Brunchy Ham and Egg Cups Recipe

Fluffy Ham and Egg Cups Recipe: A Scrumptious Breakfast Treat

Crispy, golden ham perfectly cradles delicate egg cups in this mouthwatering morning delight.

Breakfast lovers will adore this simple yet impressive dish that brings restaurant-style elegance to your kitchen.

Perfectly portioned and packed with protein, these little cups offer a delightful twist on traditional egg preparations.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed – just basic ingredients and a muffin tin.

Each bite combines the salty richness of ham with creamy, soft eggs that practically melt in your mouth.

Minimal prep time means you can enjoy a gourmet-style breakfast without stress or complicated cooking.

Ready to wow your taste buds and impress everyone at the breakfast table?

Serving Ham and Egg Cups for Breakfast

  • Brunch Bliss Plate: Serve these ham and egg cups alongside crispy hash browns or a fresh mixed green salad for a complete morning meal.
  • Protein Power Combo: Pair with whole grain toast and a small dollop of salsa or hot sauce to add extra flavor and boost protein intake.
  • Quick Grab Breakfast: Wrap individual cups in parchment paper for an easy on-the-go breakfast that can be enjoyed during morning commutes or busy workdays.
  • Fancy Appetizer Twist: Cut each cup into smaller portions and serve as elegant bite-sized appetizers during weekend brunches or breakfast gatherings.

Ham and Egg Cup Storage Guide

  • Store ham and egg cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Warm refrigerated cups for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness.
  • Warm frozen cups at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent overcooking. Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp edges.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of ham?

Yes, you can use prosciutto, Canadian bacon, or even turkey ham as alternatives to deli ham for this recipe.

  • What if I want to add more flavor?

Try adding chopped chives, green onions, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to enhance the taste of your ham and egg cups.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! These ham and egg cups can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for quick breakfasts.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Ham and Egg Cups – Simple Brilliance

  • Customize with Ease: You can personalize these cups by adding different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables, making them adaptable to individual tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Portion-Perfect Protein: Each cup provides a balanced protein-packed serving, ideal for those wanting a nutritious breakfast or post-workout meal without complicated preparation.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Solution: These individual egg cups work wonderfully for family breakfasts, brunches, or meal prep, serving multiple people with minimal effort and cleanup.

What’s Needed for Ham and Egg Cups

Protein Base:
  • Ham: Thin deli slices that create a delicious edible cup for the eggs.
  • Eggs: Fresh whole eggs that serve as the main protein component of the dish.
Cheese Component:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese that adds rich flavor and melts beautifully on top of the eggs.
Seasoning:
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice and enhances the overall taste of the ham and egg cups.

Steps for Making Ham and Egg Cups

Steps for Making Ham and Egg Cups

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to sizzle at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

This will create the perfect cozy environment for your ham and egg cups to cook beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grab a muffin tin and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter.

Gently drape a slice of deli ham into each cup, creating a delicious meaty nest for your eggs.

Step 3: Crack and Drop the Eggs

Carefully crack a fresh egg into each ham-lined cup.

Let the egg settle softly into its hammy home.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cheesy Goodness

Top each egg with a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese.

The cheese will melt and create a mouth-watering golden layer.

Step 5: Season with Pepper

Dash some freshly ground black pepper over each egg cup to add a kick of flavor.

Feel free to be generous with your seasoning.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and let the magic happen.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the eggs reach your desired level of doneness.

Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Carefully remove the ham and egg cups from the oven.

Let them cool for a few minutes so they’re easy to handle.

Serve warm and enjoy your protein-packed breakfast creation.

Tips to Perfect Ham and Egg Cups

  • Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray before placing ham to ensure easy removal and clean serving.
  • Adjust baking time based on preferred egg consistency – shorter for runny yolks, longer for fully set eggs.
  • Incorporate chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or green onions inside ham cups for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Experiment with different cheese types like Swiss, gouda, or pepper jack to create unique taste profiles.
  • Prepare ham and egg cups in advance, refrigerate, and quickly reheat in oven for quick morning meals.

Fun Ham and Egg Cup Twists

  • Keto-Friendly Version: Replace regular ham with prosciutto or bacon. Use full-fat cheese and skip added pepper for a low-carb option.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute ham with roasted bell pepper rings or zucchini slices. Use scrambled tofu instead of eggs for plant-based protein.
  • Spicy Breakfast Cups: Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat. Include chopped chives or green onions for additional flavor complexity.
  • Mediterranean Style: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar. Add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes inside the ham cup for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast variation.
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Brunchy Ham and Egg Cups Recipe

Brunchy Ham and Egg Cups Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Crispy ham creates perfect nests for golden eggs in this delightful Ham and Egg Cups recipe. Simple ingredients come together quickly, offering a protein-packed breakfast that will become your new morning favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 6 slices deli ham
  • 6 eggs

Cheese:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning:

  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring optimal temperature for cooking ham and egg cups.
  2. Thoroughly coat a muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  3. Delicately drape a slice of deli ham into each muffin cavity, creating a smooth, even lining.
  4. Gently crack a fresh egg into the center of each ham-lined cup, maintaining the yolk’s integrity.
  5. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the eggs, creating a melty, flavorful topping.
  6. Lightly dust each cup with freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall seasoning.
  7. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring the eggs’ doneness.
  8. Check the eggs periodically, removing when the whites are set and yolks reach desired consistency.
  9. Carefully extract the ham and egg cups from the oven, allowing them to cool for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Transfer the cups to a serving plate, ensuring they maintain their shape and appetizing appearance.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs to ensure even cooking and prevent cracking during baking.
  • Experiment with different ham varieties like prosciutto or turkey ham for unique flavor profiles.
  • Customize with additional toppings like chopped chives, diced bell peppers, or crumbled bacon for extra texture and taste.
  • For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, choose nitrate-free, high-quality deli ham and skip any additional breadcrumbs or starchy sides.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 222 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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