Start your mornings with a burst of flavor and simplicity by making crispy bacon and cheese egg cups — a delightful, effortless breakfast your entire family will love. This easy recipe is a perfect solution for busy mornings, allowing you to prepare multiple cups for different tastes and full schedules.
Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast or a protein-packed snack, these bacon egg cups are sure to be a hit. Read on for step-by-step cooking instructions and tips to achieve the best results every time.
How to make bacon and egg cups
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pack of Hatfield® Thick Cut Hardwood Smoked Bacon.
- 12 eggs.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
- Chives, to taste.
Equipment
- 1 muffin tin or muffin pan.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Then, spray your muffin pan with a non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: While your oven preheats, cook your Hatfield® bacon in a pan on the stove over medium heat for five to eight minutes. Remove the bacon before it's fully cooked, and let it dry on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Step 3: Arrange each bacon slice around the edge of every muffin cup, creating a circle.
- Step 4: Crack one egg into each bacon-wrapped muffin tin and sprinkle with your salt, pepper and shredded cheese.
- Step 5: Then, bake these cheese egg cups for 13-16 minutes, based on your preference for the egg consistency. Note: At 13 minutes, the egg yolk will be closer to a soft-boiled result, while 16 minutes will give you a hard-boiled consistency.
- Step 6: Run a knife around the edge of each muffin cup to loosen and remove.
- Step 7: Finally, sprinkle with salt, pepper and chives as desired, serve and enjoy!
How should I store bacon egg muffins?
Made a few too many bacon and cheese egg muffins one morning? No worries! With the proper storage practices, you can save these delicious breakfast bites to enjoy later on. Here's what you need to know:
- Storing: Maximize the shelf life of this recipe by placing your leftover muffins in an airtight container and moving them to the refrigerator. This will last for up to three to four days, maintaining their flavor and texture for future indulgence.
- Freezing: For extended storage, wrap each bacon, egg and cheese cup individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag and move to the freezer. Don't forget to label the container for easy freshness tracking.
- Reheating: Once you're ready to enjoy this dish again, thaw frozen bacon and egg muffins in the refrigerator overnight. Then, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring an equally warm and satisfying breakfast experience the second time around.
Best side dishes to serve with a bacon and egg breakfast cups recipe
There are countless side pairings to consider for a well-rounded bacon and egg cup breakfast. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Creamy avocado slices: A hint of creaminess and healthy fats to complement the dish.
- Roasted vegetable medley: A savory and nutritious side to enhance the meal.
- Toasted English muffins: Perfect for soaking up any runny yolk.
- Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing balance to the richness of the eggs and bacon.
- Classic hash browns: Crispy, satisfying and universally loved.
- Tangy Greek yogurt: A light, tangy contrast to the savory bacon and eggs.
Other tasty breakfast recipes you'll love
Once you've mastered this bacon and egg muffin cup recipe, you might try:
- Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Bacon: Perfect for weekend brunches or family gatherings, a tater tot casserole with cooked bacon is always a crowd-pleaser. The savory blend of bacon, crispy tater tots and shredded cheese makes it a comforting and indulgent choice for a relaxed morning meal.
- Breakfast Casserole: Enjoy a stress-free morning routine with a simple breakfast casserole recipe using ham steak, sweet potatoes and an array of flavorful ingredients. Great for busy weeks or upcoming holidays, this hearty dish promises a delicious and healthy start to the day.
- Ham and Cheese Frittata: You can't go wrong with a recipe for classic ham and cheese frittata. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this versatile dish blends diced ham, cheddar cheese and eggs — all baked to perfection in under 25 minutes.
Bacon and egg muffin cups FAQs
Discover some of the most commonly asked questions you might run into along the way:
What are popular recipe variations to try?
Explore exciting variations of this recipe by adding unique ingredients like diced vegetables, bell peppers or spinach. Or, feel free to opt for a different type of cheese, like parmesan cheese, and experiment with alternative bacon types to customize the flavor profile to your family's preferences. For a spicy kick, you can also incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce. These creative twists are just the tip of the iceberg for personalizing your bacon egg cups.
How can I avoid egg cups sticking to the muffin pan?
To prevent your bacon egg cups from sticking to the muffin tin, make sure you generously grease each cup with cooking spray before assembling the cups. Alternatively, you can use silicone muffin liners for easy removal. Allowing the cups to cool for a few minutes after baking also helps you avoid any sticking issues.
How firm are eggs after baking for 15 to 20 minutes?
After baking for 15 to 20 minutes, the eggs should be firm but slightly soft in the center. If you prefer firmer eggs, simply bake them a little longer, checking every few minutes to make sure they don't overcook.
Can I use egg whites only for this recipe?
Yes, you can use egg whites only for this recipe. The egg cups will be lighter and lower in fat, while still maintaining a great texture. Keep in mind you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since egg whites cook faster than whole eggs.
Can I make Canadian bacon egg cups with ham?
Absolutely! Canadian bacon or ham, like Hatfield® Hardwood Smoked Ham Steak, are both excellent substitutes for traditional bacon in this recipe. They'll add a different texture and flavor but will still complement the eggs beautifully.
Can I make egg cups ahead of time?
The short answer is, absolutely! To prepare your bacon egg cups ahead of time, simply follow the recipe until just before baking. Then, you can refrigerate the assembled cups in an airtight container until you're ready to serve them. This convenient make-ahead option ensures a fresh and flavorful breakfast with minimal morning prep.
Can I use different cuts of bacon for this recipe?
While we recommend thick-cut bacon for this recipe, you can certainly customize your egg muffins by experimenting with various cuts of bacon. From extra thick options like Hatfield® Maple Brown Sugar Bacon, Extra Thick Cut to healthier alternatives like Hatfield® Reduced Sodium Hardwood Smoked Bacon, each variation adds a unique twist to the dish. Explore a range of high-quality, pre-seasoned options from Hatfield® to create a delightful and personalized breakfast experience for you and your family.
Your partner for perfect bacon egg and cups — and beyond
Whether you've been looking for a delectable breakfast or a convenient on-the-go snack, bacon and egg cups stand out as a great choice that's easy to cater to the entire family's taste buds. And when preparing meals for your loved ones, it's important to start with high-quality ingredients for safe and delicious results. Hatfield stands as a trusted provider of quality pork products to help you not only achieve the best results in flavor and texture but also ensure the utmost food safety.
Ready to elevate your cooking experience with pre-marinated and quality pork? You can head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!
