Egg in a hole is a delightful breakfast dish with a fried egg cooked inside a hole in a slice of bread.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time20 minutesmins
Course: Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 6
Author: Melissa Griffiths
Ingredients
6slicesof bread(white, whole wheat, or your choice)
6large eggs
3tablespoonsunsalted butter
Salt and pepperto taste
Optional toppings: grated cheesechopped 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.