Eggs in a basket is one of my favorite savory breakfasts. It’s cute, easy to whip up and also easy to eat. Thats a win-win-win! You probably already know the basic idea behind or are already familiar with making this simple breakfast recipe, so I am just going to quickly go through my simple recipe and explain how I make eggs in a basket.
Let’s get started…
The first thing you need to do is pick out your bread. Technically, any bread will work, but there are a few things to consider. The eggs will be cooking in the bread, so they will both be on the heat for the same amount of time and this can create a cooked through egg inside of a hard, dry piece of toast situation and no one wants that! I love using brioche or challah for eggs in a basket. It is so soft and can stay over the grill for a while and still end up perfect. This is just food for thought (pun totally intended)… use your favorite bread and if it dries out, grab some brioche for the next time!
If your loaf is pre-sliced, then skip this part, but if you are planning on slicing your own loaf, cut your slices a little thicker than you normally would. This will give your egg a deep, cozy place to chill and will also allow the outside of your bread to grill golden brown while the inside stays super soft. The best of both worlds.
Once you have your bread picked out and sliced, we need to create a nice, cozy space for the egg. You can cut a circle (or any shape you want!) out with a sharp knife or use a cookie or pastry cutter. I use 2 3/4″ circle shaped pastry cutter, but have fun with it!
Once your bread is cut out, keep the trimmings close by, because we are going to grill them up too. Spread some softened butter or mayonnaise over both sides of the bread (both portions). If mayonnaise sounds crazy to you, you need to trust me on this. A thin layer of mayo will give your grilled cheese, garlic bread and another other grilled bread the most deliciously golden brown crust. If you are not a fan of the flavor of mayonnaise, don’t worry, you won’t taste mayo, just a crispy goodness.
Now that our bread is prepped, grab some eggs, put a flat griddle or skillet over medium heat and get ready to start making some eggs in a basket.
When it comes to cooking your eggs in a basket, all you need to do is decide how you want your eggs cooked…
- For sunny side up eggs in a basket, lightly grill the first side of your bread and then flip it over before you add the eggs. Crack an egg into the “basket”, lower the heat to medium low and cook until the whites are cooked through. If you want your yolks to stay centered and look pretty, add the whites first and let them cook about 80% of the way before you gently set the yolk over top. The yolks will be perfect by the time your whites finish cooking through. This is definitely optional, but an easy way to make your eggs in a basket look beautiful. Season your eggs with salt and black pepper before you serve them.
- For over easy eggs in a basket, as soon as your place your bread onto the warm griddle, add the egg into the “basket” and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until the white is fully set. You can test this out by sliding your spatula underneath. If the white still feels soft or will not release from the griddle, let it cook a little longer. Next, carefully flip the egg in a basket and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- For over hard eggs in a basket, as soon as your place your bread onto the warm griddle, add the egg into the “basket” and season with salt and black pepper. Use your spatula to break the yolk and then cook until the white is set on the under side. You can test this out by sliding your spatula underneath. If the white still feels soft or will not release from the griddle, let it cook a little longer. Next, flip the egg in a basket and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Now that your eggs in a basket are cooked, you can garnish with some fresh parsley or chives and a little pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper and enjoy! I love adding some jelly to the little cut out pieces and sometimes we sprinkle finely shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan over the eggs in a basket while they are still really warm.
And like I mentioned earlier, the “basket” does not have to be a circular shape. If you are cutting the holes out with a knife, squares are way easier and on Valentines Day, I cut out little hearts…
Whatever shape your basket ends up being, I hope you enjoy this cute, simple breakfast idea as much as I do!
Eggs in a Basket
Ingredients
- your favorite bread
- eggs
- softened butter or mayonnaise
- salt and black pepper
- fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional garnish)
- paprika or cayenne pepper (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut out a hole in each slice of bread large enough to crack 1 whole egg inside
- Smooth a light coat of softened butter or mayonnaise over both sides of the bread
- Place a flat griddle or wide skillet over medium heat
- Place the bread onto the warm skillet and crack 1 egg in each hole
- Season with salt and black pepper
- Cook until your eggs reach your desired doneness (additional instructions above)
- Garnish with finely chopped parsley or chives and a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper
- Serve warm
