I love a GREAT brunch. Especially when that brunch includes menu items like warm, salty cured ham and barely-done eggs. Add some smoked cheeses + fruit and you have yourself a winner, my friends!
I love serving one or two hearty, protein-rich menu items at a brunch. These heartier menu items create the framework of the brunch. Protein-rich foods provide structure for side dishes, fruits, baked goods and salads to be built around. A brunch without these heartier menu items is called cereal, friends!
When creating the centerpiece of a brunch menu, many of us lean toward the classic quiche. But, I don’t always have time for the song and dance of creating a classic quiche with a homemade crust.
Don’t get me wrong, I love that beautiful, classic song & dance…there are just some brunch occasions that call for something a little quicker. Something just as beautiful, but more portable. Something that can stand to sit around for a little while and reheated if necessary.
And then there are some occasions where I need a delicate approach to protein, such as individual portions ready to go. Sometimes I don’t want to serve a casserole that we spoon our breakfast from, especially when I host parties.
Enter one of my favorites: Baked Eggs in Ham. —>This one is a beauty, friends.
It’s adorable. It is the perfect portion size. It is simple to construct & is self-contained. And…drumroll, please…it can be made ahead of time & easily reheated!
What is not to like about this dish? (Absolutely nothing. That’s your answer. Nothing.)
So, the next time you host a completely casual after church brunch or baby shower party for your favorite gal-pal, Baked Eggs in Ham will leave you swooning…and showing off your eggs in a completely different (and unique) way!
After making these great Baked Eggs in Ham, check out my recipe for Lemon & Blueberry Stuffed French Toast. This recipe will be a great addition to your next brunch as well!
Cheers!
Baked Eggs in Ham
This brunch favorite not only tastes delicious, but is beautiful when served as part of a brunch spread and is a wonderfully unique take on classic eggs & ham!
Ingredients
- Butter OR nonstick spray
- 8-1/16-inch thick round deli ham slices (largest you can find)
- 2 tsp. pesto
- 8 large eggs
- 16-1/2-inch cubes of your favorite white cheese (I like gouda or smoked mozarella)
- 4 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Step 1 Heat the oven to 375 F degrees
- Step 2 Butter 8 compartments of a metal muffin tin. Fold each ham slice into quarters, insert the point end in a buttered muffin cup and let it open, it will have a ruffled look.
- Step 3 Place 1/4 tsp. of the pesto into the bottom of each ham cup and then carefully crack 1 egg into each cup. Sometimes I crack my egg into a small liquid measuring cup with a spout, then pour from there.
- Step 4 Tuck 2 cheese cubes and one cherry tomato half into each cup on top of the eggs and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ham and pesto both lend saltiness to the dish, so be careful not to over-salt.
- Step 5 Bake for 15-20 minutes until the egg white looks set but the yolk is still a bit runny.
- Step 6 Remove the ham cups from the muffin tin and serve them on a brunch platter. Enjoy!
I made the egg/ham bake this morning and it was absolutely delicious! The recipe was super easy and hardly any cleanup. Most of all my hubby loved it!! Will definitely make again. Keep those delicious recipes Tara!!
Oh, that is awesome! I’m glad to hear this!!
Love this idea. I have done baked eggs before so looking forward to trying this recipe. Love a good brunch! Thanks
This is a great brunch option ~ Enjoy!