Before you cook
Background Recipe story & origin
Egg in a hole - also called toad in a hole (US), egg in a basket, or one-eyed jack - involves frying an egg inside a hole cut from bread. The dish's origins are murky; similar preparations appear across cultures as an efficient way to cook eggs and toast together. The American version gained cultural fame through the 1987 film 'Moonstruck,' where Cher's character Loretta makes it. British 'toad in the hole' is different (sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter). The American preparation uses a glass or cookie cutter to remove bread centers, which are often toasted alongside. The egg is cracked into the hole and fried until whites set. The dish represents simple, practical cooking - combining two breakfast elements into one while using ingredients efficiently. It's home cooking rather than restaurant fare, passed through families and given regional names. The appeal is partly theatrical: cutting the hole, placing the egg, achieving a yolk.
Before you start Equipment you'll need
- skillet — Provides even heat for frying eggs in bread holes until whites set and bread golden
Safety Safety & allergen notes
- Use caution with hot surfaces and oils.
- Handle knives carefully when prepping ingredients.
- Ensure proteins are cooked to safe internal temperatures.
Non-negotiables Rules for success
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Cut the holes
Use a round cutter or glass to cut a 2.5-inch hole from the center of each bread slice. Save the cut...
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Fry until golden
Melt butter in skillet over medium heat (325-350°F surface). Add bread and cutouts. Crack an egg int...
Prep Get set first
About 5 min of prep
- Prepare skillet
This recipe takes about 8 minutes total.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cut the holes
Use a round cutter or glass to cut a 2.5-inch hole from the center of each bread slice. Save the cutouts.
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Fry until golden
Melt butter in skillet over medium heat (325-350°F surface). Add bread and cutouts. Crack an egg into each hole. Season. Cook until bread is golden and egg white is set, about 3 minutes. Flip carefully, cook 1 minute more.