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Egg in a Hole is not just a tasty breakfast, but it’s also super fun to make! It seems like every one has a unique name for this dish but the final result is delicious no matter what you call it.
Egg in a hole is a delightful breakfast dish with a fried egg cooked inside a hole in a slice of bread. While “egg in a frame” and “egg in a hole” are the most common names for this dish, it has various regional and playful names across different cultures. Here’s a list of alternative names for “egg in a frame”:
- Egg in a Basket: This name is often used interchangeably with “egg in a frame” and is widely recognized in the United States.
- One-Eyed Jack: This playful name suggests that the dish looks like a face with one eye when the egg is cooked in the center of the bread.
- Bird’s Nest: The bread with the egg in the center can resemble a bird’s nest, leading to this whimsical name.
- Egg in the Middle: A straightforward name that describes the egg’s position inside the bread.
- Sunshine Toast: Emphasizing the sunny, golden yolk peeking through the hole in the bread.
- Bull’s Eye Eggs: Similar to “One-Eyed Jack,” this name suggests that the egg in the bread looks like a bull’s eye.
- Pirate’s Eye: A playful name that evokes images of a pirate’s eye patch.
- Nest Egg: A name that emphasizes the nest-like appearance of the dish..
- Golden Eye: This name emphasizes the golden color of the egg yolk.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have at home – bread, eggs, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Quick and Easy: Making egg in a hole is a breeze! It’s a perfect breakfast for busy mornings or when you want a special treat without a lot of effort.
- Customizable: You can personalize your egg in a hole with different types of bread and toppings. Whether you like it cheesy, spicy, or herby, there are endless possibilities.
- Yummy and Nutritious: Eggs are packed with protein and essential nutrients. This breakfast provides the energy you need to start your day right.
Recipe Ingredients
- Slices of Bread: The foundation of this dish, bread slices serve as the cozy frame for your delicious fried egg. Try this easy homemade bread!
- Large Eggs: The star of the show! Fresh and wholesome eggs provide protein and richness to your breakfast. Learn how to test the freshness of an egg here.
- Unsalted Butter: A touch of butter adds a rich and savory flavor as it sizzles in the pan.
- Salt and Pepper: These seasonings enhance the taste, giving your egg in a frame the perfect balance of flavors.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Popular Substitutions and Variations
- Veggie Delight: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
- Sweet and Savory: Instead of plain bread, use French toast or cinnamon swirl bread for a sweet and savory combo.
- Bacon Lover’s Dream: Cook bacon until crispy and crumble it over the egg in a hole.
How To Make Egg in a Hole
Step #1. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut a hole in the center of each bread slice. Keep the cut-out circles of bread for later use.
Step #2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
Step #3. Place one bread slice in the skillet. Cook until the bottom side turns golden brown, for about 2 minutes.
Step #4. Crack one egg into the hole of the bread slice. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, checking periodically, until the egg whites are set and the yolk is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use your preferred type of bread, such as white, whole wheat, or sourdough.
Adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of egg doneness. Longer cooking yields firmer yolks.
While Eggs in a Hole are best served fresh, you can prepare the bread slices and eggs in advance and cook them just before serving for a quicker meal.
Absolutely! Get creative with toppings like cheese, herbs, or hot sauce to suit your taste.
Expert Tips
- Cook your egg in a hole on medium-low heat to prevent burning and ensure the egg cooks evenly.
- Cover your pan with a lid while cooking to help the egg white set without overcooking the yolk.
- It might take a bit of practice to flip your egg in a hole without breaking the yolk. Don’t worry; even if it breaks, it’ll still taste great!
What Do You Do With the Bread Cut-Out?
- Toast It: You can simply toast the cut-out hole in the same pan alongside your egg in a frame. This makes for a crispy and delicious piece of toast to enjoy with your meal.
- Dip It: The hole can be used as a dipping tool for the runny egg yolk. Dip it into the yolk for a savory and satisfying bite.
- Serve It on the Side: If you prefer to keep the cut-out hole separate, you can serve it on the side of your plate. It makes for an extra piece of toast to enjoy with butter, jam, or any other favorite spreads.
More Egg Recipe To Consider
Recipe Collections
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How to Freeze Eggs
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Easy Crepes Recipe
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Egg in a Hole
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread, (white, whole wheat, or your choice)
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: grated cheese, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or basil), hot sauce
Instructions
- Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut a hole in the center of each bread slice. Keep the cut-out circles of bread for later use.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
- Place one bread slice in the skillet. Cook until the bottom side turns golden brown, for about 2 minutes.
- Flip the bread over then crack one egg into the hole of the bread slice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the eggs start to set, for runnier eggs use less time.
- To help the egg whites cook faster you can cover the skillet with a clear pan lid. This will create steam to help cook the egg.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, checking periodically, until the egg whites are set and the yolk is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the Eggs in a Hole from the skillet and transfer to a serving plate.
- Repeat steps 2-8 for each remaining bread slice and egg.
- Serve each Egg in a Hole immediately as they are cooked, and enjoy!
- Optional: Sprinkle grated cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or hot sauce over the egg for extra flavor.
Notes
- The choice of bread can significantly impact the overall flavor and texture. While white bread is common, whole wheat, sourdough, or rye bread can also be used to add a unique twist.
- Monitor the eggs carefully to achieve the desired level of doneness. Some prefer a runny yolk, while others want it fully cooked. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- The use of a lid helps in cooking the egg evenly. It also helps to steam the top of the egg ensuring that the whites are fully set while keeping the yolk runny if desired.
- Don’t be limited to salt and pepper; explore other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to elevate the taste.
- While cheese, herbs, and hot sauce are suggested, feel free to get creative. Consider options like avocado slices, bacon bits, or a drizzle of hollandaise sauce.
- Don’t forget the bread circles that were cut out; toast them alongside the Egg in a Hole for a crunchy side, or use them to dip into the yolk.
- Be mindful of the butter’s temperature. If it’s too hot, the butter can burn. Adjust the heat as necessary to ensure it’s just melting and bubbling slightly before adding the bread.
- Allow the pan to heat up adequately before adding butter to ensure a crisp, golden-brown toast.
