Pesto Eggs offer a delightful spin on the classic fried egg, infusing it with the fresh, herbaceous flavors of pesto. The creamy yolks complement the rich basil and garlic notes of the pesto, while the herbed goat cheese adds a savory, tangy contrast. This quick and easy dish is perfect for any breakfast or brunch, giving you a gourmet meal in just 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pesto Eggs are simple to prepare yet pack a punch with bold flavors. The combination of creamy eggs, vibrant pesto, and tangy herbed goat cheese creates a satisfying dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. Plus, with minimal ingredients and quick prep time, you can enjoy this flavorful breakfast without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you're looking for a quick morning meal or a special brunch treat, Pesto Eggs are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- 2 slices of sourdough bread
- 2 ounces herbed goat cheese
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prepare the Pan:
- Heat a medium non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the pan is hot, spread the pesto in a thin, even layer across the bottom.
-
Cook the Eggs:
- When the pesto is warm and slightly bubbling, crack the eggs into the pan.
- Sprinkle the eggs with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cook the eggs for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the whites are set and no longer translucent. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
-
Prepare the Toast:
- While the eggs are cooking, toast the sourdough bread to your desired crispness.
- Spread the herbed goat cheese evenly over the toasted bread.
-
Assemble and Serve:
- Once the eggs are cooked, carefully place each egg on top of the prepared toast slices.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
Variations
- Pesto Options: Feel free to use store-bought or homemade pesto for this recipe. If you're looking for a different flavor profile, try using sun-dried tomato pesto or walnut pesto for a unique twist.
- Cheese: Swap the herbed goat cheese with other soft cheeses like ricotta, cream cheese, or even burrata for a different creamy element.
- Greens: Add sautéed spinach, arugula, or kale to the toast for added freshness and texture.
- Protein Boost: Top your eggs with smoked salmon, or avocado for extra protein and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Pesto Eggs are best served immediately while the eggs are still runny and warm. However, if you need to store leftovers, you can refrigerate the cooked eggs and pesto for up to 1 day. To reheat, warm the eggs gently in a pan on low heat until heated through. It's recommended to toast the bread fresh when serving leftovers.
FAQs
Can I make pesto eggs with egg whites only?
Yes, you can use only egg whites if you prefer, but the dish might lack some of the richness from the yolk. You can also consider using a combination of whole eggs and egg whites.
What type of pesto works best for this recipe?
Classic basil pesto is the most popular choice for this recipe, but you can experiment with other varieties like arugula, kale, or even a sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor.
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any bread you prefer, such as whole wheat, rye, or a gluten-free option. Sourdough, however, adds a nice tang that complements the pesto well.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
While the pesto and goat cheese can be prepared in advance, it's best to cook the eggs and assemble the dish just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
If you prefer a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, you can add more red pepper flakes or even drizzle a little hot sauce on top.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is already vegetarian. If you want to add protein, you can add smoked salmon, but the dish is fully satisfying without any additional protein.
How do I know when the eggs are cooked properly?
For runny yolks, cook the eggs until the whites are set but the yolk remains soft. If you prefer a firmer yolk, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
What if I don’t have a non-stick pan?
You can use any pan, but you may need to use more oil or butter to prevent the eggs from sticking. A cast-iron skillet works well too.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can omit the herbed goat cheese and replace it with a dairy-free cheese or simply serve the eggs over toast without any cheese.
Can I freeze pesto eggs?
It’s not recommended to freeze cooked eggs, as they may become rubbery upon reheating. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for the best taste and texture.
Conclusion
Pesto Eggs are a simple yet flavorful way to elevate your breakfast or brunch. The creamy eggs, savory pesto, and tangy goat cheese make for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re in a rush or want something a bit more indulgent, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Enjoy this delicious twist on a classic fried egg and make your next meal something special!
Pesto Eggs: A Flavorful Twist on a Breakfast Classic
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your breakfast with Pesto Eggs! This quick and easy recipe features creamy eggs cooked in vibrant pesto, topped with herbed goat cheese, and served on toasted sourdough bread. Perfect for any morning, brunch, or special occasion, these eggs offer a delicious and gourmet flavor in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- 2 slices of sourdough bread
- 2 ounces herbed goat cheese
Instructions
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pan:
Heat a medium non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Spread the pesto in an even layer across the bottom of the pan. -
Cook the Eggs:
Once the pesto is warm and slightly bubbling, crack the eggs into the pan. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until the whites are set, adjusting the heat to prevent burning. -
Prepare the Toast:
While the eggs cook, toast the sourdough bread to your desired level of crispness. Spread the herbed goat cheese over the toasted bread. -
Assemble and Serve:
Once the eggs are cooked, place each egg on top of the toast. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
- Pesto Options: You can use store-bought or homemade pesto. Try sun-dried tomato pesto or walnut pesto for a unique twist.
- Cheese Variations: Swap herbed goat cheese with ricotta, cream cheese, or burrata for a creamy change.
- Greens: Add sautéed spinach, arugula, or kale for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
