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The Recipe · No.535 · Egg in a Hole

Egg in a Hole, and where to source it

Egg in a Hole — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Egg in a Hole American 5best2buy.com

Two ingredients means both matter: a thick slice of real bread and a fresh egg with a yolk that stands up. Watch your heat and keep it at medium. That way the bread toasts golden in the same time the egg sets, instead of a scorched crust hiding a raw white.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cook6 min
Makes2 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 2 servings
Bread
A thick slice of sturdy bread holds the egg and toasts crisp.
2 slices
Eggs
One fresh egg per slice; a tight, standing yolk looks and tastes best.
2 large
Butter
Butter both sides so the bread fries golden, not dry.
2 tbsp
Flaky salt
A pinch on the yolk right before serving.
to taste
Chives
Snip over the top for color and mild onion bite.
1 tbsp
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Cut the holeCut a 2-inch hole in the center of each slice with a glass or cutter; keep the rounds to toast alongside.
  2. Butter the breadButter both sides of the bread generously.
  3. Toast one sideSet the bread in a skillet over medium heat and toast 1 to 2 minutes until the underside is golden.
  4. Add the eggFlip the bread, crack an egg into each hole, and cook 2 to 3 minutes until the white sets underneath.
  5. Flip and finishGently flip and cook 30 to 60 seconds more for a runny yolk. Season with salt and chives.
The Toolkit

Nonstick skillet · Fish spatula · Round cutter · Butter knife

Straight Answers
Can you make Egg in a Hole in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Egg in a Hole? — Not ideal

You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.

Can you make Egg in a Hole ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Egg in a Hole gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Egg in a Hole vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.

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