Savory Ham-Egg Breakfast Cups
Delight your guests with these elegant Savory Ham-Egg Breakfast Cups, a scrumptious twist on the classic ham and eggs. These adorable little pies feature flavorful ham lining a muffin tin, each filled with a perfectly baked egg, a juicy half a grape tomato, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and cheese. They not only taste fantastic but also bring a beautiful presentation to your breakfast table, making them perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy weekend morning. Serve alongside toast or fresh pastries, and consider garnishing them with a light salad drizzled in vinaigrette for a refreshing touch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Jumbo eggs
12 (Use free-range if possible.)
Slices of ham
12 (Choose large round cuts.)
Grape tomatoes
12 (Ripe, sliced in half.)
Flat leaf parsley
4 tablespoons (Finely chopped.)
Parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons (Finely grated (Pecorino is an alternative).)
Flaky sea salt
to taste (Like Maldon or Fleur de Sel.)
White pepper
to taste (Freshly ground.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
Prepare a standard 12-hole muffin pan by greasing it thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking.
3
Carefully layer each hollow of the muffin tin with a slice of ham, making sure to press it against the sides. The ham should be large enough to extend above the rim, creating a cup shape.
4
Crack one jumbo egg into each ham-lined hollow, ensuring the yolk remains intact.
5
Slice each grape tomato in half and place a half on top of each egg, cut side facing up.
6
In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley and grated cheese. Distribute this mixture evenly over the cups.
7
Sprinkle each cup lightly with flaky sea salt and a dash of white pepper for added flavor.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks reach your desired doneness. Use a fork to poke gently at the whites if needed.
9
Once done, let the cups rest for a minute to firm up.
10
Run a silicone spatula around the edges to gently loosen each cup, then carefully lift them out and transfer to warm plates.
11
Serve two savory cups per person, garnished with fresh greens and a drizzle of vinaigrette, alongside crispy toast or fresh breakfast buns.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Ham-Egg Breakfast Cups?
They are elegant breakfast bites consisting of ham-lined muffin tins filled with a baked egg, tomato, cheese, and herbs.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (180°C).
How many eggs do I need for this recipe?
You will need 12 jumbo eggs, preferably free-range.
What type of ham is best for these cups?
Large round cuts of ham work best as they need to be large enough to extend above the rim of the muffin tin holes.
How do I prevent the ham and eggs from sticking to the pan?
Thoroughly grease a standard 12-hole muffin pan with butter before adding the ham.
How long do the breakfast cups need to bake?
Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes until the egg whites are set.
What kind of cheese should I use?
Finely grated Parmesan cheese is recommended, though Pecorino is a great alternative.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
Use ripe grape tomatoes and slice them in half before placing one half on each egg.
What type of parsley is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for finely chopped flat-leaf parsley.
What seasonings are added to the eggs?
The cups are seasoned with flaky sea salt and a dash of white pepper.
How do I ensure the egg yolks don't break?
Carefully crack one egg into each ham-lined hollow, making sure the yolk remains intact.
How do I check if the eggs are cooked through?
The egg whites should be firm; you can use a fork to gently poke at the whites to ensure they are set.
Should I let the cups rest after baking?
Yes, let the cups rest for about one minute after taking them out of the oven to help them firm up.
What is the best way to remove the cups from the muffin tin?
Run a silicone spatula around the edges to loosen each cup, then carefully lift them out.
How many breakfast cups should I serve per person?
It is suggested to serve two savory cups per person.
What side dishes go well with these ham and egg cups?
They pair perfectly with toast, fresh pastries, or breakfast buns.
Can I add a salad to this meal?
Yes, serving them with fresh greens and a drizzle of vinaigrette provides a refreshing touch.
What type of salt is recommended?
Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon or Fleur de Sel, is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I use white pepper instead of black pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests freshly ground white pepper for a distinct flavor.
How do I create the cup shape with the ham?
Press the ham slice against the sides and bottom of each muffin tin hollow so it forms a cup.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch gathering?
Absolutely, their elegant presentation and delicious flavor make them ideal for brunch.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: eggs, ham, tomatoes, parsley, cheese, salt, and pepper.
Can I substitute Pecorino for Parmesan?
Yes, Pecorino is listed as a valid alternative to Parmesan cheese.
Do I need to chop the parsley?
Yes, the parsley should be finely chopped and mixed with the cheese.
What size muffin pan is used?
A standard 12-hole muffin pan is required.
Are the tomatoes placed face up or face down?
The grape tomato halves should be placed with the cut side facing up on top of the egg.
Can I use regular eggs if I don't have jumbo eggs?
You can, but jumbo eggs are preferred to fill the ham cups properly.
What should the ham look like in the tin?
The ham should extend above the rim of the muffin tin to create a visible cup shape.
Is the salt and pepper amount specific?
The recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste.
Can I make these for a quick weekday breakfast?
Yes, they are quite easy to assemble and bake in 20 minutes.