veggie adding vitamins and extra fiber. Some are simple. Can you really go wrong with a classic bacon, egg, and cheese? There are many ways to turn a wholesome breakfast into an on-the-go bite. And, while that versatility is perfectly respectable, it’s not what this list is about.
These Northern Virginia and DC breakfast sandwiches take packing an entire meal between two slices of bread to the extreme. It’s a delicious and ambitious journey, so loosen your belt.

Fresh Baguette
Breakfast Le Sud — If the bread is good, the sandwich is automatically elevated. It’s a simple fact of life. Luckily, fresh bread made from scratch is this bakery’s specialty. In fact, the bakery is so good at it that a kitchen experiment created something beautiful: The Cro’gel. It’s a fusion of a croissant and a bagel, so there’s no need to make the harrowing decision between the two. Fresh Baguette serves the Breakfast Le Sud cro’gel, one stuffed with a bacon omelet, tomato, and avocado for a truly unique, made-to-order experience. 1101 King St., Alexandria
Jeloise Breakfast Diner
Bacon/Sausage, Egg, and Cheese French Toast — What’s standing in the way of a French toast breakfast sandwich? Trick question. There’s absolutely nothing stopping you from enjoying these two classic breakfast items at the same time. In fact, it’s probably something you should experience at least once. Luckily, Jeloise Breakfast Diner serves bacon or sausage, egg, and cheese stuffed between two pieces of French toast. Basically, it’s the ultimate rendition of sweet and salty. What could be better? 11166 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax

Egg Holic
Chatpata Anda — In a refreshing twist on Indian street food, this Chantilly restaurant gives eggs the spotlight they deserve. The secret? According to Egg Holic’s website, it’s all in the seasoning. The Chatpata Anda is a sriracha hard-boiled egg sandwich with veggies, served on crispy, toasted bread. Try it out. You might just discover something wonderful. 13951 Metrotech Dr., Chantilly
Manhattan Bagel
Farmhouse — Manhattan Bagel serves up fresh, New York-style bagel creations every day, and this sandwich features something you might have only dreamed about. Nevertheless, the cheesy hash brown bagel is, in all its glory, the star of the Farmhouse sandwich. Layered with fried egg, bacon, ham, cheddar, and country pepper cream cheese, the salty flavors will fill your palate with every bite. 310 Maple Ave. W., Vienna

Preservation Biscuit Company
The Brekkie — Preservation Biscuit Comany, a fast-casual spot, specializes in both sweet and savory dishes centered around the humble biscuit. Stop by this Falls Church spot to try the Brekkie, a classic flaky and buttery biscuit piled high with egg, cheese, tomato, pickled onions, and, of you want, bacon, ham, or sausage. There’s a vegan option available as well. 102 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church

Butter Me Up
Staycation — Just because we’re talking decadence doesn’t mean there isn’t room for something green. After all, hasn’t avocado earned its place in the breakfast ingredient hall of fame? If you find yourself in DC, try it mashed on a freshly baked butter brioche roll, paired with soft scrambled eggs and goat cheese, and topped with sriracha mayo and caramelized onions. 1409 T St. NW, Washington, DC
Feature image courtesy Preservation Biscuit Company
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Food newsletter.