Breakfast
Egg in a Hole
Egg in a hole is a delightful breakfast dish with a fried egg cooked inside a hole in a slice of bread. Quick, easy and tasty.
- Prep5 min
- Cook15 min
- Total20 min
- Serves6
Egg in a Holeis 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.

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 thiseasy homemade bread!
- Large Eggs:The star of the show! Fresh and wholesome eggs provide protein and richness to your breakfast. Learnhow 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, useFrench toastor cinnamon swirl bread for a sweet and savory combo.
- Bacon Lover’s Dream:Cook baconuntil 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
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use your preferred type of bread, such as white, whole wheat, or sourdough.
How can I adjust the egg’s doneness?
Adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of egg doneness. Longer cooking yields firmer yolks.
Can I make these in advance?
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.
Can I add other toppings?
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 burningand ensure the egg cooks evenly.
- Cover your pan with a lid while cookingto 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
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