🥄 We Tried 5 Ways of Making Egg-in-a-Hole and Found a Clear Winner (That’s Also the Easiest!)
Let’s be honest: there’s something deeply satisfying about a runny yolk nestled inside a golden, buttery piece of toast. But how you make this humble breakfast classic—aka Egg-in-a-Hole, Toad-in-the-Hole, Egg-in-a-Basket (whatever you call it!)—can change everything.
So we put it to the test. We tried five different methods to find out which one delivers the best texture, taste, and yolk-to-toast ratio. The winner? Surprisingly, it’s the easiest one of all.
🧪 The 5 Methods We Tested:
Classic Fry-Up in a Skillet (Butter, toast, egg—done.)
Baked in the Oven (Sheet pan style—good for batches.)
Grilled with Cheese (Egg meets grilled cheese vibes.)
With Toasted Brioche (Fancier bread = fancier results?)
Air Fryer Method (Because… we had to try it.)
🍳 1. Classic Skillet Egg-in-a-Hole (The Winner!)
Ingredients:
1 slice of bread (any kind)
1 egg
1 tbsp butter
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cut a hole in the center of your bread using a cookie cutter or glass (save the cut-out).
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add bread to skillet and crack egg into the hole.
Cook for 2–3 mins, then flip gently and cook another 1–2 mins, or until whites are set and yolk is still runny.
Toast the bread cut-out alongside for dipping. Season and serve!
Pros: Crispy, golden, runny yolk, buttery flavor.
Cons: One at a time unless using a griddle.
Verdict: 🥇 Best all-around.
🍞 2. Baked Egg-in-a-Hole (Oven Method)
Ingredients:
2–4 slices of bread
2–4 eggs
Olive oil spray or melted butter
Salt & pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Cut holes in bread and place slices on the sheet.
Lightly brush both sides with oil or butter.
Crack eggs into the holes. Bake for 10–14 mins, until whites are set.
Season and serve warm.
Pros: Great for feeding a crowd.
Cons: Less crispy; harder to control yolk doneness.
Verdict: 👍 Easy batch method, but less texture.
🧀 3. Grilled Cheese Egg-in-a-Hole
Ingredients:
2 slices of bread
1 egg
2 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, etc.)
Butter
Optional: ham or turkey slices
Instructions:
Make a sandwich with cheese (and meat if using), then cut a hole through both slices.
Butter the outsides.
Place in skillet over medium heat. Crack egg into hole.
Cook 2–3 mins per side, until golden and melty. Flip gently.
Pros: Super indulgent, melty, cheesy goodness.
Cons: Egg may cook unevenly; rich.
Verdict: 🔥 So good, but more of a grilled cheese + egg hybrid.
🍞 4. Brioche Egg-in-a-Hole (Fancy Bread Version)
Ingredients:
1 slice of brioche or thick-cut challah
1 egg
Butter
Salt & pepper
Instructions:
Use a thick slice of soft bread like brioche. Cut a large hole in the middle.
Butter both sides generously.
Cook in skillet, medium-low, add egg to center.
Cook 2–3 mins, flip gently, finish cooking to desired doneness.
Pros: Sweet/savory vibes, soft inside, rich flavor.
Cons: Can be a bit too soft or sweet for some.
Verdict: 🍰 Great for brunch with a fancy twist.
🌬️ 5. Air Fryer Egg-in-a-Hole
Ingredients:
1 slice of bread
1 egg
Olive oil spray or butter
Salt & pepper
Instructions:
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Cut hole in bread, spray lightly with oil.
Place in air fryer basket. Carefully crack egg into the hole.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, checking for doneness.
Pros: Hands-off, no flipping.
Cons: Yolk cooks fast—easy to overdo it.
Verdict: 🤖 Convenient, but not ideal for runny yolk lovers.
🏁 Final Thoughts
For the crispiest toast, the most control over yolk texture, and the richest flavor, the classic skillet method still reigns supreme.