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
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
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!
This post may contain Affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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).
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!
Easy Breakfast Egg Bake
Shakshouka - Eggs in Purgatory
Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal
Pin This Egg in a Hole Recipe

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!
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 slice Bread (I like Texas Toast)
- 1 lg Egg
- Salt & Pepper to taste
-
Using a small round cookie cutter or other round cutter (2 ⅛" 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 ½ - 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!

RESOURCES TO MAKE this recipe and more
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Jacquie
Perfect, simple, and delicious recipe. I like to add some garlic salt for a little extra flavor.
addy
i love this recipe ive had egg in ahole since I was a little kid and just love it
Lindsay
I grew up calling this toad in a hole and we called the cut out piece the lily pad !
Robert
The first time I ever had eggs like this was in Thurmont, Maryland at a restaurant called "The Lighthouse". These were on the menu and called "Lighthouse Eggs". That was over 50 years ago and I still call them that. And still make them at least once a week!
March
We called it Girl Scout eggs!
Katrina
My family called them framed eggs when I was little since they look like an egg in a frame, I guess. Lol. I've never heard anyone else call them that though.
cheryl
I haven't done this since my kids were small! So simple and delicious!
Jennifer
I know them by popeyes