Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously spray 6 cups of a standard muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
- Press two slices of deli ham into each greased muffin cup, overlapping them to form a nest that covers the bottom and sides. The edges of the ham should extend slightly above the rim of the cup.
Baking and Finishing
- Carefully crack one large egg into each ham nest. Season each egg with a pinch of kosher salt.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The egg whites should be completely set and opaque, while the yolks remain glossy and slightly jiggly for a jammy center.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot eggs. Let the cups rest in the tin for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the eggs to set fully. Garnish with fresh chives and coarse black pepper before serving.
Notes
Don't Skip the Grease: Even though the ham is fatty, you must grease the muffin tin. This is the number one rule for ensuring your beautiful cups pop right out without tearing.
Watch the Cook Time: Ovens vary! Check your egg cups at the 12-minute mark. The difference between a jammy yolk and a hard-cooked one is just a couple of minutes.
Use Quality Ham: Choose a deli ham that isn't overly wet or loaded with brine. A drier ham, like Black Forest, will yield much crispier results.
Double Up the Ham: Using two slices per cup is the secret to a sturdy nest that won’t fall apart. It creates a robust wall that holds its shape perfectly.
Watch the Cook Time: Ovens vary! Check your egg cups at the 12-minute mark. The difference between a jammy yolk and a hard-cooked one is just a couple of minutes.
Use Quality Ham: Choose a deli ham that isn't overly wet or loaded with brine. A drier ham, like Black Forest, will yield much crispier results.
Double Up the Ham: Using two slices per cup is the secret to a sturdy nest that won’t fall apart. It creates a robust wall that holds its shape perfectly.