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Egg in a Hole is a piece of toast that has a soft cooked egg in the center, which has been cut out. This popular breakfast has many names, like Toad in a Hole, but this egg in toast recipe is delicious no matter what name you call it!

Egg in a Hole on a white plate with silver fork

Egg in a Hole

I personally have heard this recipe called by several names. I have always called it Egg in a hole. It is literally an egg cooked in a hole that you make in a piece of bread! And it’s delicious!

In case you are curious, here are the other names I have heard it called. And I’m sure there are more!

  • Egg-in-a-Frame
  • Frog-in-the-Pond
  • Toad-in-a-Hole
  • Egg-in-the-Basket
  • Egg-in-a-Nest
  • Egg-with-Hat
  • Egg-in-a-Trash-Can

Uncooked Egg in a Holes on a griddle

I am not fond of sunny side up eggs. I like to cook both sides, so I lay the bread on the griddle (or frying pan) and crack the egg into the hole. Then I flip it after about 2 minutes and cook that side until it’s how I like it.

If you like sunny side up eggs, cook the bread on one side, flip it, then crack the egg into the hole. Cook until desired doneness. Don’t forget to cook the “hole” piece that you cut out!

Closeup of cooked Egg in a Hole on griddle


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Electric griddles are inexpensive and very handy to have around. They allow you to cook several pieces at one time! You can also use them for pancakes, bacon, burgers, and so much more! I like this one: Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle (affiliate).

Hand dipping circle toast into Egg in a Hole on a white plate

That hole piece that you cut out does have a purpose! Toast it along side the bread, then use it to sop up that delicious runny egg yolk! How perfect is that?!

If you have made this recipe before, I’d like to know what you called it growing up. I find it fascinating that a recipe can have so many names!

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Egg in a Hole on a white plate with the title and Simply Happy Foodie's logo

Egg in a Hole on a white plate with fork
5 from 10 votes

Egg in a Hole

By Sandy Clifton
Egg in a Hole is a delicious piece of toast that has an egg soft cooked in the center, which has been cut out. A fast and easy breakfast!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 6 minutes
Total: 11 minutes
Servings: 1
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Ingredients 

  • 2 Tbsp Butter
  • 1 slice Bread (I like Texas Toast)
  • 1 lg Egg
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Using a small round cookie cutter  or other round cutter (2 1/8" is a good size), cut the center out of the slice of bread, saving the center piece. Set both aside.
  • In a frying pan or on an electric griddle on medium heat, spread the butter onto the hot surface.
  • Place the bread on the hot buttered surface. Also place the center piece on the pan.
  • Then crack an egg directly into the hole in the slice of bread.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of slat and pepper onto the egg. Cook about 1-2 minutes, or until you can flip it. Also flip the center piece.
  • Flip the bread/egg, and sprinkle a little salt and pepper on that side. Cook until the desired softness of the egg is reached. I like runny yolks, so I cook about 1 1/2 - 2minutes.
  • If you like sunny side up eggs: Lay the bread on the hot skillet and toast that side. Then flip it and crack the egg into the hole. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until desired doneness of the egg is achieved!
  • Serve immediately. Use the center hole piece of bread to sop up the runny yolk! Yum!

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @simply_happy_foodie

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Hi, Iโ€™m Sandy!

My style of cooking is casual, uncomplicated (most of the time, if I can get out of my own way!), and everything is made from my heart. I hope my recipes will help you get the meal on the table a little easier, so you can enjoy the time with your tribe.

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17 Comments

  1. Mary Drum says:

    Turned out perfectly runny center! Timing was everything! Glad I found you.

  2. Karl Woods says:

    We just call it egg-in-bread. I usually use margarine on both sides of the bread and butter on the grill. Goes great with bacon and a cup of coffee!

  3. Andrew Villoresi says:

    My family all calls them blinkys lol or blinkees crazy I. Donโ€™t know how or where that name came from

  4. Jennifer McLean says:

    Birds nests. My grown kids still request them.

  5. Susan says:

    Bread around egg or egg in a basket

  6. Bryan says:

    Been looking for something different for my breakfasts!
    Thanks for your recipe! I have heard of Toad in a Hole!