If you are searching for a fun, easy, and utterly delicious breakfast idea, this Sheet Pan Egg in a Hole with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine perfectly toasted buttery bread with a golden egg nestled in the center, surrounded by crispy bacon strips arranged in an inviting X shape, all topped off with sharp, nutty Parmesan cheese. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a clever sheet pan format that makes preparation and cleanup a breeze while delivering big flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays an essential role in balancing taste, texture, and appearance. The salty bacon adds crunch and richness, buttery bread gives crispness and comfort, eggs bring creaminess and protein, and the Parmesan ties everything together with a subtle, savory punch.
- 12 strips bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for the best crispy and chewy contrast.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Softened butter intensifies flavor and ensures the bread gets that golden, crisp finish.
- 6 slices bread: Use sturdy bread like sourdough or country loaf to hold up well during baking.
- 6 eggs: Fresh eggs are key for bright, tender whites and perfectly runny yolks.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for even melting and a delightful umami boost.
How to Make Sheet Pan Egg in a Hole with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Bacon
Start by laying the bacon strips in a single layer on a sheet pan, then place it into a cold oven. Turning the oven on to 400ºF allows the bacon to cook evenly and crisp up beautifully without curling too much. After 10 minutes, remove the bacon and dab off excess grease on paper towels. This step ensures your bacon is perfectly crispy but not greasy, forming a lovely base for your egg-in-a-hole.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
While the bacon is baking, butter both sides of the bread slices lightly but thoroughly—this helps develop a golden crust. Use a biscuit cutter or a drinking glass rim to cut out a perfect circular hole in the center of each slice. Keep the cut-out circles as well; they’ll bake into delightful little toasted bites. Lay the bread and cut circles on a parchment-lined sheet pan to keep everything neat and to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Assemble the Bacon
Take two strips of your crispy bacon and arrange them in an X shape right inside the hole of each bread slice. This not only tastes delicious but creates an attractive visual nest for the egg while adding smoky, meaty warmth to each bite.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Cheese
Carefully crack an egg right into each bread hole on top of the bacon X, taking care not to break the yolks. Once all eggs are in place, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over each slice. The cheese melts during baking and adds a savory, slightly nutty finish that elevates the entire dish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the sheet pan back in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the eggs reach your preferred doneness. The bread will crisp up nicely, the eggs will set tenderly, and the Parmesan will lightly brown. Serve these beauties immediately while everything is warm and inviting.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Egg in a Hole with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like freshly ground black pepper, a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley, or a dusting of smoked paprika can beautifully enhance both flavor and appearance. A drizzle of hot sauce or a few red pepper flakes can add a welcome kick if you like things spicy.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing this hearty breakfast with fresh fruit salad for a sweet contrast or some sautéed greens or roasted tomatoes for an extra dose of color and nutrients. Even a simple glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or your favorite morning coffee can make this meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, arrange these sheet pan egg in a hole slices on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of avocado slices, fresh herbs, or even individual ramekins of salsa or hollandaise. You can also serve the cut-out bread circles toasted alongside as crunchy dippers or mini toasts for topping with ricotta or jam.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover egg in a hole with bacon and Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them separate from any fresh garnishes to maintain texture, and avoid sogginess by reheating carefully.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, but be aware the texture of the eggs may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread chewy and the eggs rubbery. This method helps maintain the crisp edges and tender yolk texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While sturdy breads like sourdough or artisan white work best to hold the egg, you can experiment with whole wheat, rye, or even gluten-free options to suit your taste and dietary needs.
What if I want my eggs less or more cooked?
Adjust the baking time to your liking. Around 8 minutes yields runnier yolks, while 12 minutes or more gives fully set eggs. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or without bacon?
Yes! Omitting bacon makes it a simple egg in a hole recipe. For a vegetarian twist, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach inside the holes before cracking eggs for extra flavor.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe for a crowd?
The sheet pan method is perfect for multitasking and scaling up. Use larger pans or bake in batches to serve as many as you need efficiently and with minimal fuss.
How do I prevent soggy bread?
Butter the bread well and bake it on parchment paper so it crisps up nicely. Baking at a high temperature with the bacon underneath helps render fat and keeps the bread from getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and satisfying about the Sheet Pan Egg in a Hole with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe that makes it a weekend favorite for many of us. Its clever combination of familiar flavors and textures with the ease of baking everything together in one pan makes it a true winner. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—it’s a delicious way to start any day!
Print
Sheet Pan Egg in a Hole with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sheet Pan Egg in a Hole is a simple and delicious breakfast recipe featuring crispy bacon, perfectly baked eggs nestled in buttery bread rounds, and a touch of parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This hands-off oven-baked recipe is easy to prepare and ideal for a crowd.
Ingredients
Meat
- 12 strips bacon
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 6 eggs
Bakery
- 6 slices bread
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon strips in a single layer on a sheet pan. Transfer the pan to a cold oven, then set the oven temperature to 400ºF. Bake for 10 minutes until bacon is partially cooked and starting to crisp. Remove from the oven and transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess grease.
- Prepare the Bread: While the bacon is cooking, lightly butter both sides of all the bread slices. Use a biscuit cutter or the top of a drinking glass to cut a hole in the center of each slice. On a clean sheet pan lined with parchment paper, lay out the bread slices and the cut-out circles in a single layer.
- Arrange Bacon on Bread: Place two strips of the cooked bacon in an ‘X’ shape inside each hole of the bread slices on the sheet pan.
- Add Eggs and Cheese: Carefully crack one egg into each hole over the bacon, ensuring the yolk stays intact. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the bread slices and eggs.
- Bake Until Set: Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the eggs are fully set and the bread is toasted. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bread for sturdier egg in a hole and better absorption of flavors.
- You can swap parmesan for cheddar or mozzarella if preferred.
- Watch baking time closely as ovens vary and eggs can overcook quickly.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
- This recipe can be doubled or tripled easily by using additional sheet pans and oven space.
