If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious breakfast that’s as charming as it is easy, then this Ham and Cheese Egg Cups Recipe might just become your new weekend staple. I absolutely love how these egg cups come together with minimal fuss but deliver maximum flavor and a perfect start to my day. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these savory little bites are bound to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: You’ll have breakfast ready in under 25 minutes with just a few ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: My family goes crazy for these little cups — they’re perfect for picky eaters.
- Customizable: You can switch up the cheese or add veggies to suit your cravings.
- Mess-Free Cooking: Using a muffin tin means easy cleanup, so you get more time to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right makes all the difference in this Ham and Cheese Egg Cups Recipe. Let me walk you through what I use and why they really work well together.
- Ham slices: I always go for thin but sturdy deli ham; it’s easy to shape into the muffin cups without tearing.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs make the custard base creamy and rich.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, gooey texture that pairs perfectly with ham.
- Salt and pepper: Basic, but essential — season well to bring out all the flavors.
- Green onions: Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor when sprinkled on top.
Variations
One of the best things about this Ham and Cheese Egg Cups Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’ve experimented with a few twists over time, and you can too without losing the magic.
- Try Different Cheeses: When I swapped mozzarella for sharp cheddar, it gave the egg cups a bolder flavor my family loved.
- Add Veggies: You can throw in diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition—and extra color.
- Make It Spicy: A pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes jazzes up the flavor if you like a kick.
- Use Turkey or Chicken Ham: For a leaner version, these work just as well without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Egg Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Muffin Tin
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, lightly grease each cup in your muffin tin with a dab of butter or cooking spray. This step keeps the ham from sticking and helps with easy removal later — trust me, I learned that the hard way the first time I made this.
Step 2: Shape the Ham and Add Cheese
Line each muffin cup with one slice of ham, pressing it gently to form little bowls. Next, evenly divide the mozzarella cheese among the cups, sprinkling it over the ham. This cheese layer melts down and creates a luscious base for the eggs—you’ll notice how it helps keep everything moist as it bakes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Season
Crack one egg right into each ham-and-cheese lined cup. Season each egg with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper. If you like, you can gently whisk the eggs before pouring for a more uniform texture, but I like leaving the yolks whole—it feels extra indulgent that way.
Step 4: Bake Until Just Set
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. I keep a close eye after the 15-minute mark because ovens can vary, and I want the whites set but the yolks still a little tender. If you prefer fully cooked yolks, just leave them in a minute or two longer. Once baked, let them cool for a couple of minutes — they’ll firm up and be easier to lift out.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top each egg cup with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a fresh finish. This little pop of green always brightens the plate—and your mood!
Pro Tips for Making Ham and Cheese Egg Cups Recipe
- Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs set better and taste richer — it really makes a difference in texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful when adding eggs so they don’t spill over the ham edges and create a mess.
- Check Oven Hotspots: Rotate the muffin tin halfway through baking to ensure even cooking if your oven has hot spots.
- Let Cups Cool Briefly: Allowing them to rest for a few minutes helps them firm up and makes removal from the pan easier.
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Egg Cups Recipe
Garnishes
I always love garnishing these egg cups with freshly chopped green onions because they add just the right amount of color and a subtle, crisp bite. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra flavor hit. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives are lovely too if you have them on hand.
Side Dishes
These egg cups go beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or even some roasted potatoes if you want to make your breakfast extra hearty. When hosting brunch, I enjoy serving them alongside mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If I’m making these for a special occasion, I like to place each egg cup on a small square of toasted baguette or in mini tartlet pans for a fancier look. Another fun idea I tried was stacking two layers with ham and cheese in between — kind of like a savory egg sandwich cup — and everyone loved the surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover egg cups in an airtight container in the fridge; they stay fresh for about 3 days. It’s a great way to have a ready-made breakfast or snack during a busy week—just grab and go!
Freezing
Freezing ham and cheese egg cups works surprisingly well. I let them cool completely, then wrap each one in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps the edges stay nice and slightly crisp instead of getting soggy, which I really appreciate.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese in this Ham and Cheese Egg Cups Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can swap it for cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack if you like a bit of spice. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well to get that gooey, satisfying texture.
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How do I prevent the egg cups from sticking to the muffin tin?
Greasing your muffin tin well is key. I use a bit of butter or non-stick spray before adding the ham. If you don’t have a non-stick muffin pan, lining with parchment liners can help, but the ham itself usually acts like a natural cup to keep eggs from sticking.
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Can I prepare the egg cups the night before?
You sure can! Assemble the ham, cheese, and eggs in the muffin tin the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just bake as directed—this saves you a ton of time.
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Are these egg cups suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The simple assembly and great storage options make ham and cheese egg cups a perfect meal prep breakfast. Just portion them out, store in the fridge or freezer, and reheat when you need a quick meal.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I can’t recommend this Ham and Cheese Egg Cups Recipe enough — it’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and comforting all at once. Every time I pull these from the oven, the smell alone gets my family rushing to the table. You’ll enjoy how easy it is to make, plus the flexibility to customize with your favorite add-ins. Give it a try this weekend and see why it’s become such a beloved recipe in my kitchen — I’m betting it’ll earn a special spot in yours too!
Print
Ham and Cheese Egg Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg cups (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ham and Cheese Egg Cups are a quick, protein-packed breakfast option perfect for busy mornings. Made by layering ham, mozzarella cheese, and eggs in a muffin tin and baked until set, they are flavorful, portable, and easy to customize with seasonings and toppings like green onions.
Ingredients
Ham Cups
- 12 slices of ham
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 12 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the egg cups evenly.
- Prepare Ham Cups: Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Place one slice of ham into each muffin cup, shaping it to fit the cup as a liner.
- Add Cheese: Evenly divide the shredded mozzarella cheese among the 12 ham-lined cups, sprinkling the cheese directly on top of the ham.
- Crack Eggs: Carefully crack one egg into each cup on top of the cheese. Be careful to avoid breaking the yolk.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper over each egg cup to taste.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and top each egg cup with chopped green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For softer yolks, reduce baking time slightly; for firmer yolks bake a bit longer.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar or feta for varying flavor.
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach before baking for extra nutrition.
- Use turkey or chicken slices instead of ham for a leaner option.
- These egg cups keep well in the refrigerator and reheat quickly, making them ideal for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 egg cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 370mg
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