Egg in a hole is a delightful breakfast dish that combines the crispiness of toasted bread with the richness of a perfectly cooked egg. This simple yet satisfying recipe is perfect for busy mornings or a lazy weekend brunch. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that's both visually appealing and delicious.
All the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in most households. However, if you don't have butter on hand, you can easily find it in the dairy section of your local supermarket. Make sure to choose a good quality bread for the best results, and fresh eggs to ensure a rich and flavorful dish.
Ingredients For Egg In A Hole Recipe
Bread: A slice of your favorite bread will work perfectly for this recipe. Whole grain, white, or sourdough are all great options.
Egg: A fresh egg is essential for this dish. It provides the protein and richness that makes this recipe so satisfying.
Butter: Butter is used to toast the bread and adds a delicious, rich flavor. You can use salted or unsalted, depending on your preference.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the egg and bread.
Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a bit of spice and complements the egg perfectly.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure the egg cooks evenly and the bread gets a perfect golden brown, use a non-stick frying pan and make sure the butter is fully melted and spread across the surface before adding the bread slice. This will help prevent sticking and promote even toasting.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
bread - Substitute with whole grain bread: Adds more fiber and nutrients.
bread - Substitute with gluten-free bread: Suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
egg - Substitute with tofu: Use a round slice of tofu for a vegan option.
egg - Substitute with chia seeds: Mix chia seeds with water to create a gel-like consistency as an egg replacement.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: A healthier fat option with a rich flavor.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Adds a slight sweetness and is a good dairy-free alternative.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Provides a different texture and can be less processed.
pepper - Substitute with paprika: Adds a mild heat and a smoky flavor.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For those who prefer a spicier kick.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the egg in a hole to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the bread soggy.
- Place the cooled egg in a hole in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
- Store the wrapped or containerized egg in a hole in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Beyond this, the quality may decline.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg in a hole on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat it in a microwave. Place the egg in a hole on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- For freezing, wrap the cooled egg in a hole tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Label the bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- Freeze the egg in a hole for up to 1 month. While it can be frozen longer, the texture and flavor are best within this timeframe.
- To thaw, transfer the egg in a hole from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture.
- Reheat the thawed egg in a hole using the oven or microwave methods mentioned above.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg in a hole on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the egg in a hole in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.
Microwave Method: Place the egg in a hole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals until heated through, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg in a hole on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg in a hole in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Round cutter or glass: Used to cut a hole in the center of the bread slice.
Frying pan: Used to cook the bread and egg together.
Spatula: Used to flip the bread and egg to cook both sides evenly.
Butter knife: Used to spread the butter in the frying pan.
Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking.
Plate: Used to serve the finished dish.
Salt shaker: Used to season the dish with salt.
Pepper grinder: Used to season the dish with pepper.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-cut the bread: Use a round cutter or glass to cut the hole in the bread slices the night before and store them in an airtight container.
Preheat the pan: Start heating the frying pan while you gather your ingredients to save time.
Use room temperature butter: Softened butter melts faster, speeding up the cooking process.
Crack eggs in advance: Crack the eggs into a bowl beforehand to quickly pour them into the bread holes.
Cook multiple slices: If your pan is large enough, cook multiple slices of bread at once to save time.

Egg in a Hole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 slice Bread
- 1 Egg
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Use a round cutter or glass to cut a hole in the center of the bread slice.
- 2. Heat the frying pan over medium heat and add the butter.
- 3. Place the bread slice in the pan and crack the egg into the hole.
- 4. Cook until the egg is set and the bread is toasted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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