This is the pantry dinner when the shelf is bare except for buns. Toast them with garlic butter until golden and crisp, then pile with what the staples offer—caramelized onion, soft scrambled eggs, or melted cheese if you have it on hand. A warm, comforting meal that comes together in minutes.

Serves 2. 25 minutes, 20 at the stove.

About 320 calories a serving, 13 g protein, 7 g carbohydrate, 27 g fat. From USDA figures for 100% of the ingredients; amounts are the recipe's.

Cook mode

1. Slice the 4 buns lengthwise and set them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Mince 2 garlic cloves and mix with 3 tablespoons soft butter until smooth, then spread a thin layer on the cut face of each bun.
2. Toast the buns in a 400°F [200°C] oven for 5 to 8 minutes until the edges are golden and the surface is crisp; set aside and keep warm.7 min
3. While the buns toast, slice 1 medium onion thin and cook it in a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon butter and a pinch of salt for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until soft and caramelized; season with salt and pepper.11 min
4. Crack 2 eggs into a bowl, beat them with a pinch of salt and pepper, then pour into the same skillet alongside the onions and scramble gently over medium heat until soft curds form, about 2 minutes.2 min
5. Divide the warm toasted buns between two plates and top each with the scrambled eggs and caramelized onions, spooning any pan juices over the top.

Note Swap the eggs and onions for melted cheese if you have it, or serve the toasted buns plain with just the garlic butter and a squeeze of vinegar. Leftovers keep in the fridge for one day and can be warmed gently in a low oven. Serve with a simple green salad or pickled vegetables on the side.