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A childhood favorite, eggs in a basket gets a grown up makeover with the addition of smoky paprika, and a green onion garnish. With a gooey yolk center, and buttery toasted crispy bread, this easy breakfast is loved by the whole family!
When I was a kid I have fond memories of waking up to the smell of fried eggs and bread! I knew it was going to be a special day when I saw we were having eggs in a basket, or as some call it eggs in a hole!
What I love about this recipe is that it is absolutely no fuss. It takes only 5 minutes to prepare, and it leaves you filling full, satisfied, and ready for the day.
Toasty, buttery bread, finished off with a fried egg, it's simple and delicious! I'm bringing back this classic with a twist. My version is healthier and a bit more sophisticated.
It's quick enough to whip together on a weekday morning, but also special enough to enjoy while you read the Sunday paper! Enjoy this classic with a twist!
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🥚 What Is Eggs In A Basket?
Eggs in a basket is a great breakfast recipe characterized by toasted bread with a hole cut out of the center. The pieces of bread are buttered and grilled, and then a runny fried egg is added in the center while the whole dish cooks together. It is most often served sprinkled with salt and pepper. It is sometimes called egg in a hole, egg with a hat, egg in a frame, or gas house egg.
🍳 What Is The Origin Of Eggs In A Basket?
The origins of this simple dish come from Europe. It was a recipe that was passed by word of mouth. When Europeans came to the United States, they brought the recipe with them. It was first featured in the Boston Cooking School Cookbook by Fannie Farmer in the 1890s. In this recipe, it was Eggs with a Hat, as the center piece of bread is served on top of the egg.
👩🍳 Why This Recipe Works
- Healthy Whole Grain Bread: Skip the white bread and opt for a healthy sprouted wheat instead! This simple swap increases the fiber.
- High in Protein: Eggs are an excellent source of protein!
- Kid Approved: If your kids like toast and eggs, they are going to love this version! Plus, it's just so much fun to break the yolk in the center of the bread!
- Super Easy: This entire recipe is ready in just 5 minutes!
- Whole Food Ingredients: Nothing processed, just whole foods that are nutrient rich!
🥘 Ingredients
This recipe calls for simple ingredients easily found in your pantry or at your local grocery store! For the full recipe and directions, see the recipe card below.
Whole Wheat Bread: You can use any type of bread you prefer, but I go with a sprouted whole grain. That way I know I'm getting lots of healthy fiber and nutrients.
Large Eggs: When using fresh eggs, be sure to get ones that are cage-free and organic. The best type of eggs to get are from a farm, of course, they are fresh and taste amazing! But if that's not available to you, then get the highest quality eggs from the grocery store.
Organic Butter: When you're using ingredients such as butter in your recipes, go for the real thing! Not the fake margarine stuff. Organic unsalted butter is higher quality, and has a better flavor. If you don't have butter, olive oil spray would also work!
Spices: This recipe gets spiced up with smoky paprika, salt, and pepper. The paprika gives this simple recipe a pop of flavor!
Chopped Green Onion: Garnish with chopped green onion for added bite and crunch. You can also top with your favorite fresh herbs for additional flavor!
🍽 Equipment
📖 Variations
Eggs In A Basket With Avocado: Thinly slice avocado and serve on top of the toasted bread and egg.
French Toast Style: Instead of salt and pepper, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Or, make french toast, but instead of topping it with maple syrup and/or fruit, cut a hole out of the center, add it to a skillet, and cook an egg in it!
Add Cheese: As the egg cooks, add your favorite shredded cheese on top and let it melt and form a nice crust on top!
Change The Bread: Instead of using regular whole grain bread, try using a whole wheat bagel instead to make eggs in a basket with a bagel! You don't even have to cut out the center, that work is already done for you! You can also make this recipe gluten free by using gluten free bread.
Make It Scrambled: Instead of using a fried egg, try this egg toast recipe with a scrambled egg in the center for a fun change!
🔪 Instructions
Prepare Slices of Bread: Using a round cookie cutter, cut out the center of each slice of bread. Butter the side of each slice of bread including the cutouts / round hole pieces. If you don't have a cookie cutter, you can also use the top of a glass to press into the bread and get a round cutout.
Fry the Bread: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. You can also use a griddle. Place bread including the cutout into the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy.
Add The Egg: Flip the bread slice and the cutout and add one egg into each hole.
Spice it Up: Season with salt, pepper and paprika.
Cover and Cook: On medium heat, cover the skillet and heat until the egg is cooked to your preferred doneness. I typically like the egg whites to be firm, and the egg yolks to be slightly runny.
Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately sprinkled with green onions.
❓Recipe FAQs
Is Eggs In A Basket Healthy?
Yes! With just a few simple swaps, this can be a wonderful way to start your day. Here's what makes this version of eggs in a hole healthy:
High in Protein: Eggs are an excellent source of protein. One egg with the yolk has about 6 grams of protein, and each slice of sprouted wheat bread has about 5 grams of protein - so one serving has 11 grams of total protein. Protein helps to build muscle, and gives you needed energy, among being one of the building blocks of your overall health and wellness.
High in Fiber: Using a quality whole grain bread increases the fiber content of this dish - each serving has 4 grams. Fiber is essential for healthy digestion. High fiber foods can also help lower cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels.
Rich in Nutrients: In addition to protein, eggs are an excellent source of iron, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin which help fight numerous diseases.
What Are Other Names For Eggs In A Basket?
There are so many different names for this eggs in a basket recipe, that you'd be surprised how many variations there are! There are likely over 66 names for this dish including gashouse eggs, egg baskets, egg in a nest, and cowboy eggs!
Is this recipe kid friendly?
It is sure to be a big hit with your kids! I know it was for me when I was young, and now I share this recipe with my kiddos, and they absolutely love it! The combination of buttery bread, egg, salt, and pepper, is a dreamy combination that fills them up, and keeps them satisfied all morning long!
❄️ How To Store
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours (max). Reheat on the stove, or in the microwave.
👪 How To Serve
If you're keeping things simple, I recommend serving this easy recipe with a little salt, fresh cracked pepper, and a garnish of green onions.
If you're serving as part of a bigger spread, eggs on toast go great with hash browns or fried potatoes, with this delicious mixed berry smoothie to drink, and with some roasted veggies like these air fryer carrots or brussel sprouts.
💭 Expert Tips
- Make sure skillet is hot before adding the bread. You can flick a few drops of water on the pan, and if they sizzle and pop, the bread is ready to add.
- Cook the egg to your preference. Some people like a runny egg, while others prefer a hard egg. Cover the skillet and cook the egg until you reach your desired doneness. Don't move the egg toast until your egg is ready to be served, otherwise the yolk may break.
- Use a high quality fresh baked bread for best flavor.
- Add your favorite combination of spices.
