There’s something undeniably comforting about breakfast foods that are easy to prepare and bring a sense of warmth to the morning. I recall the first time I stumbled upon the idea of savory egg cups while scouring through recipes online, desperate for a way to whip up a quick breakfast that my family would love. The concept of combining ham, cheese, and eggs in a delightful little muffin-shaped parcel sounded like pure genius. Fast forward to now, and our household has enjoyed these Ham and Cheese Egg Cups more mornings than I can count. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a leisurely breakfast at home, these little gems are not only delicious but also versatile enough to cater to your preferences.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 18 minutes
- Total Duration: 28 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 12
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 120
- Protein: 9g per serving
- Carbs: 1g per serving
- Fats: 9g per serving
- Fiber: 0g per serving
- Sugars: 0g per serving
- Sodium: 450mg per serving
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Egg Cups
Each bite of Ham and Cheese Egg Cups bursts with flavor, and the texture is a delightful balance of tender egg and savory ham. They’re perfect for meal prep, making your mornings smoother and stress-free. Not to mention, you can add whatever toppings or seasonings you like! It’s a wonderful way to make sure everyone finds something they adore, from the kids to the adults. Plus, with such a short preparation time, you can whip these up even on the busiest days!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Let me walk you through the process of creating these delightful egg cups. They’re not only satisfying to eat but also to make. You’ll appreciate how quickly you’ll move from ingredients scattered on your counter to the heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake.
Ingredients:
- 12 slices of ham
- 12 eggs
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Green onions
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First set the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your egg cups will bake evenly and come out perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Next, add the ham slices to a lightly greased muffin tin. The ham will act as the little cup that holds all the delicious ingredients, so make sure each slice sits snugly against the sides.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Divide the mozzarella cheese among the 12 cups and sprinkle it generously on top of the ham. The melted cheese will give a delightful creaminess to the final bite.
Step 4: Crack the Eggs
Then add the eggs on top of the cheese. Go ahead and crack them one by one – this way, you can ensure they all fit into their little ham nests without any spills.
Step 5: Season
Season with salt and pepper. A little sprinkle goes a long way in enhancing all the flavors in this simple dish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15-18 minutes, keeping an eye on them until the eggs set to your liking. You want them just firm enough so they hold together but remain soft and fluffy!
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Top with green onions and enjoy! The fresh crunch of green onions adds a lovely touch of color and flavor to your delightful egg cups.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Ham and Cheese Egg Cups are delicious on their own or paired with a side of fresh fruit or crispy bacon. For a complete breakfast, serve them with a light salad or some whole-grain toast to balance the meal. They make an excellent brunch item too!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare in my household!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- For easy removal, ensure you grease the muffin tin thoroughly. A non-stick spray or a bit of butter does wonders!
- Feel free to customize with other ingredients. Spinach, bell peppers, feta cheese, or different types of meat can all be fantastic additions.
- If you want to make these ahead, prepare the ham and cheese cups, then refrigerate. Crack the eggs in just before baking to maintain freshness.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
You can switch up the cheese for cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier kick or use turkey ham for a lighter option. Add herbs like basil or thyme for an additional flavor layer, or even a touch of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little heat.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Can I use eggs from a carton? Absolutely! Just measure out the equivalent of a dozen eggs.
- What if I don’t have a muffin tin? You can use a ramekin or any oven-safe small dish, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- How do I know when my egg cups are done? They should be firm to the touch and the yolks slightly soft if you prefer runniness.
- Can I freeze these egg cups? Yes! Allow them to cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to eat.
- What about low-sodium versions? Use low-sodium ham and cheese, and be mindful of your added salt.
Wrapping Up
You’ll find that these Ham and Cheese Egg Cups quickly become a favorite recipe in your household, just as they have in mine. They’re a wonderful testament to how simple ingredients can create something delicious and nourishing. I encourage you to gather your loved ones and create these today—after all, sharing food is one of life’s most joyful experiences! Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
Print
Ham and Cheese Egg Cups
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
Savory breakfast egg cups filled with ham, cheese, and eggs, perfect for a quick and delicious morning meal.
Ingredients
- 12 slices of ham
- 12 eggs
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Add ham slices to a greased muffin tin, forming little cups.
- Divide mozzarella cheese among the muffin cups, placing it on top of the ham.
- Crack an egg into each cup on top of the cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until eggs are set to your liking.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.
Notes
Grease the muffin tin thoroughly for easy removal. Customize ingredients to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
