In the Microwave

• Microwaved eggs can be rubbery if overcooked, but they're delightfully fluffy when cooked correctly. Spray the inside of a small ramekin or microwave-safe bowl with cooking spray or brush it with melted butter. Crack an egg into the dish, use a fork to break the yolk and swirl it into the white and cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap so steam can escape. Microwave the egg for about 45 seconds on medium-high heat or about 70 percent power. Flip the egg with a fork to check that the underside is cooked; if it's not, microwave for another 15 seconds.

In a Skillet

• A fried egg is the right choice when you're craving a diner-style breakfast sandwich. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Spray the pan with cooking spray if you're watching calories, or melt a small pat of butter in the center of the pan if rich flavor is your priority. Crack an egg into the hot pan and let it cook until the white is almost set, about two to three minutes. Flip the egg, pushing down on the yolk to break it, and cook for one minute longer. The white should be entirely set.

Other Methods to Try

• Boil an egg at night if your mornings are too harried for any cooking, or if you need an on-the-go sandwich that can be eaten cold. Cover eggs with water in a saucepan and bring the water to a boil. Turn off the heat under the covered pot and start a timer: let medium eggs sit in the hot water for 12 minutes, large eggs for 15 minutes and extra large eggs for 18 minutes. Poach eggs for an open-face sandwich in the style of eggs Benedict, or to impress a crowd coming for breakfast. Baking eggs plain isn't recommended, as the finished result may be rubbery and certainly no tastier than eggs cooked by other methods.

Constructing a Sandwich

• Think beyond the typical breakfast sandwich of egg, cheese and sausage. Le Cordon Bleu suggests pairing the egg with leftover chicken, greens, roasted red pepper and mayonnaise on a poppy seed or everything bagel. Spread toast with mashed avocado or pesto and add the egg and sliced tomato, or sandwich a fried egg, sauteed spinach and mushrooms in an English muffin. Use slices of cold hard-boiled egg in a sandwich of bacon, lettuce and tomato. With the exception of those that are boiled, eggs should be enjoyed hot. Prepare the rest of the sandwich before cooking eggs.