How many calories is in a bacon egg and cheese on a roll?

A bacon, egg and cheese on a roll is a popular breakfast sandwich found at many diners and fast food restaurants. It typically consists of bacon, a fried egg, American cheese, and sometimes other ingredients like lettuce, tomato, ketchup or mayonnaise, served on a roll or bread.

Quick Answer

The total calories in a bacon, egg and cheese on a roll can range from 300 to 800 calories depending on the specific ingredients and quantities. On average, a bacon, egg and cheese on a roll contains:

  • Calories in 2 slices of bacon: 150 calories
  • Calories in 1 fried egg: 90 calories
  • Calories in 1 slice of American cheese: 110 calories
  • Calories in a roll: 150 calories

So a bacon, egg and cheese on a roll with these basic ingredients totals around 500 calories.

Detailed Calorie Breakdown

Here is a more detailed look at the calories in each component of a bacon, egg and cheese on a roll:

Bacon

The main source of calories in this sandwich comes from the bacon. Two regular slices of pan fried bacon contain:

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbs: 0g
  • Protein: 10g

The number of calories can increase or decrease depending on the cooking method (pan fried vs. deep fried), thickness of the bacon (regular vs. extra-thick cut), and quantity (2 slices vs. 3 slices).

Egg

A large fried egg contains:

  • Calories: 90
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbs: 0g
  • Protein: 6g

Frying adds about 15-20 calories compared to boiling an egg. Using butter or oil to fry the egg can further increase the calories from fat.

Cheese

One slice (1 ounce) of American cheese contains:

  • Calories: 110
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbs: 2g
  • Protein: 6g

Cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack or provolone have similar calorie counts per ounce. Opting for low-fat or nonfat cheese slices can reduce the calories from fat.

Bread or Roll

A plain white sandwich roll or bun provides about:

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 2g
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Protein: 5g

Whole wheat rolls tend to be slightly higher in calories at around 180-200 per roll. Larger sub or hero rolls can be 300 calories or more.

Additional Ingredients

Adding vegetables like lettuce and tomato provides less than 10 calories per sandwich. Condiments like ketchup, mustard or mayo range from 20-100 calories depending on amount.

Variables that Impact Total Calories

There are many factors that can cause the calorie count to vary significantly, including:

  • Size of roll: Larger rolls or sub rolls can be nearly double the calories of a regular roll.
  • Cooking method: Deep frying versus pan frying for the bacon and egg adds more fat and calories.
  • Type of cheese: Regular versus low-fat cheese makes a difference.
  • Quantity of bacon: More slices means more calories.
  • Additions: Mayo, butter, avocado, etc. increase the calories.
  • Portion size: Some restaurants serve supersized versions.

Nutrition Information at Popular Restaurants

Here is the nutrition information for a bacon, egg and cheese on a roll or breakfast sandwich at some popular restaurants (based on single serving sizes):

McDonald’s

  • Bacon Egg & Cheese Biscuit
    • Calories: 460
    • Fat: 28g
    • Carbs: 31g
    • Protein: 21g

Dunkin Donuts

  • Bacon Egg and Cheese on a Roll
    • Calories: 370
    • Fat: 18g
    • Carbs: 33g
    • Protein: 19g

Starbucks

  • Bacon, Gouda & Egg Breakfast Sandwich
    • Calories: 350
    • Fat: 19g
    • Carbs: 24g
    • Protein: 18g

Subway

  • Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich
    • Calories: 310
    • Fat: 12g
    • Carbs: 30g
    • Protein: 18g
  • With bacon addition
    • Calories: 430
    • Fat: 23g

As you can see, calories, fat and other nutrients can vary significantly depending on the restaurant. Fast food versions also tend to be higher in calories and fat compared to homemade.

Nutrition Tips

Here are some tips to make a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich healthier:

  • Use thinner or less bacon
  • Choose boiled or poached eggs instead of fried
  • Pick whole grain bread or English muffin
  • Use reduced-fat cheese
  • Limit condiments like mayo
  • Add veggies like tomato, lettuce, onion
  • Avoid supersized portions
  • Split sandwich in half or save part for later

With some simple modifications, you can reduce the calories, fat, carbs, and sodium in this popular breakfast sandwich while still enjoying the classic flavor.

Homemade Version

Making your own bacon, egg and cheese at home can allow you to control the ingredients and portions. Here is a recipe for a homemade version:

Ingredients

  • 2 slices whole wheat bread
  • 2 slices center-cut bacon
  • 1 egg
  • 1 slice cheddar cheese
  • 1 tomato slice
  • 1/2 cup spinach

Directions

  1. Cook bacon until crispy, either in a skillet or microwave.
  2. Fry or scramble egg in a small non-stick pan until cooked through.
  3. Toast bread slices.
  4. On one slice of bread, layer the spinach, tomato, bacon, egg and cheese.
  5. Top with other slice of toasted bread.

Nutrition Info

Calories 385
Fat 18g
Carbs 28g
Protein 26g

This homemade version with healthy ingredient swaps provides the satisfying taste of a classic bacon, egg and cheese but with around 100 fewer calories, less fat, and more nutrition from added veggies.

The Bottom Line

A bacon, egg and cheese sandwich can range from 300 to 800 calories depending on the ingredients, cooking methods, and portion sizes. On average, a single serving bacon, egg and cheese on a roll from a restaurant or fast food joint will have around 500 calories. Making healthier choices with the bread, cheese, toppings and cooking methods can lower the calories, fat and sodium to enjoy this sandwich more often.

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