A Cozy Japanese Breakfast You’ll Fall in Love With

Have you ever wondered what makes Japanese breakfasts feel so warm and comforting, even when they look simple? In Japan, mornings often begin with quiet joy — the aroma of freshly baked bread, a hint of soy sauce, and the satisfying sound of crispy bacon on a pan.
That’s the charm behind the Tokyo Morning Croissant & Ghost Sandwich (東京モーニングクロワッサン) — a creative twist that brings together the soft, flaky world of Japanese-style croissants and the cute, playful side of Ghost Sandwiches.

This recipe isn’t just about eating — it’s about feeling the spirit of Tokyo mornings. Whether you’re sipping green tea at home or looking for a Japanese breakfast recipe that’s quick yet elegant, this dish captures everything that makes Japanese bakeries so beloved.

Table of Contents

Overview

The Tokyo Morning Croissant & Ghost Sandwich is a combination of two delightful breakfast ideas — one savory, one adorable.
It’s inspired by Japanese cafés and bakeries that serve flaky croissants filled with creamy cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and bacon. Alongside it comes the cute “Ghost Sandwich,” made from soft bread rolls shaped like little ghosts with seaweed eyes and cheese smiles.

What makes this recipe special is how it balances flavor and design.
You’ll taste umami from the soy sauce and mushrooms, saltiness from the bacon, and richness from the melted cheese. The ghost sandwich adds a light and crunchy contrast with fresh vegetables.

Time required: About 25 minutes total
Difficulty level: Easy
Perfect for: Breakfast, brunch, or even a quick afternoon snack.

In Tokyo, bakeries often blend European pastries with Japanese ingredients — like soy sauce, nori, or maitake mushrooms — to create new favorites. This fusion of textures and tastes defines what many call the Japanese Bakery Style — simple, beautiful, and full of heart.

Tokyo Morning Croissant & Ghost Sandwich @JapanDishes

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Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious breakfast set.
Each ingredient has a purpose, and part of the fun is understanding how Japanese home cooks think about balance — texture, color, and umami.

Ingredients

• Bread rolls – 2 pieces
  These form the base for the Ghost Sandwich. Soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for cutting and shaping.
  Substitute: Any small dinner rolls or milk bread buns.
• Croissants – 2 pieces
  The hero of the Tokyo Morning Croissant. Choose fresh, flaky croissants with a buttery aroma.
  Substitute: Store-bought croissants warmed in an oven work fine.
• Half bacon – 4 slices
  Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture.
  Substitute: Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for a lighter version.
• Maitake mushrooms – 1 pack
  Earthy, tender mushrooms that soak up flavor beautifully.
  Substitute: Shiitake or oyster mushrooms if maitake aren’t available.
• Cut vegetables – ½ bag (about 50g)
  Usually includes shredded cabbage, lettuce, or carrot strips. Adds crunch and color.
• Butter – 5g
  Gives flavor to the mushrooms while keeping them soft and golden.
• Pizza cheese – 20g
  Melts perfectly into the mushroom filling.
  Substitute: Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend.
• A: Soy sauce – ½ teaspoon
  Brings umami depth to the mushroom mixture.
• A: Salt and coarsely ground black pepper – a little of each
  Season to taste, but keep it light to let other ingredients shine.
• Sliced cheese – as needed
  Used for decoration (especially the ghost faces).
• Roasted seaweed (nori) – as needed
  Adds a Japanese touch and helps create the ghost’s eyes and mouth.
• Mayonnaise – as needed
  Acts as a binder for ingredients and gives creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make your Tokyo Morning Croissant & Ghost Sandwich!
This recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely satisfying.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by heating a frying pan without oil — the bacon has enough fat to crisp on its own.
Quickly fry the half bacon slices over medium heat until they’re lightly golden and fragrant.
Remove them and place on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
This will be used in the croissant later.

Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom Filling

In the same pan, melt 5g of butter.
Add the finely chopped maitake mushrooms and sauté them over medium heat.
As they soften, add ½ teaspoon soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and coarsely ground black pepper.
Once fragrant, mix in the pizza cheese and let it melt into the mushrooms.
This creates a creamy, umami-rich filling that’s perfect for the croissant.

Step 3: Assemble the Ghost Sandwich

Cut a slit in each bread roll to make a pocket.
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise inside.
Add ¼ of the cut vegetables and a piece of cooked bacon.
Now comes the fun part — making the ghost face!
Use sliced cheese to cut out two eyes and a mouth, then place small pieces of roasted seaweed (nori) on top to create the ghost’s expressions.
Attach them with tiny dabs of mayonnaise.
These playful faces bring charm and joy to your breakfast table.

Step 4: Assemble the Mushroom and Cheese Croissant

Cut each croissant in half horizontally.
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise inside.
Layer with the remaining bacon, cut vegetables, and the mushroom-cheese mixture.
Gently press the croissant halves together, and your Tokyo Morning Croissant is ready to serve.

Secrets to Success and Expert Tips

Every Japanese bakery dish hides small secrets that make it special.
Here are a few to help you recreate that authentic Tokyo flavor:

1. Don’t overcook the mushrooms. Keep them juicy; they’ll continue to cook a bit after you turn off the heat.
2. Use good butter. Japanese bakeries often use European-style butter for richness and depth.
3. Balance texture. The crunchy vegetables, soft bread, and melty cheese make every bite satisfying.
4. Warm your croissants before filling. A quick 2–3 minutes in the oven makes them crisp on the outside and soft inside.
5. Add a touch of soy sauce carefully. Too much can overpower the delicate buttery flavor.

Making this breakfast is not just cooking — it’s about timing, texture, and mindfulness, all core elements of Japanese cuisine.

Assembly and Presentation

When building your Tokyo Morning Croissant & Ghost Sandwich, think about balance and color.
Japanese food is as much about visual appeal as taste.

• For the Ghost Sandwich: Use white bread rolls to make the ghost faces pop. Arrange them on a plate with a sprinkle of lettuce or colorful vegetables.
• For the Croissant: Serve it diagonally on a Japanese-style plate, letting the layers of bacon and mushroom peek out.
• Add small sides: A cup of miso soup or a few slices of fruit complete a perfect Tokyo morning meal.

If you enjoy Japanese-style breakfast sandwiches, you might also love the Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando) たまごサンド another soft, creamy favorite from JapanDishes. It pairs perfectly with the Tokyo Morning Croissant & Ghost Sandwich for a complete Tokyo café-style morning meal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare ahead, here’s how to keep everything fresh:

• Mushroom filling: Can be made one day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling.
• Bacon: Cooked bacon keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Croissants and rolls: Best stored at room temperature in a paper bag for up to 1 day. Reheat before serving.
• Ghost faces: Assemble right before eating to keep the eyes from softening.

Avoid refrigerating assembled sandwiches — the bread can become soggy. Instead, store components separately and combine when ready to eat.

Recipe Variations

Want to give your own twist to this Japanese breakfast recipe? Try these creative ideas:

1. Vegetarian Tokyo Croissant: Skip the bacon and add grilled eggplant or tofu slices instead.
2. Spicy Ghost Sandwich: Mix a bit of wasabi or spicy mayo with the filling for a bold flavor.
3. Sweet Morning Croissant: Swap mushrooms for sliced bananas, honey, and cream cheese for a dessert-style version.
4. Japanese Fusion Style: Add teriyaki chicken or scrambled eggs for a heartier brunch.

These versions still follow the Japanese bakery spirit — simple, creative, and delicious.

Conclusion

The Tokyo Morning Croissant & Ghost Sandwich (東京モーニングクロワッサン) is more than a meal — it’s an experience that combines art, taste, and comfort.
Each bite tells a story of Tokyo’s unique food culture, where tradition meets playfulness.

Whether you’re a fan of Japanese bakeries, or simply looking for a Japanese breakfast recipe that’s fun to make and share, this dish brings joy to the table.
Try it once, and you might find yourself making it every weekend.

So next time you crave something warm, buttery, and a little bit magical — remember the Tokyo Morning Croissant and its cute companion, the Ghost Sandwich.

FAQs

Q1: What makes the Tokyo Morning Croissant different from regular croissants?

The Tokyo version uses Japanese ingredients like soy sauce, maitake mushrooms, and mayonnaise for a unique umami twist. It’s softer in flavor, lighter, and often paired with vegetables.

Q2: Can I use other mushrooms instead of maitake?

Yes! Shiitake, oyster, or button mushrooms all work well. Maitake just gives a special earthy depth typical in Japanese-style cooking.

Q3: Is this recipe healthy?

Yes — it includes vegetables, protein, and moderate fats. You can reduce mayonnaise or cheese for a lighter version without losing taste.

Q4: Can I make this the night before?

You can prepare the filling and bacon in advance but assemble the sandwiches fresh for the best texture.

Q5: What drink pairs well with this breakfast?

A cup of matcha latte, milk tea, or black coffee complements the buttery croissant and salty bacon beautifully.

Final Thought:

Breakfast in Japan isn’t just about starting the day — it’s about starting it right.
The Tokyo Morning Croissant & Ghost Sandwich brings that spirit to your kitchen — where simplicity meets creativity, and every morning feels a little more magical.

If you’re planning to explore Japan and want to experience authentic bakery mornings in Tokyo, check out this Japan 10-Day Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka. It’s a great travel guide filled with local food spots, cultural highlights, and must-visit bakeries across Japan’s most iconic cities.