The Bacon Egg and Cheese (BEC) is a sacred menu item in the world of fast-food dining. With an almost cult-like fixation, anyone who is serious about their breakfast sandwich can tell you exactly how they like it, and yes, their way is the best way. The mouthwatering combination of bread, eggs, crispy meat and melty cheese may seem simple to the naked eye, but it’s anything but. The best fast food bacon, egg, and cheeses all boils down to the quality of the vehicle (the bread) and what’s inside (you know, the good stuff).
Eating breakfast in general can boast several benefits. One recent study found that eating breakfast lowers chances of developing diabetes, with a study by Northwestern University researchers finding that people who eat breakfast before 8:30 a.m. have lower blood sugar levels and less insulin resistance. Another study found that eating breakfast primes the body to burn more carbohydrates during exercise and metabolize food more efficiently after working out. While these savory sandwiches may not be the healthiest option, eating breakfast is a matter of principle. Right?
It may be on a roll, a biscuit, or a bagel; eggs fried, scrambled or over easy– but let’s leave it to the experts to decide. After searching through 10 expert websites, we’ve compiled a list of the top five best fast food bacon, egg and cheese sammies ready to keep you satiated and fueled for the day ahead. Did your favorite fast food BEC make the cut? If not, drop a comment below!
The List: Best Fast Food Bacon, Egg and Cheese, Per Experts
1. Chick-Fil-A’s BEC Biscuit
Chick-fil-A is a standout among fast-food chains, with surprisingly high-quality products when it comes to its bread and meat choices. While widely praised for its iconic fried chicken, many foodies agree that if they have to hit the drive-through for a BEC, that Chick-fil-A is the best option.
“Generous and tasty with a crispy, lightly egg-glazed crust,” Insider writes. “Chick-fil-A’s buttery, bacon-y biscuit harmonizes like a world-class choir. I can’t believe that I’ve been eating the wrong BEC biscuit all these years.”
Another unique factor that makes Chick-fil-A’s sandwich stand out from the crowd? The cheese is customizable.
“If you’re looking to make this sandwich even better, consider upgrading from the American cheese. For a few cents more, Chick-fil-A allows you to upgrade to either pepper jack cheese or colby jack cheese,” notes Mashed.
2. Starbucks Bacon Gouda and Egg Sandwich
Global powerhouse coffee chain Starbucks is hit or miss when it comes to their menu items, with some arguing they might want to stick to coffee– but their bacon, gouda and egg sandwich is a favorite even among their critics.
Mmmmm baaaaaacon 😍
Bacon & Gouda Breakfast Sandwich + grande brewed coffee = $5. pic.twitter.com/0JEEqizpbt
— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) February 24, 2017
“Starbucks only uses cage-free eggs, which is an ethical choice without compromising on quality or flavor. The company doesn’t cheap out on the bacon or cheese either, with thick-cut, expertly-smoked bacon slices between ciabatta bread, along with high-end gouda cheese,” writes The Daily Meal.
It might not be the most instagrammable BEC of all time, but it makes up for it. “When we finally procured it, we realized why it’s garnered such a cult following with Starbucks fans. Though its presentation left something to be desired, we have to admit that it lived up to the hype,” admits Tasting Table.
The sandwich is also a beloved standout due to its variations compared to your standard egg and cheddar cheese or American cheese “Melty cheddar cheese can be a special thing, but there’s something about the combo of gouda and ciabatta that really brings this guy home,” adds Cheapism.
3. Wendy’s BEC Biscuit
Coming in as the experts’ third pick is Wendy’s BEC biscuit. “Wendy’s took the crown because I could taste all three ingredients through the biscuit. Wendy’s biscuits are very mild but with the bacon, egg, and cheese, it didn’t overpower them. Here the fresh egg didn’t overwhelm the subtle flavor of the smoky bacon,” writes Eat This Not That.
DINO's FAST-FOOD NEWS:
Wendy's $1 Bacon or Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit@Wendys keeps the delicious on the CHEAP! pic.twitter.com/J3ob3VLeik
— The Gary & Dino Show (@garyanddino) November 4, 2021
The sandwich also got high marks for striking the right chords in just about every category.
“It was well balanced, and all of the flavors came together without overpowering the others. Plus every ingredient tasted fresh. It was also the ideal size for a breakfast sandwich,” says Insider.
“The biscuit does a great job of soaking in the savory goodness from the bacon, egg, and cheese. Even if you don’t eat it right away, this breakfast sandwich will stay soft enough for you to enjoy,” adds Mashed.
4. McDonald’s BEC Muffin
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to a buttery, flakey biscuit, McDonald’s BEC McMuffin (with either Canadian bacon or regular bacon) rings in as one of tastiest and healthiest bacon egg and cheese creations available on the go.
“What makes it a true standout is that the egg — the star of the show — is cooked through a unique process of poaching and frying,” Insider writes. “This extra step proved worth it since the egg tasted super fresh, fluffy, and flavorful. It was definitely an upgrade from the dull, rubbery scrambled squares that brought down several of the other sandwiches in this ranking.”
McDonald’s ranks highest for the best healthiest fast food BEC, but you won’t have to sacrifice taste. “And it’s just straight-up delicious in its simplicity — egg, canadian bacon, and cheese on an English muffin. Pair it with a hashbrown and some orange juice, and your day will be okay. Best of all, Egg McMuffins aren’t as unhealthy as you might think — it clocks in at just under 300 calories,” adds The Daily Meal.
5. Dunkin Donuts Sourdough BEC
Tangy, melty and packed full of flavor, Dunkin Donuts sourdough bacon, egg and cheddar makes the final cut for the most recommended BECs.
“Another melty sammie, this one puts two egg patties, five strips of bacon, and white cheddar between sourdough toast. It’s like a breakfast-sandwich greatest hits compilation,” states Boston Magazine.
Fans are extra grateful for this pick due to its higher quality ingredients compared to the average drive-through breakfast sammie, in addition to its generous portions.
“The eggs have a nice crispy edge to them like they’ve been fried with butter, the generous portion of bacon is appreciated, and hey, who doesn’t love white cheddar? Visually it makes for a more appetizing sandwich than radioactive orange cheddar,” adds Uproxx.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Fast Food Breakfast Sandwiches
- Best Fast Food Chicken Sandwich
- Best Subway Subs
- Best Fast Food Chicken Nuggets
- Best Fast Food Burgers
Sources:
- The Daily Meal
- Business Insider
- Thrillist
- Insider
- Uproxx
- Spoon University
- Cheapism
- Taste Atlas
- Mashed
- Eat This Not That
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
Wawa has the absolutely the best Bacon croissant breakfast sandwiches.
A Hardee’s BEC blows them all away. Do better research.
Starbucks sandwiches are overpriced, not made in house, pulled out of the fridge, taken out of plastic and tossed in a toaster. Not to mention they are almost $6. Got on with a grande coffee the other day and it was $12. No more.
Hardee’s has the beat biscuts..period..can’t afford to eat at some of those other places and if you can it still don’t measure up to Hardee’s