Toast to mornings with eggs in a basket
Out of all the ways to prepare eggs, none are as playful as eggs in a basket. There’s just something magical about an egg cooked inside a piece of toast that can instantly brighten any morning. And did I mention they also taste really good?
As simple as this dish is to make, there are a few techniques that will help you achieve a perfectly cooked egg inside a golden, buttery slice of toast every time.
If you’ve never heard of eggs in a basket, chances are you know the dish by another name. In fact, some sources claim there are as many as 66 names for this dish. Some of the most popular names include egg in a hole, eggs in a frame, gashouse eggs and a one-eyed Jack.
Eggs in a basket have a somewhat ambiguous history and no clear birthplace, although references of their existence begin as early as the 1890s, when a recipe for “egg in a hat” was published in Fannie Farmer’s “Boston Cooking School Cookbook.” The dish has also appeared frequently in popular culture, including in an episode of “Friends” and the romantic comedy “Moonstruck.” The dish appears to have been passed from home cook to home cook, with the name changing based on who was cooking it.
Before you head into the kitchen to make this recipe, keep these tips in mind.
1. Cut the right-sized hole.
A2-to2 ½-inch round cutter creates the perfect-sized hole for a standard large egg. If you don’t have one, use the rim of a small drinking glass, which is about the same size.
2. Use a large nonstick skillet.
The nonstick surface will help the egg release with ease, and the large size means you can toast two slices of bread and their cutout centers at the same time.
3. Cook low and slow. Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat to move things along more quickly. A gentle medium-low flame ensures the toast browns at the same rate that the egg cooks.
4. Cover the pan. After cracking the eggs into the bread, you’ll want to cover the pan to help the egg whites set. If you prefer your yolks cooked through as well, cook a few minutes longer.
Garnish your eggs with fresh chives, then serve with classic breakfast fare: bacon, orange juice and plenty of coffee.
A bottle of hot sauce would be a good addition, too.