Egg in a Hole

Egg in a Hole is a classic, simple breakfast recipe that never goes out of style. Whether you're making just one or a whole batch for the family, it's incredibly quick and easy to whip up. I’m always on the lookout for fast breakfast ideas, and this one is a go-to favorite you'll find yourself making again and again. Not only is it kid-friendly, but it’s also a fantastic way to teach beginners the basics of cooking. Best of all, it's a budget-friendly breakfast that’s both satisfying and delicious. If you need an easy morning meal that checks all the boxes—simple, affordable, and family-approved—you really can’t go wrong with Egg in a Hole!

This recipe is perfect year round! If you have kids in the kitchen in summer or on a break...teach them this recipe! It is great for beginner cooks!

Looking for more breakfast ideas? Try my Open Face Avocado/Egg Sandwich or theseMini German Pancakes!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips
• Variations
• Kids in the Kitchen
• Equipment
• Breads and Breakfasts

Ingredients

• egg
• bread of choice
• cooking spray/butter
• cinnamon if wanted for the toast
• salt/pepper

See exact quantities and recipe below!

Instructions

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's warm, add a light coating of cooking spray and a small pat of butter.

While the skillet heats, cut a hole in the center of your slice of bread using a cookie cutter, glass, or knife. Place the bread in the skillet and quickly flip it once so both sides get coated with butter.

Crack an egg directly into the hole in the center of the bread. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Place the round cut-out piece of bread (the "medallion") in the skillet with a bit more butter. Let both the bread and egg begin to toast.

If you’d like to make a sweet version, sprinkle cinnamon sugar onto the medallion after it's been buttered on both sides.

Once the bottom of the egg is cooked to your liking, gently flip the bread to cook the other side—this will give you a more evenly cooked egg and perfectly golden toast. (For over easy let cook for 1-2 minutes. Then 30 seconds or so on other side.)

Cook to your preferred egg doneness, then remove everything from the skillet and transfer to a plate.

Serve immediately with the toasted bread circle on the side.

Watch this recipe in action in the video below!

Tips

Do not set your heat to high, a medium to medium high is perfect!

You can make this just as you make a fried egg. For over easy cook 1-2 minutes on first side then 30 seconds on other side. Just increase time by 30 seconds for more doneness.

Variations

Change up the bread for different flavors! I love using sourdough, cinnamon swirl and a good sandwich bread!

Add flavorings to your circle toast! I love adding cinnamon sugar but I also add jelly and honey.

Make it spicier! Sprinkle the egg with a bit of salsa and a bit of cheddar! So good!

Kids in the Kitchen

I love recipes that help kids build confidence in the kitchen, and this one is perfect for teaching the basics! Egg in a Hole introduces essential cooking skills like preheating a skillet, using cooking spray or butter, safely cutting out the center of the bread, and cracking an egg without breaking the yolk. It’s also a great way to practice flipping food in a skillet. Simple, hands-on, and rewarding—this is an ideal recipe for young or beginner cooks. Give it a try with your kids and enjoy the process (and the tasty results)!

Equipment

Good quality tools make your kitchen just work better for you! Having a good quality pan makes life easier! And a thin turner! Here is a link to some of my fav kitchen supplies!

Breads and Breakfasts