- Use a cookie cutter to create a hole in the center of 4 bread slices.
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Place the bread slices with holes, cut-side down, and crack an egg into each hole. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden and the egg white is set. Season with salt.
- Remove the egg-topped bread slices from the pan. Add more butter to the pan and place the remaining bread slices (without holes) in the pan.
- Layer each plain bread slice with cheese, tomato slices, parsley, and black pepper.
- Carefully place the egg-topped bread slices over the cheese and tomato layers to create sandwiches. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cheese melts and the bread is golden brown.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
- Calories:340 kcal25%
- Energy:1422 kJ22%
- Protein:20 g28%
- Carbohydrates:35 mg40%
- Sugar:4 mg8%
- Salt:800 g25%
- Fat:25 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Egg In Hole Toast Recipe – Cheesy Tomato Parsley Breakfast Idea
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… hectic. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip breakfast! I stumbled upon this Egg in Hole Toast recipe a while back, and it’s become a total lifesaver. It’s quick, easy, and seriously delicious – plus, it just looks so cheerful on a plate. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another breakfast recipe; it’s a little bit of sunshine on a plate. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekend brunches, or even a fun, quick dinner. The combination of crispy bread, runny egg, melted cheese, and fresh flavors is just… chef’s kiss. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can easily adapt it to your liking.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful breakfast:
- 8 bread slices
- 4 eggs
- 2 tomatoes
- 4 cheese slices
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more, to taste!)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.
- Bread: I love using a slightly thicker-cut bread for this – it holds up better to the egg. White bread is classic, but whole wheat, sourdough, or even brioche work beautifully.
- Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to, but feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would be fantastic.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a lovely brightness, but dried works perfectly well in a pinch. If using fresh, about 3 times the amount of dried is a good rule of thumb.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted butter both work. If using salted, you might want to go easy on the added salt.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business!
- Grab four of your bread slices and use a cookie cutter (or a knife, if you’re feeling adventurous!) to create a hole in the center of each one. Don’t worry about making it perfect – rustic is charming!
- Melt a tablespoon of butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the bread slices with the holes (cut-side down!) into the pan.
- Crack an egg into each hole. Season with a little salt. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the egg white is mostly set.
- Gently remove the egg-topped bread slices from the pan and set aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan.
- Place the remaining four bread slices into the pan. Layer each slice with a cheese slice, a few tomato slices, a sprinkle of parsley, and a dash of black pepper.
- Carefully place the egg-topped bread slices on top of the cheese and tomato layers.
- Flip the sandwiches over and toast for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
Expert Tips
A few little things I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Keep the heat at medium. Too high, and the bread will burn before the egg cooks through.
- A non-stick pan is your best friend here. It makes flipping a breeze!
Variations
This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity!
- Spicy Kick: My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of chili flakes to the egg while it’s cooking.
- Veggie Boost: Throw in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers under the cheese for an extra dose of nutrients.
- Herby Goodness: Experiment with different herbs! Chives, oregano, or thyme would all be delicious.
Vegan Adaptation
Want to make this vegan? No problem!
- Use your favorite vegan bread.
- Substitute the eggs with a vegan egg replacement (like Just Egg) or a generous spoonful of mashed avocado.
- Use vegan cheese slices.
- Use vegan butter.
Gluten-Free Adaptation (Bread Options)
For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free bread. There are some fantastic gluten-free bread options available these days – look for one that’s sturdy enough to hold the egg.
Spice Level Adjustment (Pepper)
Don’t be shy with the pepper! If you like a little heat, add a generous grind of black pepper. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Quick Weekday Breakfast Variation
Short on time? Skip the tomato and parsley and just make the egg-in-hole toast with cheese. It’s still incredibly satisfying!
Festival/Weekend Brunch Adaptation
For a special occasion, serve this with a side of fresh fruit, crispy bacon, and a glass of orange juice. It’s a brunch crowd-pleaser, guaranteed!
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately while hot and crispy. A side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad complements this dish beautifully.
Storage Instructions
This is best enjoyed fresh! However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore some of the crispness.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions:
What type of bread works best for Egg in Hole Toast?
A slightly thicker-cut bread, like white, whole wheat, sourdough, or brioche, holds up best.
Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan are all great options.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Not really. It’s best made fresh to ensure the bread is crispy and the egg is perfectly cooked.
How can I prevent the egg from running out of the hole?
Make sure the hole isn’t too big! Also, cooking the egg slowly over medium heat helps the white set before it has a chance to escape.
Is it possible to bake this Egg in Hole Toast instead of frying it?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled toast on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.