Egg-in-a-hole toast is one of those simple recipes that surprises you with how good it tastes. It uses just a few basic ingredients and comes together in only a few minutes. That makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick bite when you need something warm and satisfying.
What is egg-in-a-hole toast?
Egg-in-a-hole toast is made by cutting a hole in the center of a slice of bread, cracking an egg into the middle, seasoning it simply, and cooking it in butter until the bread is golden and crisp on the outside while the center stays soft and flavorful. The result is a quick, comforting recipe with crispy toast, tender egg, and plenty of buttery flavor.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- It is ready in just a few minutes.
- It uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- It turns out crisp on the outside and soft in the center.
- It is a great option for breakfast or brunch.
- You can easily change up the seasonings and add-ins.
Ingredients and substitutions
The ingredients in this recipe are simple, but they come together in a delicious way. The bread acts as the base and turns golden and crispy in the skillet, while the egg keeps the center soft and rich. Butter adds flavor, and the seasonings finish everything off without making the recipe complicated. Below, you can see what each ingredient does and a few easy substitutions.
- Sliced sandwich bread: this is the base of the recipe and gets nicely golden in the skillet. You can also use whole wheat bread or another type of sliced bread you like.
- Eggs: these go in the center of the bread and make the filling soft and flavorful. Fresh eggs work best for the nicest texture.
- Butter: helps brown the bread and adds extra flavor. If you prefer, you can use olive oil instead.
- Salt: brings out the flavor of the egg and balances the other ingredients.
- White pepper: adds a mild layer of flavor. You can swap it for black pepper if you prefer.
- Parsley: adds freshness and a little color. Chives also work well here.
Possible substitutions
You can adapt this recipe very easily. Regular sandwich bread can be replaced with whole wheat bread, gluten-free bread, or firmer homemade sliced bread. Butter can be replaced with olive oil, and parsley can be swapped for chives or dried oregano. If you want to change it up even more, you can sprinkle a little shredded cheese on top before covering the center with the bread cutout.
See the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the exact measurements.
How to prepare the bread
Choose slices of sandwich bread that are whole and fairly sturdy so they can hold the egg in the center more easily. If the bread is very fresh and soft, cut the center carefully so the edges do not tear.
Watch the recipe video
How to make it
For full details and exact amounts, check the complete recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Cut out the center of the bread: use a drinking glass or biscuit cutter to cut a circle out of the center of 2 slices of bread. Set the bread cutouts aside.
- Butter the skillet: spread a little butter in a skillet and place the bread slices in the pan so they can start to lightly toast.
- Add the egg: crack an egg into the center of each slice, starting with a little of the egg white first, then adding the rest so it spreads more evenly.
- Season: sprinkle the eggs with salt and white pepper to taste.
- Mix gently: use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to gently swirl the egg white, yolk, and seasonings together in the center without letting it spill over the edges.
- Add the parsley: finish with chopped parsley to add freshness and flavor.
- Cover with the bread cutout: place the reserved bread rounds back on top of each slice, covering the filling.
- Cook on both sides: add a little more butter on top and cook until the bread is golden on the outside and the center is cooked through but still tender.
- Serve right away: remove from the skillet and serve while still warm.
Tip: serve it right away, because that is when the toast is crispiest on the outside and the center tastes its best.
Variations
This recipe works well with a lot of simple variations, which makes it even more practical for everyday cooking. With just a few small changes, you can create different flavors without losing the quick, homemade feel of the recipe.
- With cheese: add shredded cheese or a thin slice of cheese with the egg to make the center even creamier.
- With ham: add small pieces of ham to the center for a heartier version.
- With herbs: swap the parsley for oregano, chives, or chopped basil.
- With whole wheat bread: use whole wheat bread for a slightly deeper flavor.
Tools and equipment
You only need a few kitchen tools to make this recipe, but choosing the right ones helps a lot and makes the process easier from start to finish.
- Skillet: essential for toasting the bread and cooking the egg evenly.
- Drinking glass or cutter: used to cut the center out of the bread easily.
- Toothpick: helps gently mix the egg and seasonings in the center of the bread.
- Spatula: makes it easier to flip or remove the toast from the skillet.
- Knife or spoon: useful for spreading the butter if needed.
Nonstick skillets usually work best for this recipe because they help the bread brown without sticking and make flipping much easier.
Storage
These are best eaten right after cooking so you can enjoy the crispy texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day and reheat them in a skillet before serving.
Tips
A few simple details can make a big difference in the final result. Small adjustments can help you get toastier bread, a more evenly cooked center, and an even better texture overall.
- Use low to medium heat: this helps the bread brown without burning before the egg has time to cook.
- Add the egg carefully: pouring in a little of the egg white first helps prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Do not overdo the butter: use enough to brown the bread nicely without making it too heavy.
- Mix gently: stir the center carefully so you do not break the edges of the bread.
- Serve immediately: the texture is much better when the recipe is eaten while still warm.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can use whole wheat bread, gluten-free bread, or any other sliced bread you like.
Yes, black pepper also works well in this recipe.
Yes, shredded cheese or a thin slice of cheese goes very well with this recipe.
More recipes
Looking for more recipes like this one? Try these:
Recipe
Easy Skillet Egg Toast
Equipment
- 1 drinking glass
- 1 nonstick skillet
- 1 toothpick
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 2 slices sandwich bread white bread or whole wheat
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter more if needed
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon parsley chopped
Instructions
- Use a drinking glass to cut a round hole in the center of each slice of bread. Set the bread centers aside, because you will use them later.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over low to medium heat and add a little of the butter. Once the butter melts, place the bread slices in the skillet and let them start to toast lightly.
- Carefully crack one egg into the center of each slice, adding a little of the egg white first and then the rest of the egg. This helps the egg settle more evenly into the opening.
- Season each toast with salt and white pepper. Use a toothpick to gently mix the egg white, yolk, and seasonings together inside the center of the bread, being careful not to let the egg spill over the edges.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for extra flavor and a fresh finish.
- Place the reserved bread centers back on top, covering the egg mixture. Add a little more butter on top if needed, then continue cooking until the bread is golden and crisp on the outside and the egg is cooked through but still soft inside.
- Carefully remove the toasts from the skillet and serve immediately while hot.
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