Welcome to your new favorite breakfast solution! These Ham and Egg Cups are the perfect answer to busy mornings, combining savory ham, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese into a single, portable portion. They are incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday breakfast, a healthy post-workout snack, or a crowd-pleasing brunch option, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Forget boring breakfasts; it’s time to embrace these delicious, protein-packed cups of joy.
Why These Ham and Egg Cups Are a Breakfast Game-Changer
In a world of complicated breakfast recipes, these baked ham and egg cups stand out for their sheer simplicity and convenience. They solve the morning rush dilemma by being a grab-and-go option you can make ahead of time. Plus, they are naturally low-carb and high in protein, keeping you full and energized until lunch. Unlike other recipes that can result in rubbery eggs, our method ensures a perfectly tender and fluffy texture every single time. They are the ultimate meal-prep breakfast, saving you time and effort throughout the week.
Key Ingredients for Success
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create these delicious breakfast bites.
- Large Eggs: The star of the show. We use large eggs for the perfect filling-to-ham ratio.
- Deli Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham works best as it forms a perfect cup shape in the muffin tin. Black Forest or Virginia ham are excellent choices.
- Shredded Cheese: We love a sharp cheddar for its flavor, but feel free to use your favorite, like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a Swiss blend.
- Milk or Heavy Cream: A splash of milk or cream adds a bit of richness and ensures the eggs stay tender and moist.
- Seasoning: A simple combination of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is all you need to enhance the flavors.
- Fresh Chives: Finely chopped chives or green onions add a pop of fresh, mild onion flavor and color.
How to Make Ham and Egg Cups: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these ham and cheese egg muffins is as simple as prepping your muffin tin, adding the ingredients, and baking. Follow these steps for flawless results.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin generously with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Form the Ham Cups: Press one slice of deli ham into each muffin cup, creating a cup shape. Try to overlap the edges slightly to form a sturdy base that will hold the egg filling.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese into the bottom of each ham cup. This creates a delicious, cheesy layer.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well-combined. For easier pouring, transfer the mixture to a spouted measuring cup.
- Fill the Cups: Carefully pour the egg mixture into each ham cup, filling them about three-quarters full. Be mindful not to overfill, as the eggs will puff up as they bake.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and the chopped fresh chives over the top of the egg mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tops are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the ham and egg cups cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before running a thin knife or spatula around the edges to loosen them. Serve warm and enjoy! For a heartier meal, pair them with a side of sautéed vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Ham and Egg Cups Every Time
Keep these simple tips in mind to ensure your breakfast cups are perfect from the very first batch.
- Don’t Skip the Grease: Even if you have a non-stick muffin tin, greasing it is crucial. Eggs are notorious for sticking, and this step ensures easy removal.
- Use Quality Ham: Opt for thinly sliced deli ham. Thicker cuts can be difficult to press into the muffin cups and may not cook as evenly.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cups as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry, rubbery eggs. The centers should be just set when you remove them from the oven.
- Let Them Rest: Allowing the cups to cool for a few minutes in the tin helps them set up further and makes them much easier to remove without breaking.
Fun Variations to Try
This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Mix and match your favorite ingredients to create your own signature version of these baked egg cups.
Add Some Veggies!
Incorporate finely chopped vegetables for extra nutrients and flavor. Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms are all excellent additions. Just be sure to cook them first to remove excess moisture. Looking for another great vegetable dish? Try our honey balsamic brussels sprouts.
Cheese Lovers’ Edition
Experiment with different cheeses. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor, while crumbled feta can give them a Mediterranean twist. For a truly decadent version, try making it with a creamy garlic sauce base.
Spice It Up
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little heat. You can also add other herbs and spices like smoked paprika, dried oregano, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
These ham and egg cups are perfect for meal prep. To store, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Arrange the cooled cups on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave them for 30-60 seconds or warm them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Egg Cups
Yes, they freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Generously grease your muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray, butter, or oil, even if it’s a non-stick pan. This is the most important step to ensure they release easily.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
The key is to avoid overbaking. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for just 15-20 minutes, until the centers are just set. A splash of milk or heavy cream in the egg mixture also adds moisture and richness, which helps prevent a rubbery texture.
Thinly sliced deli ham, such as Black Forest, Virginia, or smoked ham, works best. The thin slices are flexible and easy to press into the muffin tin to form a cup shape.
The Perfect Breakfast Awaits!
You now have the ultimate recipe for delicious and easy Ham and Egg Cups. They are the perfect, versatile solution for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s a breakfast staple in our home. If you loved these, we know you’ll enjoy our popular easy breakfast casserole recipe too! We’d love to hear how yours turned out in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe to your breakfast board on Pinterest!
Ham and Egg Cups Recipe
Ham and Egg Cups: The Easiest, Tastiest Breakfast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
- Press one slice of deli ham into each muffin cup, pressing it against the bottom and up the sides to form a cup.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly into the bottom of the ham cups.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture into each ham cup, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Top with the remaining cheese and fresh chives. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set.
- Let the cups cool in the tin for 5 minutes before removing. Serve warm.
Notes
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Microwave for 30-60 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
