Rustic Egg In A Hole Recipe

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Two of the four of my kiddos didn’t like the texture of eggs as toddlers. And while we are on the subject, none of them like the texture of hotdogs, go figure! I am okay with not feeding them hotdogs, but eggs are such an amazing protein source, so I had to get creative with serving eggs to them. This Egg In A Hole (or Egg In A Basket, whatever fits your fancy) was a staple in my household that the kids LOVED getting for breakfast, even my egg aversion kiddos. It’s a simple and fun recipe that takes your basic eggs and toast up a notch. I am happy to report that all my kids love eggs now, and I have to thank this recipe for helping with that!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kid-Approved Breakfast

Even the pickiest eaters (yes, including my former egg-aversion kiddos) can’t resist the magic of eggs cooked inside buttery, golden-brown sourdough. It’s fun to make and fun to eat.

Simple Ingredients

You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen—just bread, eggs, butter, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Quick & Easy

A wholesome breakfast in under 10 minutes? Yes, please. Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends alike.

Customizable

Love extra crispy toast? Let it sit a bit longer. Runny yolk or firm? You’re the boss. You can also dress this up with toppings like fresh herbs, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of cheese.

Ingredient List For Egg In A Hole

Sourdough Bread

The hearty, slightly tangy flavor of sourdough makes this recipe shine. A nice, thick ½-inch slice gives you the perfect balance of crisp edges and a tender bite. Don’t have sourdough? Swap it out for any bread you have on hand—think rustic country bread, whole-grain, or even brioche for a buttery twist.

Eggs

Fresh, large eggs are ideal for this recipe. If you’re worried about flipping or prefer fully cooked yolks, simply break the yolk gently with a fork as it cooks. For an extra treat, grab eggs from a local farm—those deep golden yolks are irresistible.

Butter

Butter is key here for golden, crispy edges and a rich, comforting flavor. Unsalted lets you control the seasoning, but if you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt. For a dairy-free option, use your favorite plant-based butter.

Salt and Pepper

A pinch of good-quality sea salt and a few grinds of pepper bring the flavor together. Optional additions could be a sprinkle of garlic salt, a dash of smoked paprika, or even red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Optional Add-Ins and Toppings

• Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Parmesan work wonders)
• Avocado slices or a smear of guacamole
• Sautéed mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, or crispy bacon for a heartier breakfast

Tools and Equipment

This is a very simple Egg In A Hole recipe that doesn’t need any fancy equipment. A well-seasoned cast iron pan, or a nontoxic nonstick skillet is a necessity. A small jar can work for cutting the hole in the bread, but I love using biscuit cutters likes these to cut out the holes.

Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Eggs In A Hole

Step 1: Cut a Hole in the Bread

Start with your favorite loaf of bread—I love a hearty sourdough for its crisp edges and chewy center. Using a small glass or biscuit cutter, cut a round hole (about 1½ inches in diameter) from the center of each slice of bread.

You’re looking for a nice “frame” of bread to hold the egg—thick enough to toast up golden and crispy but not so thick that it stays doughy in the middle. Don’t toss those round cutouts! They’re perfect for frying alongside and dipping into the yolk later.

Step 2: Butter the Bread and Heat the Skillet

Melt about 1 teaspoon of butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. While the butter melts, spread a little extra softened butter on both sides of the bread slice. This extra butter creates those golden, crispy edges we all love.

If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a sturdy nonstick skillet works just as well. Keep the heat at medium—too high, and the bread might burn before the egg cooks.

Step 3: Toast the Bread Before Adding the Egg

Place the buttered bread slice into the hot skillet. Let it toast lightly on one side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until it starts to turn a beautiful golden brown.

This quick flip-and-toast trick ensures that both sides of the bread crisp up evenly. Flip the bread over to the other side—you’ll add the egg next.

Step 4: Crack the Egg into the Hole

Now for the fun part! Crack an egg gently into the hole in the center of the bread. Try to keep that golden yolk intact—it’s the star of the show.

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the top for a little extra flavor. Don’t worry if some egg white spills onto the bread edges—it adds charm (and a little extra crispiness).

Step 5: Cook the Egg to Perfection

Let the egg cook until the bread turns a deep golden brown on the bottom and the egg whites begin to set slightly around the edges. This usually takes 2-3 minutes.

For those yolk lovers: Keep the heat at medium so the whites cook through without overcooking the yolk.

Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking

Carefully flip the bread and egg over using a sturdy spatula. Cook the other side for about 20-30 seconds—just long enough to firm up the top while keeping the yolk nice and runny.

If you prefer a firmer yolk, leave the bread in the pan a bit longer, but watch it carefully to avoid overcooking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Move your finished Egg in a Hole to a plate, and repeat with the remaining bread slices and eggs. Add a little more butter to the skillet as needed between batches to keep each slice perfectly golden.

Serve hot with your favorite sides like pan-seared sausage, and seasonal fruit. Or make an amazing Egg In A Hole Avocado Toast (say that five times fast!) Don’t forget to toast those bread cutouts! They’re perfect for soaking up every last bit of runny yolk goodness.

Variations and Customizations

Sandwich Bread Egg In A Hole

If sourdough isn’t your thing or you need something quick and convenient, sandwich bread is a great substitute. Its thinner slices allow the egg to cook a bit faster, and the perfectly even shape makes for a cleaner look. Bonus tip: use whole grain sandwich bread for a boost of fiber or your favorite soft white bread for that classic diner feel.

For the ultimate crispy edges, lightly butter both sides of the sandwich bread and toast it exactly as you would the sourdough version. The result? A delicious and slightly speedier take on the classic Egg in a Hole.

Egg In A Hole Avocado Toast

Combine two of the best breakfasts into one showstopper—Egg in a hole (or basket) meets avocado toast. Follow the classic instructions to cook your egg-in-a-hole bread, but after removing it from the skillet, spread a generous layer of creamy mashed avocado around the egg. Sprinkle it with a pinch of sea salt, black pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat.

For a fresh twist, add sliced tomatoes, microgreens, or a drizzle of good olive oil on top. This combination gives you that crispy, buttery toast, a perfectly runny egg, and all the goodness of avocado toast in one bite.

How to Make Egg in a Hole