Egg in a Hole {Toad in the Hole}
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Love toast and eggs for breakfast? Then you are going to love this fun idea. Egg in a Hole is a piece of toast that is pan fried with a soft cooked egg in the center. This popular breakfast recipe has many names like Toad in the Hole. It’s a quick and easy breakfast recipe that the entire family loves!
This is a fun breakfast if you love toast and eggs! Egg in a Hole is toasted bread and an egg cooked together in a skillet. It’s a quick and easy breakfast recipe that you only need a few ingredients to make.
It is also known as Toad in the Hole and Egg in the Basket – if you love soft-cooked eggs I think you’ll love it! My favorite part is breaking into the yolk and letting it spill out onto the plate so you can dip the pan-fried toast in it – so good! Add a cup of coffee or an orange smoothie and you’ll be starting the day right.
Also Known As:
What I call Egg in a Hole seems to have varying names across the world. Here are some other names for this tasty breakfast recipe.
- Egg-in-a-Frame
- Frog-in-the-Pond
- Toad-in-the-Hole
- Egg-in-the-Basket
- Egg-in-a-Nest
- Egg-with-Hat
- Egg-in-a-Trash-Can
No matter what you call it it’s super easy and I’m sharing my best tips so you can perfectly cook it every time!
The Best Bread to Use
Although you can use pretty much any kind of bread, I think Texas toast is the best bread to use. It’s cut into thick slices so when you crack the egg into it all of the yolk and white stays in. With thinner-sliced bread, the white can run out making it difficult to keep the egg in the hole.
You can also buy an unsliced loaf of bread – that way you can cut thick slices yourself. If you go that route you might want to try these:
- Sourdough bread
- Italian bread
- French baguette
All three of these will work well, too, as long as you cut thick slices.
How to Make the BEST Egg in a Hole
Step 1: First, use a biscuit cutter (or a drinking glass approximately the same size) to cut a hole in the middle of the bread. Save the piece you cut out!
Step 2: Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Once the butter is melted, place the bread in the pan. You can also cook the part you cut out next to it. Crack an egg into the hole.
Step 4: Cook it for about one minute on the first side. You are cooking it just long enough for the white to set on the bottom. Season the top with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Carefully turn the bread over in the pan and cook it on the other side until the egg white is fully set and cooked through and the yolk is cooked to your liking. I prefer a runny yolk, so once the white is completely set I remove the toast from the pan while the yolk is still runny.
Expert Tips!
- The key to the best-cooked egg is to monitor your heat! I find that medium heat works perfectly but keep an eye on it and adjust it as necessary. The goal is to have toasted golden brown bread with an egg that isn’t browned or burned.
- If you don’t like runny yolks, you can cook it until it is completely cooked through. I highly encourage you to try the runny yolk version, though – it’s so delicious!
If you want a quick and easy breakfast this is definitely one to try! It’s a fun way to switch up toast and eggs – I hope you love it!
Easy Breakfast Recipes!
Looking for more easy ways to start the day? Here are a few more recipes you might like to try!
- Ham and cheese muffins are quick to make and the perfect grab-and-go breakfast!
- If you don’t have time to make something in the morning you have to try my cherry overnight oats. You can prep it the night before to make your morning easier!
- This healthy peanut butter protein smoothie with bananas and honey tastes like a milkshake but it’s so good for you!
Try it and love it? Rate it, please!!!? Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day! If you snap a photo, please be sure to tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Egg in a Hole
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 slice Texas Toast
- 1 egg
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- With a biscuit cutter or rim of glass press a hole in the middle of the slice of bread.
- In a skillet over medium heat melt the butter. When the skillet is evenly coated with butter place the slice of bread in the skillet. Crack egg into the center of the hole in the pieces of bread. You can also place the center of the bread in the pan to toast too.
- Cook the egg sets a bit on the bottom of the pan; about 30-45 seconds. Season egg with salt and pepper. Flip bread over after about a minute and season the other side.
- Let egg cook until desired doneness. Your goal is golden brown toast, white, not browned/burned egg whites and a soft unbroken yolk.
- Serve immediately. Use the center of the bread to dip into the yolk.
Tips
- The key to the best-cooked egg is to monitor your heat! I find that medium heat works perfectly but keep an eye on it and adjust it as necessary. The goal is to have toasted golden brown bread with an egg that isn't browned or burned.
- If you don't like runny yolks, you can cook it until it is completely cooked through. I highly encourage you to try the runny yolk version, though - it's so delicious!
Warren Stevenson says
Another name is a Dragons Eye.
Courtney says
Interesting! Thanks!
Marge Brown says
I made these years ago and forgot about them. This morning I decided to try it again and thanks to you, I have found the perfect recipe. They turned out great 👍! I do add a sprinkling of finely shredded cheddar cheese at the end!
Julie says
Perfect! I’m so glad you enjoy this one!
Rand says
I love it! Also makes for a quick dinner when I work late and want something savory and quick. Thank you
Julie says
Awesome! I’m so glad you love it!
Katie says
Such a delicious and easy breakfast! We love it!
Julie says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Rachael Yerkes says
love this so much! It is one of our go-to breakfasts and so easy to throw together
Julie says
Yes! So easy, glad you enjoyed it!
Toni says
My kids really loved it!! Can’t wait to make it again!
Julie says
Awesome! So glad it was a hit!
Kathy says
This is such a yummy recipe- a classic! Thank you for sharing it again with everyone!
Julie says
You’re welcome! Definitely one of our favorite breakfast options!
Joan says
We have always called it a Birds 🐦 Nest Egg!
Julie says
That’s a great name for it!