If you’re craving a quick, delicious, and low-carb breakfast option, these Ultimate Low Carb Ham and Egg Cups are perfect for you. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying and protein-packed meal that’s ideal for busy mornings or a leisurely weekend brunch. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite veggies and cheeses. Let’s get started on making these tasty little bites!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lightly coating it with cooking spray. Place a slice of ham into each muffin cup and sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top. Carefully crack an egg into each ham-lined cup and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, adjusting the time depending on how runny you prefer your egg yolks. Remember that the eggs will continue to cook slightly as they cool in the tin.
- Once baked to your liking, remove the egg cups from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray for greasing the pan
- 12 slices of ham
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 large eggs
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
FAQ
- How long should I bake the egg cups for optimal yolk consistency?
- If you prefer runny yolks, bake the egg cups for approximately 10 to 12 minutes. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. For firmer yolks, extend the baking time beyond 12 minutes.
- Is a muffin tin necessary for this recipe?
- Yes, a muffin tin is essential for making these ham and cheese egg cups, as it helps shape the individual servings.
- Can I substitute the ham with another type of meat?
- Absolutely, you can use other deli meats like sliced turkey or even salami. If using salami, you might need more than one slice to properly support the egg.
- Are there any variations to customize the egg cups?
- You can certainly customize these egg cups by using different types of cheese such as Gruyere, Parmesan, or pepper jack. Additionally, you can top them with herbs like cilantro or sliced green onions for added flavor.
Tips
- Adjust Cooking Time for Preferred Yolk Consistency: For runny yolks, remove the egg cups from the oven after 10 to 12 minutes. Remember, the eggs will continue to cook slightly as they cool in the muffin tin. If you prefer firmer yolks, extend the baking time beyond 12 minutes.
- Experiment with Different Meats and Cheeses: Feel free to substitute the ham with other deli meats such as sliced turkey or salami (note that salami may require more than one slice per cup). You can also swap the cheddar for other cheeses like Gruyere, Parmesan, or pepper jack to suit your taste.
- Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or sliced green onions on top of your egg cups before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Equipment
- Muffin tin