They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and if you’re looking for something simple, delightful, and a little whimsical, Egg-in-a-Hole is the perfect way to start your morning. Known by many names across the world, Egg-in-a-Basket, Bird’s Nest, Pop Eyes, Frog-in-a-Hole, Toad-in-a-Hole, or even Egg Basket, this humble yet iconic dish brings together the comfort of toast and the heartiness of an egg, all in one bite. Despite its playful name, there’s something nostalgic and soul-warming about Egg-in-a-Hole. It takes two common ingredients, bread and egg and transforms them into a charming, golden creation that feels both cozy and gourmet. Whether you're cooking for yourself, a child, or trying to impress brunch guests, this breakfast classic is always a winner.
Egg-in-a-Hole is exactly what it sounds like: a slice of bread with a circular cut-out in the middle, into which an egg is cracked and cooked. The result? A beautifully toasted piece of bread with a golden, runny egg at its center. Think of it as a delicious edible frame, where the egg is the artwork. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With fewer than five ingredients and barely 30 minutes of your time (more like 10, if you’re quick), you get a crispy, buttery, protein-packed breakfast that satisfies every craving.
While no one can pin down exactly where or when this recipe first emerged, it’s clear that cultures across the globe have embraced variations of Egg-in-a-Hole. Some say it originated in British kitchens, while others tie it to American diners. The countless names reflect its popularity and affection across generations.
In cinematic history, this dish has made cameos too, from V for Vendetta to Moonstruck and Mrs. Doubtfire, where it is lovingly prepared on screen. It’s a reminder that food doesn’t have to be fancy to be unforgettable.
What makes Egg-in-a-Hole so good isn’t just its ingredients; it’s the combination of crispy edges, buttery toast, and soft, creamy yolk. The bread toasts up beautifully around the egg, soaking in just enough butter to feel indulgent without being greasy. The egg itself acts as both a protein and a sauce—the perfect dip for that toasty cut-out. You can also control the texture. Want your yolk runny? Cook it on low heat, uncovered. Prefer a firmer yolk? Cover the pan for a minute or flip it. This flexibility makes it a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike.
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, Egg-in-a-Hole becomes your canvas. Here are a few fun twists to try:
- Cheesy Delight: Add shredded cheese on top of the egg and let it melt as it cooks.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with red chili flakes or drizzle hot sauce before serving.
- Herb Garden: Garnish with fresh parsley, dill, or chives for color and freshness.
- Avocado Dream: Serve with sliced avocado and a squeeze of lemon on the side.
- Breakfast Stack: Layer with bacon or sautéed spinach before adding the egg for extra flavor.
You can also experiment with bread types, rye bread for depth, brioche for richness, or multigrain for a healthier bite. Egg-in-a-Hole is perfect for solo breakfasts, cozy weekend brunches, or even impressing guests with something charming but effortless. It’s also great for kids, they love the fun shape and the interactive nature of dipping toast into runny yolks.
For busy mornings, this is your go-to. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes, it’s satisfying without being too heavy, and it makes your kitchen smell like comfort and warmth. If you’ve never made Egg-in-a-Hole before, now is the perfect time to try. You might just fall in love with its simplicity and crave it every other day. And if you already make it, how do you jazz yours up? Do you like your yolks soft and silky or firm and cooked through? Do you add cheese, tomatoes, herbs?
Let’s talk breakfast, because it doesn’t have to be boring. Egg-in-a-Hole is proof that even the most basic ingredients, when paired with a little creativity, can become something memorable. So, tomorrow morning, skip the usual fried egg and toast combo. Instead, try sliding that egg into the toast and experience breakfast like never before, fun, flavorful, and just a little nostalgic.
1 slice of bread
1 tablespoon butter/margarine
1 egg
Salt
Pepper/spice of your choice
Optional Add-ons:
Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)
Herbs (chives, parsley, or basil)
Avocado slices
Chili flakes or paprika for spice
Tomato slices or sautéed mushrooms on the side
Instructions:
Prepare the Bread:
Using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut a hole in the center of the bread slice.
Butter the Bread:
Spread butter/margarine on one side of the bread, including the edges and the hole.
Cook the Bread:
Place the bread slice (buttered side down) on a preheated skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Crack the Egg:
Carefully crack the egg and pour it into the hole in the bread.
Seasoning:
Sprinkle salt, pepper, or your preferred spices over the egg and the exposed bread on the skillet.
Cook to Your Preference:
Let the bread and egg cook for about 2-3 minutes until the egg white begins to set.
Flip the Toast:
Using a spatula, carefully flip the toast to cook the other side. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the egg reaches your desired doneness.
Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the Egg-in-a-Hole Toast to a plate and enjoy it warm!
This recipe makes a delicious and simple breakfast or snack using the ingredients you have in your fridge! Feel free to customize by adding cheese, herbs, or even bacon bits for extra flavor.
Place bread o a clean chopping board. The bread should be firm enough to hold so that it does not fall apart when frying
Use a cookie cutter of glass to cut out a hole in the middle of the bread. You can even cut out any other shapes that you like
Heat a pan. Melt butter or margarine and place the slice of cut out bread. Cook for a few minutes to let the bread brown a bit
Break an egg into the hole cut out on the bread. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. If you like ie spicy you can sprinkle cayenne pepper or paprika
Carefully flip the toast to give the second side a chance to cook. You can cook to your desired consistency of the egg. If you like runny yolk, you can just cook enough to set. But if you like your egg well done, let it cook some more
Serve the pepper egg in a hole immediately with tea, coffee, your favorite drink or just have it on its own
Use a cookie cutter of glass to cut out a hole in the middle of the bread. You can even cut out any other shapes that you like
Heat a pan. Melt butter or margarine and place the slice of cut out bread. Cook for a few minutes to let the bread brown a bit
Break an egg into the hole cut out on the bread. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. If you like ie spicy you can sprinkle cayenne pepper or paprika
Carefully flip the toast to give the second side a chance to cook. You can cook to your desired consistency of the egg. If you like runny yolk, you can just cook enough to set. But if you like your egg well done, let it cook some more
Serve the pepper egg in a hole immediately with tea, coffee, your favorite drink or just have it on its own
EGG-IN-A-HOLE RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 Slice Bread
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 1 Egg
- Pinch Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Ground Pepper
Instructions
-Place your slice of bread on a cutting/chopping board-With a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass, press a hole in the center of the slice of bread.-Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and melt in the butter.-When the butter is all spread out, place the piece of bread in the skillet and crack the egg straight into the center of the hole.-Cook until the egg sets a bit on the bottom, 30 to 45 seconds.Sprinkle the egg with salt and pepper.-After about a minute, flip it over with a spatula and salt and pepper the other side.-Let it cook until the yolk feels soft. If you do not want a runny egg-in-a-hole let it cook for longer so that the yolk sets.-Serve immediately
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 1 ServingIf you have been enjoying these foodie adventures, I would love to stay connected. Follow me on all my social platforms for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and event alerts. See behind-the-scenes looks and join conversations around all things delicious. Follow me on Instagram for beautiful food photos and quick reels. Find me on Facebook for longer stories and community chats. Join the fun on Twitter(X) where I share food thoughts and tips. Get creative with me on Pinterest where you can pin your favorite recipes for later. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for the full recipe creation. Leave a comment in the comment section and let's chat!
How to Make Pepper Egg-in-a-Hole – FAQ & Nutrition Guide
A Colorful, Protein-Packed Breakfast
Pepper Egg-in-a-Hole swaps traditional toast with a bell pepper ring to hold a fried egg. It's simple, low-carb, and visually appealing, great for kids and adults alike!
FAQs
Q1: What type of peppers work best?
A: Bell peppers are ideal, choose large, round ones for best results. Red, yellow, or green all work, depending on your flavor and color preference.
Q2: How do I keep the egg from leaking out?
A: Slice the pepper into thick rings (about ½ inch) so the egg sits nicely inside. Crack the egg directly into the center once the pepper ring is on a hot pan.
Q3: Do I need to cook the pepper first?
A: It’s optional! For a softer texture, sear the pepper ring for 1–2 minutes before adding the egg. If you like a bit of crunch, skip pre-cooking.
Q4: Can I use egg whites only?
A: Yes! Pour in about 3 tablespoons of egg whites per pepper ring.
Q5: How do I season it?
A: A pinch of salt, pepper, paprika, or chili flakes works great. Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish.
Q6: What should I serve with it?
A: Pair with:
- Whole-grain toast
- Avocado slices
- Roasted potatoes
- A small green salad
Q7: Can I bake them instead of pan-frying?
A: Yes! Place pepper rings on a parchment-lined baking tray, add eggs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes until set.
Q8: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the pepper rings in advance and store them in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Nutrition Details: Pepper Egg-in-a-Hole
Serving Size: 1 pepper ring with 1 egg
Servings per recipe: Varies
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~90 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 185 mg |
| Sodium | 70 mg |
| Vitamin A | 20% DV |
| Vitamin C | 60% DV |
| Calcium | 3% DV |
| Iron | 5% DV |
| Low-Carb Friendly | ✔️ |
| Keto Friendly | ✔️ |
| Gluten-Free | ✔️ |
| Vegetarian | ✔️ |
📌 Made with fresh bell pepper and whole egg. Optional toppings may alter nutrition.
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.
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