I’ve already been through a whole post of fantastic toast recipes, but I felt like this one deserved one of its own. I mean, just look how cute those little eggs are! Not to mention the whole dish is a dream of tastes and textures, from the crispy, buttery toast to the savory runny yolk in the middle. I know you’re egg-cited to try this eggs in a basket recipe, so let’s get started.
What Are Eggs in a Basket?
Eggs in a basket consists of a slice of toast with a hole cut out of the center into which an egg is cracked and fried until it’s sunny-side-up. First featured in an 1890s cookbook by Fannie Farmer, it was initially called “Eggs with a Hat,” as the extra piece of bread was placed on top to serve. Fun fact: this dish also goes by tons of other names. In fact, there are 66 in total! The most notable ones, to me, are:
Eggs in a frameOne-eyed JackBull’s eyeEggs on an island
Whatever you want to call it, one thing’s for sure: it’s a must-try.
Ingredients
As you can see from the picture above, you don’t need much to make this tasty breakfast!
Eggs – The fresher, the better! White Bread – any good-quality, thick, toastable bread will work. If using fesh bread, be sure to slice it thick enough to fit a whole egg in the middle. Butter – You’ll only use a little bit, so might as well just use the real thing. Margarine is not welcome here! You can use either salted or unsalted butter. If using the former, don’t season the toast with extra salt. Salt and Pepper – to taste.
Tips for the Best Eggs in a Basket
This dish only calls for two ingredients which means you’ll want to use the best quality. Start with good sandwich bread that’s firm and thick enough to contain a whole egg in the center.Try other kinds of bread, like sourdough, bagels, wheat bread, or English muffins. As long as they’re firm and thick, they’ll do.Use fresh eggs for the best flavor. You can tell by the smell. I’m pretty sure we’re all familiar with the atrocious scent of rotten eggs! Another way to check for egg freshness is with the water test. Place the eggs in a bowl of cold water and watch what happens. If they sink to the bottom and lay on their sides, they’re fresh. If they sink but stand upright, they’re a few weeks old but still safe to eat. If they float to the top, that’s your cue to throw them out.The easiest way to cut a hole in the bread is with a cookie cutter. If you don’t have one, try a glass rim or a mason jar lid.If you have other cookie cutter shapes, feel free to test them out. Hearts will always be adorable, just be sure the hole is big enough to hold an egg.Use a non-stick skillet for easy egg release. If you have a large skillet, you shuold be able to easily cook two toasts at once. Preheat the skillet well so the bread toasts up. If you skip this step, the egg will be cooked before the bread gets any color.Low and slow is the way to go. Don’t go beyond medium-low in an attempt to cook the toast faster. A gentle flame guarantees that both the toast and egg cook perfectly at the same time.
How to Serve Eggs in a Basket
This already-charming breakfast dish doesn’t really need any more jazzing up. But if you want to make it a little more extra, here are a few things to try:
Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper or drizzle some sriracha over the toast to spice it up. Want more spice options? Try paprika and cayenne. Garnish the toast with salt and fresh chives for extra flavor and a pop of color. You don’t need much!Dip the cut-up circle in the runny egg yolk. Or, turn the cutouts into a completely different dish by coating them with cinnamon sugar. This way you’ll get both breakfast and dessert.Add shredded cheese on top of the toast as the egg cooks for an extra rich and cheesy breakfast. Or if you add shredded cheese to the pan first, it will create a heavenly crust. Pair the toast with hash browns or fried potatoes. Two (forms of) carbs are better than one!Serve the toast with crispy bacon on the side for an extra dose of protein and fat. Other breakfast meats such as sausages and ham would be perfect, too. Serve fruits on the side, like sliced avocados, mangoes, peaches, or berries. The more fruits, the more colorful and nutritious the plate would be. Have a salad on the side. It offers a light contrast to the heavy dish.For British flair, add a spoonful of baked beans to the plate. And for a truly decadent fry-up, include fried tomatoes too!Steak and eggs, anyone? It’s not for everyday but will make one helluva Sunday brunch!Enjoy the toast on its own with your favorite morning beverage. I always have coffee, but juice makes a nice, bright contrast.
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