Egg in a Toasted Basket
Start your day off right with this delightful Egg in a Toasted Basket, a fun and delicious breakfast that brings together a perfectly cooked egg nestled in a crispy piece of bread. Ideal for a quick meal any time of the day, this recipe allows for creativity and customization; add your favorite toppings or spices to elevate the flavors. Whether you enjoy it plain or jazz it up with some cheese, herbs, or hot sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it's easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy mornings or lazy brunches with friends and family.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg
1 (Fresh)
bread
1 slice (Any kind, preferably thick-cut for better holding capacity)
butter
1/2 teaspoon (Unsalted)
salt
to taste (N/A)
pepper
to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting out a circle in the center of your slice of bread using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
2
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly spray it with cooking spray or add a small amount of oil.
3
Place the slice of bread onto the skillet and let it toast for about 1-2 minutes until it starts to brown slightly.
4
Add 1/2 teaspoon of unsalted butter into the hole of the bread and let it melt until sizzling, ensuring that it coats the edges of the hole.
5
Carefully crack the fresh egg into the circular hole of the bread, taking care not to break the yolk.
6
Using a spatula, gently push the egg white towards the center to help it cook evenly and prevent it from spreading too much.
7
Cook the egg until the white is mostly set, which should take about 2-3 minutes, then carefully flip the entire slice of bread over.
8
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the egg is cooked to your desired doneness, being careful not to break the yolk.
9
Meanwhile, toast any leftover bread circle pieces in the pan until golden brown for dipping.
10
Once cooked, season the egg with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately, enjoying with the toasted bread pieces for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Egg in a Toasted Basket?
It is a breakfast dish where an egg is cooked inside a circular hole cut out of a piece of bread, resulting in a crispy, savory meal.
What are the main ingredients?
You only need five ingredients: an egg, a slice of bread, unsalted butter, salt, and pepper.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
Any kind of bread works, but thick-cut bread is preferred for its better holding capacity.
How do I cut the hole in the bread?
You can use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to press a circle into the center of the bread.
How do I prepare the skillet?
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly spray it with cooking spray or add a small amount of oil.
How long should I toast the bread initially?
Place the slice in the skillet and toast it for about 1-2 minutes until it starts to brown slightly.
When do I add the butter?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of unsalted butter into the hole of the bread once it has started to toast.
Why should I push the egg whites toward the center?
Gently pushing the whites with a spatula helps them cook evenly and prevents them from spreading too much outside the hole.
How long does it take for the egg white to set?
It typically takes about 2-3 minutes for the egg white to be mostly set before you flip it.
How do I cook the second side?
After flipping, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the egg reaches your desired level of doneness.
What should I do with the bread circle I cut out?
Toast the leftover bread circle in the pan until golden brown and use it for dipping into the egg yolk.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of extra salt you add at the end.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for 1 serving.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is perfect for busy mornings.
Can I add toppings to this dish?
Absolutely! You can customize it with cheese, herbs, or hot sauce to elevate the flavors.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Breakfast dish.
How do I prevent the yolk from breaking?
Carefully crack the egg into the hole and use a gentle hand when flipping the bread with a spatula.
Can I use a different shape for the center?
Yes, while a circle is traditional, you can use any cookie cutter shape you like.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is a fun and delicious option for a lazy brunch with friends or family.
What is the heat setting for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning the bread.
Can I make this if I am in a hurry?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and only takes a few minutes to prepare and cook.
What kind of egg should I use?
The recipe calls for one fresh egg.
Is this a comfort food?
Yes, its warm, crispy, and savory nature makes it a classic comfort food.
How do I season the dish?
Once cooked, season with salt and pepper to your personal taste preference.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, you can substitute any type of bread, including gluten-free varieties.
What if I don't have a cookie cutter?
The rim of a standard drinking glass works perfectly to cut out the center circle.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, use cooking spray, oil, or the specified butter to ensure the bread and egg do not stick.
When do I serve it?
It is best served immediately while the bread is crispy and the egg is hot.
How do I ensure the butter coats the edges?
Let the butter melt until it is sizzling in the hole before cracking the egg into it.
What are some other names for this dish?
It is often called 'egg in a hole,' 'toad in a hole,' or 'bird's nest'.