What is “Eggs in a Basket?”
My eggs in a basket recipe is a classic, go-to breakfast in my home. Not only is it protein packed; its also cheap, delicious, and easily personalized! This recipe is perfect for the novice in the kitchen, or the busy parent. More importantly it’s a base recipe; meaning that you can easily add to this recipe with little to no additional work. Are you looking for an all in one breakfast featuring more veggies? No problem! Between steps 6 and 7 is the perfect time to add in any extras. For example: Thinly slice up some tomatoes and place them on top of your uncooked yolk, make sure to season that tomato and it’ll be a beautiful addition to your Basket!
How to choose my bread?
Firstly, since the goal of this recipe is convenience, the bread you already have at home is a perfect go to. However, if you’re shopping with this recipe in mind here are a few suggestions! A nice oat nut bread is a great way to get added fiber and nutrition into your breakfast. Thick-cut breads are one of my favorites for this recipe since I enjoy a lighter toasting on my bread. Keep in mind that the thinner your bread slices are the more crunchy it will come out. My mom loves a good rye bread, but keep in mind that dark breads will absorb the heat faster so I would suggest baking at a lower temperature (375) and then adding an additional couple of minutes, should your yolks need it.
If you’re like me and love a good sweet/savory combo then consider swapping the regular bread for a more unique option like: a blueberry bagel, cinnamon swirl bread, or even simply add jam to your toast when you serve it. Take this eggs in a basket recipe and make it your own with a unique bread choice!
Why a cookie cutter?
While you can easily use a glass or regular round cookie cutter, you can also make this a fun and cute dish for little kids! Try it out with a heart shaped cookie cutter for an adorable Valentines breakfast that will make any husband, wife, or child smile! Pro tip: if using a fun shape cut out I would suggest shaping the meat to match. Simply place the cutter on top of the meat, BUT don’t press down, take a sharp knife and cut out the shape slightly bigger than the cookie cutter. This way you still create a sort of cup to hold your egg in. Even if your egg yolk gets a bit funky in side of your beautiful shape, your bread cut out will be perfectly adorable and can be placed on top as a sweet decoration.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Lightly spray sheet tray with oil, THEN cover sheet tray with parchment paper, (this will help prevent the paper from rolling up on you) after that then spray the parchment paper itself.
- Spread 1/2 tbsp of butter onto each bread slice.
- Using your cookie cutter or glass cut out the center of each slice of bread.
- Keeping the pieces butter side up, place your bread and the cut outs onto the sheet tray, allowing for space between each slice.
- Line each hole with a slice of your preferred meat, its okay if it pokes out the top, but if you'd prefer to trim the slices that is okay too. If you choose to trim the slices I recommend lightly placing your cookie cutter on top of the turkey slice and with a sharp knife trim the meat to be about 1/2 an inch wider than the cutter you used on the bread.
- Next carefully crack one egg into each hole of the bread.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. I'd recommend at least a pinch of salt for every egg.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the whole pieces of bread as well as the cut outs.
- At this point if you're choosing to include the paprika, lightly sprinkle over the entire tray.
- Gently place the sheet tray into the oven, being careful not to spill the cracked eggs. Cook for 7 minutes.Keep in mind that cooking time is dependent on how runny you like your yolks to be. For food safety we want the whites to be solid and the yolks to be runny or jiggly. If you prefer a more solid yolk, add one minute at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Don't forget that eggs are delicate, and if not eaten right away will even continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven if left on the hot sheet tray.
- Once the yolk is cooked to your preference, remove tray from oven. Transfer your egg baskets onto plates and top each with their toast cut out.
- Enjoy!!
Notes
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