Ham and Egg Cups Recipe

The Ultimate Ham and Egg Cups Recipe for a Savory Breakfast

My kitchen adventure with ham and egg cups began accidentally during a chaotic weekend morning.

Breakfast needed a quick solution that would look impressive.

Crispy ham edges perfectly cradle delicate eggs in these adorable individual servings.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes for a protein-packed morning meal.

Weekend brunch feels instantly special with these cute little cups that seem like they took hours to prepare.

Unexpected guests or lazy mornings will love this effortless recipe that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any thin-sliced ham like prosciutto, black forest ham, or deli ham. Just ensure the slices are large enough to line the muffin cups completely.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! These ham and egg cups can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and quickly reheated in the microwave, making them perfect for busy mornings or quick protein-packed snacks.

  • What cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can also use mozzarella, Swiss, or gouda. Shredded cheese melts more evenly and creates a delicious, gooey texture.

  • Can I add extra ingredients to the egg cups?

Definitely! Try adding chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or crumbled bacon before baking to create more flavor and nutrition in your ham and egg cups.

Ham And Egg Cups That Are Handy And Protein-Packed

  • Breakfast Speedster: Whip up these ham and egg cups in just 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy mornings when time is tight.
  • Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Each cup delivers a complete protein punch with ham and eggs, making it an excellent meal for muscle recovery and sustained energy throughout the day.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap cheeses, add herbs, or include chopped vegetables to personalize these cups, transforming them into a versatile breakfast option that never gets boring.
  • Kid-Friendly Nutrition: Children will love these cute, portable egg cups that make breakfast fun and encourage them to enjoy a protein-rich morning meal without fuss.

Each Part Used In Ham And Egg Cups

Protein Base:
  • Ham, Eggs: Core ingredients that create the main structure of the dish, with ham serving as an edible cup and eggs providing rich protein content. Fresh deli ham works best, preferably thin and flexible slices.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy richness and sharp flavor, enhancing overall taste profile. Sharp or medium-aged cheddar recommended for best melt and taste.
Seasoning:
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and enhances the savory flavors of the dish. Freshly ground pepper offers more robust taste compared to pre-ground varieties.

Ham And Egg Cups Cooking Process

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up while you prepare the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grab a muffin tin and coat each cup with a light layer of cooking spray or butter.

Gently place a slice of ham into each cup, letting the edges drape over the sides.

Step 3: Crack and Fill

Carefully crack a fresh egg into the center of each ham-lined cup.

The ham will create a delicious edible wrapper for the egg.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese over each egg.

Dust with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for an extra flavor kick.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Keep an eye on the eggs – you want the whites to be set but the yolks still slightly soft and creamy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the ham and egg cups from the oven.

Let them cool for a few minutes so they’re easy to handle.

Use a spoon or small spatula to lift each cup onto a serving plate.

These make a fantastic breakfast, brunch, or quick protein-packed snack that’s sure to impress!

Pro Tips for Ham and Egg Cups

  • Swap ham with bacon or prosciutto for different flavor profiles and textures.
  • Check eggs at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking – some prefer runny yolks, others like them fully set.
  • Sprinkle diced spinach, bell peppers, or chives inside the ham cups for extra nutrition and color.
  • Use cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal of ham and egg cups from the muffin tin.
  • These cups can be prepared ahead, refrigerated, and quickly reheated in the microwave for a fast breakfast.

Reheat Ham And Egg Cups While Retaining Their Texture

  • Store leftover ham and egg cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover each cup individually with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
  • Warm refrigerated ham and egg cups in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Loosely cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Quickly reheat single servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature to ensure even heating and avoid overcooking the eggs.
  • Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pair It With Ham and Egg Cups

  • Elevate Breakfast Flavor: Pair with crisp sourdough toast to add delightful crunch and soak up creamy egg yolks.
  • Refresh Morning Palate: Combine with fresh orange juice or a light citrus smoothie to balance the rich, savory ham and cheese.
  • Enhance Protein Power: Serve alongside a small mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to add freshness and balance the protein-packed dish.
  • Complete Morning Experience: Enjoy with a smooth cappuccino or light roast coffee to complement the salty ham and provide a gentle caffeine boost.

Ham and Egg Cups Versions

  • Vegetarian Egg Cups: Replace ham with roasted bell peppers or spinach leaves as a base, using a plant-based cheese alternative like nutritional yeast for flavor.
  • Low-Carb Protein Boost: Swap ham with thin turkey bacon or prosciutto, add diced avocado on top for extra healthy fats and protein.
  • Spicy Mexican Style: Mix in diced jalapeños, sprinkle pepper jack cheese, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern version of the original recipe.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese substitute or omit cheese completely, add chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added flavor and nutrition.
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Ham and Egg Cups Recipe

Ham and Egg Cups Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savory ham and egg cups bring breakfast champions to new heights with their irresistible personal-sized charm. Crispy ham edges cradle perfectly baked eggs, offering a protein-packed morning delight that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 6 slices deli ham
  • 6 eggs

Cheese:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning:

  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, preparing it for these delicate ham and egg delights.
  2. Meticulously coat a muffin tin with non-stick spray, then carefully drape each cavity with a slice of ham, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Gently nestle a fresh egg into the center of each ham-lined cup, allowing it to settle naturally.
  4. Generously dust the eggs with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, then add a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper for an enhanced flavor profile.
  5. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven, allowing the eggs to bake until they reach a perfect set – whites should be firm and yolks will vary from runny to slightly firm depending on personal preference.
  6. Once cooked, carefully extract the ham and egg cups from the oven, letting them rest momentarily to stabilize their structure.
  7. Delicately transfer the cups to a serving plate, ensuring each remains intact, and present immediately while still warm and appetizing.

Notes

  • Customize the ham by using prosciutto or turkey slices for a different flavor profile and dietary preference.
  • Prevent sticking by using silicone muffin liners or generously greasing the tin with cooking spray or butter.
  • Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or basil to elevate the taste and provide a pop of color and freshness.
  • Experiment with cheese variations such as goat cheese, feta, or Swiss to create unique flavor combinations and suit different taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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