Ah, breakfast! That magical time of day when you can enjoy something delicious and fuel up for whatever lies ahead. If you’re looking for a quick and easy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: ham and cheese egg cups. These little gems are not only super simple to whip up, but they also pack a satisfying punch of protein and cheesy goodness. I first discovered this recipe when I was juggling a hectic morning routine, and they quickly became a staple for my family. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever survived breakfast without them!
Ingredients List
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup diced ham (you can use leftover ham or deli ham)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite blend works great)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or low-fat, whichever you prefer)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (this enhances all the flavors)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (for a little kick)
How to Prepare Ham and Cheese Egg Cups
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ve got to preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your ham and cheese egg cups bake evenly and become perfectly fluffy. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part—an improperly preheated oven can lead to uneven cooking, and nobody likes a soggy egg cup!
Prepare the Egg Mixture
Now, let’s move on to the egg mixture! In a large bowl, whisk together those 6 eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Whisking them together thoroughly is super important—it helps to incorporate air into the eggs, which makes your egg cups light and airy. Just think of the fluffy goodness that awaits! Make sure there are no large clumps of egg whites; we want a nice, smooth mixture.
Assemble the Muffin Tin
Next up, let’s grease that muffin tin! Use a non-stick spray or a bit of melted butter to coat each cup generously—this will help your egg cups pop right out when they’re done baking. Now, it’s time to divide your diced ham and shredded cheese evenly among the muffin cups. This is where the fun begins! I love mixing different cheeses for added flavor. Just make sure each cup gets a good amount of both ham and cheese for that delicious, savory bite.
Bake and Cool
Now for the exciting part: pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese in each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full. Pop that muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and slightly golden on top. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible! Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin. This helps them firm up and makes it easier to get them out without breaking. Just wait until you see how perfectly they come out!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your ham and cheese egg cups turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve gathered over the years:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Quality matters! Fresh eggs, good-quality cheese, and flavorful ham will elevate your egg cups to a whole new level. If you can, go for a cheese that melts beautifully, like cheddar or Swiss—yum!
- Don’t Overfill: When you pour in the egg mixture, fill each cup about three-quarters full. This gives the eggs room to rise without overflowing, which can create a messy oven!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your egg cups around the 20-minute mark. They’re done when the tops are set and no longer jiggle—trust me, you don’t want to bite into a gooey center!
- Let Them Cool: Resist the urge to dig in right away! Letting them cool for a few minutes helps them firm up, making it easier to pop them out of the muffin tin without any breakage.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to spice things up! Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or even some herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh twist. Just keep the total volume of add-ins in mind so they fit comfortably in the cups.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re set for success! I can’t wait for you to enjoy these delicious bites of breakfast bliss!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Each serving of these delightful ham and cheese egg cups is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients to kickstart your day. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per egg cup:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your choice of ingredients. If you decide to use lower-fat cheese or add in some veggies, you might see a change in these numbers. But no matter how you make them, you’ll still have a deliciously satisfying breakfast that fuels your morning!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful ham and cheese egg cups? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my answers to help you along the way:
Can I make these egg cups ahead of time?
Absolutely! These ham and cheese egg cups are perfect for meal prep. You can bake them a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and just reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy. They still taste fantastic!
What can I substitute for ham?
If you’re not a fan of ham or want to switch things up, feel free to use cooked bacon, sausage, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just pop them in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast or snack!
Can I freeze ham and cheese egg cups?
Yes! These little beauties freeze wonderfully. Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
The microwave works great for reheating, but you can also pop them back in a warm oven for a few minutes if you prefer them crispy. Just be careful not to overheat, or they might dry out!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about keeping those delicious ham and cheese egg cups fresh and tasty! If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens), simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy them throughout the week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to avoid any moisture buildup!
When it comes to reheating, the microwave is your best friend! Just pop one (or a few, if you’re feeling hungry) in for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s power. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook. If you prefer a little crispiness, you can also reheat them in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the egg cups on a baking sheet, and warm them up for about 10 minutes. This way, they’ll regain that lovely texture while warming through.
And here’s a little tip: if you’re freezing them, let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then seal in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months! Just remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. With these simple steps, you can enjoy your ham and cheese egg cups anytime you like!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, these ham and cheese egg cups are an absolute game-changer for breakfast! Here’s why you’re going to adore them:
- Quick Preparation: With just a short prep time of about 10 minutes, you can whip these up and have them baking while you tackle your morning routine.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory ham and melty cheese is simply irresistible. Each bite is packed with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance!
- Nutritional Value: These little cups are a fantastic source of protein, perfect for keeping you energized throughout the day without weighing you down.
- Meal Prep Friendly: They’re ideal for making ahead of time, so you can enjoy a hearty breakfast during busy weekdays without any hassle.
- Versatile Add-Ins: Feel free to customize them with your favorite veggies or spices, making them as unique as you are!
- Kid-Friendly: These egg cups are a hit with kids and adults alike, making breakfast enjoyable for the whole family.
Trust me, once you give these ham and cheese egg cups a try, they’ll become a staple in your breakfast rotation!
Z nadrukami
Ham and Cheese Egg Cups: 6 Irresistible Breakfast Bites
- Całkowity Czas: 35 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
Ham and cheese egg cups are a quick and easy breakfast option.
Składniki
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Grease a muffin tin.
- Divide the diced ham and cheese evenly among the muffin cups.
- Pour the egg mixture over ham and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the eggs are set.
- Let cool slightly before removing from the tin.
Uwagi
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the microwave for a quick meal.
- Feel free to add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Breakfast
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 egg cup
- Kalorie: 120
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 2g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Słowa kluczowe: ham and cheese egg cups
