Eggs in a basket is a quick way to make fried eggs and crispy toast at the same time!

Eggs are fried inside a slice of bread for an easy breakfast recipe that is ready in 15 minutes!

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You’ll Love Making These Eggs in a Basket Because…

  • They are easy to make, fast to prepare, and only use 3 ingredients.
  • You can cook several at once making them great for busy mornings.
  • It’s a crispy all-in-one breakfast that kids and grownups both love.
  • Cook the eggs to your preferred doneness for the perfect bite.
bread , eggs , butter , salt and pepper with labels to make Eggs in a Basket

Ingredients for Eggs in a Basket

This easy breakfast recipe goes by many different names: eggs-in-a-frame, one-eyed jack, bird’s nest, or toad in a hole.

Bread: I love sandwich bread for this recipe, but any bread will work. Pick bread that is about 1-inch thick and sturdy enough to cut a hole in the center. French bread, sourdough, or whole wheat bread work well.

Eggs: Use any size of egg you have. You can also replace the eggs with egg whites or boxed eggs.

Butter: Butter, ghee, or leftover bacon grease add flavor to this recipe and make the toast golden brown and crispy.

Variations

  • Add a slice of cheese on top, turn off the heat, and cover to let it melt.
  • Sprinkle the egg with bacon bits before cooking.
  • Add fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley to the eggs.
  • Serve topped with sliced avocado or tomatoes.

How to Make Eggs in a Basket

  1. Butter the bread and cut a circle in the center.
  2. Fry one side of the bread until golden brown.
  3. Flip the bread and crack an egg into the center. Cover and cook until it reaches your desired doneness (recipe below).

Soft, Medium, or Hard Yolk

Eggs will need 2 to 3 minutes for a soft yolk, 4 to 5 minutes for a medium yolk, and 6 to 7 minutes for a hard yolk.

plated Eggs in a Basket with salt and pepper

Tips for the Perfect Egg in a Basket

  • To create perfect circles, use the rim of a glass, a mason jar ring, or a circular cookie cutter (2 ½-inches).
  • To prevent the eggs from sticking use a nonstick skillet and use melted butter or cooking spray before adding the egg.

Easy Breakfast Ideas

sheet pan with stack of Classic Breakfast Sandwiches

Our Fave Breakfast Sandwich (Make Ahead)

Did you make these Eggs in a Basket? Leave us a rating and a comment below!

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Eggs in a Basket

Eggs in a basket are the perfect breakfast or snack. With just 3 ingredients and a couple of minutes, they're ready to enjoy!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2
Author Holly Nilsson

Equipment

Skillet on white background
Skillet
2.5-inch Circle Cookie Cutter or mason jar lid
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Ingredients  

  • 2 slices sandwich bread any variety
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided
  • 2 eggs
  • salt and black pepper

Instructions 

  • Butter both sides of each piece of bread with 1 tablespoon of butter.
  • Using a round cookie cutter (about 2½-inches) or mason jar lid, cut a circle in the center of each piece of bread.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bread and the centers to the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden.
  • Flip the bread over and add the remaining butter into the center of each slice of bread.
  • Gently crack an egg into the center of each piece of bread and season with salt and black pepper. Cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the egg reaches desired doneness.

Notes

Cook the eggs to your desired doneness:
  • soft yolk: 2-3 minutes
  • medium yolk: 4-5 minutes
  • hard yolk: 6-7 minutes
5 from 10 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 215 | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 260mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 493IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. I have been making these since I was LITTLE Boy I Love them but back then we called them Hawk eyes I don’t know why but they were quick and Delicious5 stars

  2. I’ve been eating these for more years than I care to say and call them one-eyed sandwiches. One of my favorite comfort foods. Thanks for posting.5 stars

  3. I’ve been making these since summer camp. We called them “egg in a frame”. Butter bread and put in the pan. Crack the egg into the hole. When it starts to set, flip it over and cook the other side.