Starting your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast is key to maintaining energy and focus throughout the morning. One excellent option is Breakfast Ham and Egg Cups. These bite-sized delights are not only packed with protein but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy mornings, they can be prepared in advance and simply reheated when needed. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe will become a staple in your breakfast rotation.
Ingredients for Breakfast Ham and Egg Cups
Main Ingredients:
- 12 slices of deli ham (thinly sliced)
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon or sausage
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
How to Make Breakfast Ham and Egg Cups
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
- Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Form the Ham Cups
- Place a slice of ham into each muffin cup, pressing it down to form a cup shape. The ham should come up the sides of each cup, creating a little bowl.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Green Onions
- Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the bottom of each ham cup.
- Add a few chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Step 5: Add the Eggs
- Crack an egg into each ham cup. For a more scrambled texture, you can beat the eggs first and then pour them into the cups.
Step 6: Season
- Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over each egg. Add any optional ingredients you like, such as bell peppers, spinach, bacon, or tomatoes.
Step 7: Bake
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your desired doneness. If you prefer runny yolks, check them at 15 minutes. For fully set yolks, let them bake closer to 20 minutes.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the ham and egg cups cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin. Use a butter knife to help lift them out if necessary.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the ham and egg cups in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until heated through.
About the Main Ingredients
Ham
Ham is a versatile and flavorful meat that works perfectly as a base for these breakfast cups. Thinly sliced deli ham is ideal because it molds easily into the muffin tin, creating a sturdy cup to hold the eggs and other ingredients. Ham is rich in protein and adds a savory, slightly salty taste to the dish.
Eggs
Eggs are a breakfast staple and for a good reason. They are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. In this recipe, eggs provide the main filling for the ham cups. You can customize the texture of the eggs by leaving them whole for a runny yolk or beating them for a scrambled consistency.
Cheese
Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses add a delightful creamy texture and a rich flavor to the ham and egg cups. Cheddar cheese brings a sharp, tangy taste, while mozzarella adds a milder, gooey quality. Both types of cheese melt beautifully, complementing the eggs and ham perfectly.
Green Onions
Green onions, also known as scallions, add a fresh, slightly pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste of the ham and egg cups. They provide a nice color contrast and a subtle crunch, making each bite more interesting.
Optional Add-ins
Adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and tomatoes not only boosts the nutritional value of the breakfast cups but also adds extra flavors and textures. Crumbled bacon or sausage can add a smoky, savory element, while red pepper flakes can introduce a bit of heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Breakfast Ham and Egg Cups are a simple yet delicious way to start your day with a protein-packed meal. This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to incorporate your favorite ingredients and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or a dish to impress your family and friends, these ham and egg cups are sure to satisfy. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of this fantastic breakfast recipe, and make your mornings a little brighter with every bite.
