Egg-in-a-Hole Recipe: Classic Eggs in a Basket

Eggs in a Basket, also known as Egg in a Hole or Egg in a Frame, is a playful and satisfying breakfast that combines toast and a fried egg cooked together in one pan. Crack the egg directly into a hole cut from a slice of bread for an easy open-faced sandwich that’s quick to make and perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch.

What is Eggs in a Basket?

Eggs in a Basket is a classic, simple breakfast dish made by cutting a round hole from the center of a slice of bread, frying the bread in butter or oil, and cracking an egg into the hole so the yolk cooks inside the toast. It’s a cozy, single-pan version of eggs and toast with a fun presentation that kids and adults both enjoy.

Eggs in a Basket or Egg in a Hole – What do you call it?

This recipe is known by many names depending on where you grew up. Common names include:

• Egg in a Frame
• Egg in a Basket
• Egg in a Hole
• Toad in a Hole
• Egg in a Nest
• Bullseye or Sunrise Toast

Regardless of the name, the technique and delicious result are the same: perfectly toasted bread with a fried egg nestled in the center.

What You Need for Eggs in a Basket

Ingredients

This recipe is straightforward and requires just a few pantry staples. The basic ingredients are:

• Bread: Any kind of bread works—white, whole wheat, sourdough, or a thicker artisan slice for a heartier bite.
• Butter: Softened butter to spread on the bread for flavor and even browning.
• Olive oil: A small amount in the pan helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
• Eggs: Large eggs—this recipe calls for two.
• Salt & pepper: To season once the eggs are cooked.

How to Make Eggs in a Basket

1. Butter the bread: Spread softened butter on both sides of each slice of bread.
2. Cut the hole: Use a round cookie cutter, a Mason jar lid, or the top of a drinking glass to cut a circular hole out of the center of each slice. Save the cutout pieces to cook alongside the toast.
3. Preheat the pan: Heat a skillet over low–medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the buttered bread and the bread centers to the pan.
4. Toast the bread: Cook until the first side is golden brown, about 3–4 minutes, then flip the bread over.
5. Crack the egg: Crack one egg into the hole of each piece of bread. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat and cook the egg to your preferred doneness—about 3 minutes for a runny yolk, 4–5 minutes for a more set yolk.
6. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, optionally with the toasted center pieces spread with jam, peanut butter, or cinnamon sugar.

Tips and Variations

If you don’t have a cookie cutter, the rim of a glass works perfectly. The small cutout pieces make a delicious sweet or savory accompaniment—try them with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, a smear of jam, or a bit of melted butter for a simple treat. For an extra savory version, top the finished egg in a basket with avocado slices, chopped herbs, hot sauce, or grated cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Eggs in a Basket pairs well with a variety of breakfast sides to make a complete meal. Consider these ideas:

• Home-style roasted or skillet breakfast potatoes for a hearty plate.
• Crispy bacon or oven-baked bacon for a smoky, salty side.
• A simple green salad or sliced tomatoes for freshness and color.
• A freshly brewed cup of coffee—French press or drip—to round out the morning.
• Fruit or a yogurt parfait for a lighter accompaniment.

Related Egg Recipes

• Hard boiled eggs
• Scrambled eggs
• Instant Pot egg bites
• Baked eggs
• Sous vide egg bites

Eggs in a Basket (Egg in a Hole) — Quick Recipe Summary

Author: Lee Funke

Prep time: 10 minutes • Cook time: 10 minutes • Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 slices bread, any kind
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon softened butter (olive oil works too)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for the pan

Instructions

1. Rub both sides of the bread with softened butter.
2. Use a small round cutter—such as a jar lid, round cookie cutter, or the top of a glass—to remove a circular center from each slice.
3. Heat a large skillet over low–medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the bread and the little round cutouts. Cook until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes, then flip the slices.
4. Crack an egg into the hole of each slice. Cover the pan and cook for 3–5 minutes, depending on how runny you like the yolk.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with the toasted cutouts or your favorite breakfast sides.

Nutrition (per serving)

Serving: 1/2 (recipe makes 2 servings). Calories: 321 kcal; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Protein: 9 g; Fat: 22 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 2 g. Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

If you try this recipe, enjoy experimenting with different breads and toppings to make it your own. It’s a fast, comforting breakfast that turns simple ingredients into something delightful.