This is a recipe for ham and cheese egg cups. They are good for a fast breakfast. You can make them ahead of time.
This meal is easy to prepare. It uses common ingredients. It is a good source of protein to start your day.
Follow the steps to make them correctly.
What You’ll Need
- 12 slices of deli ham, thinly sliced
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter for the muffin tin
Tools You’ll Use
- 12-cup standard muffin tin
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife or kitchen shears
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Grease the muffin tin very well with cooking spray or butter. This is important so they do not stick.
Step 3: Press one slice of ham into each muffin cup. Make it form a small cup shape.
Step 4: In the mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together.
Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly into the ham cups. Fill them about three-quarters full.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheese and chopped chives over the top of each cup.
Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes. The eggs should be set and no longer jiggly.
Step 8: Let the egg cups cool in the tin for a few minutes. This helps them come out easier. Then, run a knife around the edge and lift them out.
Pro Tips
- Grease the pan well. Even if it is a non-stick pan, grease it. Eggs stick to everything.
- Do not overfill the cups. The eggs will puff up when they bake. Filling them too much will cause a mess.
- Use thick-cut deli ham. Thin ham can tear easily when you press it into the muffin tin. Thicker ham makes a better cup.
- Let them rest. Wait five minutes before you try to remove them from the pan. They will be firmer and less likely to fall apart.
Substitutions and Variations
You can change the ingredients. This will change the flavor and nutrition.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Idea | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Deli Ham | Sliced Turkey | Leaner option |
| Deli Ham | Cooked Bacon | Crumbled on top |
| Cheddar Cheese | Swiss Cheese | Different flavor |
| Cheddar Cheese | Feta Cheese | Tangy taste |
| Milk | Heavy Cream | Richer, more fat |
Here are more ideas to change the recipe.
| Add-In | How to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Bell Peppers | Dice small |
| Spinach | Chop and wilt |
| Onions | Dice and sauté |
| Mushrooms | Slice and cook |
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare parts of this recipe early.
Chop your vegetables like onions or peppers ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Shred your own cheese if you are not using pre-shredded. This can be done a few days before.
Leftovers and Storage
Let the egg cups cool down completely.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave for 30-45 seconds. You can also use a toaster oven to keep them from getting rubbery.
Nutritional Info & Diet Swaps
This is an estimate. The exact numbers will change based on your ingredients.
- Calories: Around 120-150 per cup
- Protein: 10-12 grams
- Fat: 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams
Here is how to change the recipe for different diets.
| Diet | Ingredient Swap | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Keto | Use heavy cream | Higher fat |
| Dairy-Free | Use dairy-free cheese | No lactose |
| Vegetarian | Use veggie “ham” | No meat |
Meal Pairing Suggestions
These egg cups are a main part of a breakfast. Add other foods to make it a full meal.
- Fresh fruit
- Yogurt
- Toast or an English muffin
- A side of avocado
Cooking Time Efficiency Tips
- Prepare all your ingredients before you start. This is called “mise en place.”
- Use pre-shredded cheese to save time.
- While the egg cups bake, you can clean your prep dishes.
FAQs
Q1. Why are my egg cups watery?
Ans: Some vegetables, like mushrooms or spinach, release a lot of water. Cook them first before adding them to the egg mixture.
Q2. Can I freeze these egg cups?
Ans: Yes. Let them cool completely. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave.
Q3. How do I stop the eggs from sticking to the pan?
Ans: Use a lot of cooking spray or butter. Silicone muffin liners are also a very good option to prevent sticking.
Q4. Can I make these without meat?
Ans: Yes. You can bake the egg mixture directly in a well-greased muffin tin without the ham liner. Or, use a plant-based meat alternative.
Wrapping Up
You now have the full recipe for ham and cheese egg cups. It is a simple and useful meal.
Make this recipe. After you try it, leave a comment below. Share how it went and any changes you made.
