y delight of melted cheese into one perfect, single-serving package.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to master. Whether you are cooking for one or feeding a crowd, these toast cups are a showstopper. They look impressive on a plate but are surprisingly simple to make, even on a busy weekday morning. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine with this simple and savory dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes these cheesy baked eggs in toast cups so special? For starters, they are the perfect all-in-one breakfast. You get your protein from the eggs, carbohydrates from the toast, and a wonderful dose of flavor from the cheese and seasonings. Everything is neatly contained in a crispy toast cup, making them easy to eat and minimizing cleanup.

Another great aspect is their adaptability. You can stick to the basic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients. Add some chopped bacon, sautéed vegetables, or fresh herbs to make them your own. They are also a fantastic option for brunch gatherings, as you can prepare a large batch at once in a standard muffin tin. The individual portions make serving a breeze.

Finally, this recipe is a great way to use up bread that might be a day or two old. The process of baking it in a muffin tin brings it back to life, creating a wonderfully crisp and sturdy base for the egg and cheese. It’s an efficient and delicious way to reduce food waste.

What You Need: The Simple Ingredients

One of the best parts about this recipe is its short and accessible ingredient list. You probably have most of what you need in your kitchen right now.

• Bread: Standard sandwich bread works perfectly. White, whole wheat, or multigrain are all excellent choices.
• Eggs: Large eggs are ideal for filling the toast cups.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Swiss blend would also be delicious.
• Butter: Melted butter helps the toast cups get golden brown and crispy.
• Seasonings: A simple combination of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Optional Toppings: Fresh chives or parsley for garnish add a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Eggs in Toast Cups: Step-by-Step

Making these delightful breakfast cups is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof result every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin and Bread

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This is a crucial step to prevent the toast from sticking.

Next, prepare your bread slices. Trim the crusts off each slice. This makes the bread more pliable and easier to fit into the muffin cups. Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice of bread until it is thin. This helps it form a better cup shape and ensures it crisps up nicely in the oven.

Step 2: Form the Toast Cups

Brush both sides of each flattened bread slice with melted butter. The butter not only adds flavor but is essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown crispiness.

Carefully press one slice of buttered bread into each cup of the prepared muffin tin. Gently push it down and against the sides to form a cup shape. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; the bread will settle as it bakes.

Step 3: Pre-Bake the Toast Cups

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes. You want the toast cups to be lightly golden and slightly firm. This pre-baking step is key to preventing the cups from getting soggy after you add the egg.

Step 4: Add the Fillings

Remove the muffin tin from the oven. Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese into the bottom of each partially baked toast cup.

Carefully crack one egg into each toast cup, right on top of the cheese. Try to keep the yolk intact for a beautiful presentation and a runny center. If you prefer your yolks cooked through, you can gently break them with a fork.

Step 5: Season and Bake Again

Season the top of each egg with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings you enjoy at this stage.

Return the muffin tin to the oven. Bake for another 12-18 minutes. The baking time will depend on how you like your eggs. For runny yolks, aim for the 12-14 minute mark. The egg whites should be set, but the yolk will still be soft. For firmer yolks, bake closer to the 18-minute mark.

Step 6: Add More Cheese and Serve

In the last 2 minutes of baking, remove the tin from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of each egg. Return it to the oven to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, bubbly layer.

Once baked to your liking, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the cheesy baked eggs in toast cups cool for a minute or two before gently running a knife around the edges and lifting them out. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Toast Cups

• Don’t Skip Flattening the Bread: Rolling the bread thin is essential. It helps the bread become crisp rather than soft and doughy.
• Grease the Tin Well: Be generous with the butter or cooking spray on your muffin tin to ensure the toast cups release easily.
• Watch the Eggs Closely: Ovens can vary, so keep a close eye on your eggs. They can go from perfectly runny to fully cooked in just a minute or two.
• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Eggs at room temperature will cook more evenly than eggs straight from the refrigerator.

Fun Variations to Try

The basic recipe for cheesy baked eggs in toast cups is fantastic on its own, but it also serves as a wonderful canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Bacon and Cheddar: Add crumbled, cooked bacon along with the cheese for a classic and savory combination.
• Spinach and Feta: Sauté some fresh spinach with garlic and squeeze out any excess moisture. Add it to the toast cups before the egg and top with crumbled feta cheese.
• Ham and Swiss: Dice some cooked ham and pair it with shredded Swiss cheese for a flavor profile reminiscent of a Croque Monsieur.
• Sausage and Bell Pepper: Cook some breakfast sausage and finely dice some red and green bell peppers. Sauté the peppers until soft and add both to the cups for a heartier version.
• Mushroom and Thyme: Sauté sliced mushrooms with fresh thyme until they are golden brown. This adds an earthy and aromatic element.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy baked eggs in toast cups are wonderful on their own, but they also pair well with other breakfast favorites. Serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad for a light and balanced meal. A side of crispy breakfast potatoes or a few slices of avocado would also be excellent companions.

For a larger brunch, you can create a “toast cup bar” with various toppings and let your guests customize their own. Set out bowls of different cheeses, cooked meats, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these ahead of time?
These are best served fresh from the oven to enjoy the crispy toast and runny egg yolk. However, you can prepare the toast cups (steps 1-3) ahead of time. Store the pre-baked toast cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. When you’re ready to eat, simply add the fillings and bake.

Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While standard sandwich bread is easy to work with, you can experiment with other types like brioche for a richer flavor or sourdough for a tangy twist. Just make sure the bread is pliable enough to fit into the muffin tin.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover toast cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the toast soft.

My toast cups came out soggy. What went wrong?
Sogginess is usually caused by skipping the pre-baking step. Pre-baking the toast cups creates a firm barrier that prevents the egg from seeping into the bread. Also, ensure you flatten the bread well before pressing it into the tin.

Final Words

Breakfast doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming. With this simple recipe for cheesy baked eggs in toast cups, you can enjoy a delicious, wholesome, and impressive-looking meal with minimal effort. It’s a dish that feels special enough for a weekend brunch but is practical enough for a weekday morning.

The combination of crispy, buttery toast, a perfectly cooked egg, and melted, gooey cheese is truly hard to beat. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own with your favorite additions. It’s bound to become a new staple in your breakfast rotation. Enjoy