Egg in a hole is a delightful and simple breakfast dish that combines the crispy texture of toasted bread with the rich, creamy goodness of a perfectly cooked egg. It's a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in just a few minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or a lazy weekend brunch.
All the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most households. However, if you don't have butter on hand, make sure to pick some up at the supermarket. It's essential for giving the bread a golden, crispy texture and adding a rich flavor to the dish.

Ingredients for Egg in a Hole Recipe
Bread: A slice of your favorite bread, preferably one that is sturdy enough to hold the egg without falling apart.
Egg: A fresh egg, which will be cracked into the hole in the bread.
Butter: Used to toast the bread and cook the egg, adding a rich flavor and crispy texture.
Salt: To season the egg and enhance its natural flavors.
Pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth to the dish, complementing the egg perfectly.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When cutting the hole in the bread, ensure it's large enough to hold the egg without overflowing. Use a round cutter or a glass with a diameter of about 2-3 inches. This will help the egg cook evenly and prevent it from spilling over the sides. Additionally, make sure the butter is fully melted and the pan is hot before adding the bread to achieve a perfectly toasted exterior.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
1 slice bread - Substitute with whole grain bread: Whole grain bread adds more fiber and nutrients, making the dish healthier.
1 slice bread - Substitute with gluten-free bread: Ideal for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
1 egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This is a great vegan alternative.
1 egg - Substitute with chia seed egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to form a gel-like consistency. Another excellent vegan option.
1 tablespoon butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat and adds a different flavor profile to the dish.
1 tablespoon butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a slightly sweet and tropical flavor, and is a good dairy-free alternative.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can reduce the need for additional salt.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and flavor, often considered to be more natural and less processed.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the dish, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
pepper - Substitute with paprika: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and a vibrant color to the dish.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the egg in a hole to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, 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 any unwanted odors from the fridge.
- Store the wrapped or containerized egg in a hole in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 2 days. For best results, consume it within this timeframe to enjoy its optimal taste and texture.
- 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 microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap the steam. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking the egg.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat the egg in a hole in a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the egg is warmed through.
- For freezing, allow the egg in a hole to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Label the bag with the date to keep track of its storage time.
- Freeze the egg in a hole for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed egg in a hole using the oven or toaster oven methods mentioned above for the best results. Avoid using the microwave for reheating frozen egg in a hole as it may result in a rubbery texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg in a hole on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium 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. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
Use a microwave-safe plate and cover the egg in a hole with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals until heated through, checking frequently to avoid overcooking the egg.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg in a hole in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly without becoming too crispy.
For a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg in a hole on a piece of parchment paper or a small baking tray. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent over-toasting.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Round cutter: Used to cut a hole in the center of the bread slice.
Glass: An alternative to the round cutter for cutting a hole in the bread.
Frying pan: Used to cook the bread and egg together.
Spatula: Helps to flip the bread and egg to cook both sides evenly.
Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking.
Butter knife: Used to spread the butter in the frying pan.
Measuring spoon: Measures the exact amount of butter needed.
Salt shaker: Adds salt to taste.
Pepper grinder: Adds freshly ground pepper to taste.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cut the bread: Cut the hole in the bread slices the night before and store them in an airtight container.
Use non-stick spray: Instead of butter, use non-stick spray to save time on melting and spreading.
Preheat the pan: Preheat your frying pan while you prepare the bread and egg to speed up cooking.
Crack eggs in advance: Crack the eggs into a bowl beforehand to quickly pour them into the bread holes.
Season ahead: Mix salt and pepper in a small bowl for quick seasoning.

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 a glass to cut a hole in the center of the bread slice.
- 2. Heat the butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 3. Place the bread 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
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Apple Cider Recipe12 Minutes
- Mexican Bean Salad Recipe15 Minutes
- Hash Brown and Egg Casserole Recipe1 Hours
- Lumpia Shanghai Recipe50 Minutes
- Beet Soup Recipe1 Hours
- Gyoza Recipe45 Minutes
- Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe30 Minutes
- Coronation Chicken Recipe50 Minutes
Leave a Reply