Baked Ham and Cheese Egg Cups
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Ham and Cheese Egg Cups are a tasty breakfast made with layers of savory ham, melted mozzarella, and baked eggs. They come together with just a few simple ingredients and bake right in a muffin tin, making them convenient for meal prep or feeding the family. With plenty of protein and a delicious cheesy flavor, these egg cups are a great option for a satisfying low-carb breakfast.
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Why You’ll Love Ham and Cheese Egg Cups
- Simple ingredients – These egg cups are made with ham, eggs, mozzarella cheese, and a few basic seasonings. There is nothing complicated to prepare. Everything comes together quickly in a muffin tin. It is a great recipe when you want an easy homemade breakfast.
- Savory and cheesy – Each bite has salty ham, melted mozzarella, and a tender baked egg. The flavors are simple but satisfying. Green onions add a fresh finishing touch. It is a delicious combination that works well for breakfast.
- Great for meal prep – You can bake a full batch of 12 egg cups at once. They are easy to store in the refrigerator for later. This makes breakfast preparation much easier during the week. Just reheat the amount you need.
- Low-carb and protein-packed – The recipe uses ham, eggs, and cheese without any bread or crust. Each egg cup is filling and satisfying. It is a great choice when you want a hearty low-carb breakfast. The simple ingredients also make the recipe easy to fit into your routine.
- Easy to customize – You can control how soft or firm the egg yolks are by adjusting the baking time. Bake them for less time for softer yolks. Leave them in a little longer for a more fully cooked center. This makes it easy to prepare the eggs just the way you like them.
- Perfect for feeding a family – One batch makes 12 individual egg cups. Everyone can easily take the amount they want. The muffin-tin shape also makes them simple to portion and serve. They are a convenient option for a family breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients For Ham and Cheese Egg Cups
- Deli ham – Forms the base of each egg cup and adds a savory, salty flavor.
- Eggs – One whole egg goes into each ham cup, giving the recipe its hearty texture and plenty of protein.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melts underneath the eggs and adds a mild, creamy, cheesy flavor.
- Salt – Lightly seasons the eggs and brings out the flavor of the other ingredients.
- Black pepper – Adds a little extra seasoning and a subtle peppery bite.
- Green onions – Sprinkled on top after baking for fresh flavor and a pop of color.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
How To Make Ham and Cheese Egg Cups
- Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray so the egg cups release easily after baking.
- Press one slice of deli ham into each muffin cup to create a small shell.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly inside the ham cups.
- Crack one egg into each cup, placing it right over the cheese.
- Season the tops with salt and black pepper, then bake at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes, depending on how firm you like the yolks.
- Finish with chopped green onions before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with banana baked oatmeal cups for a hearty breakfast.
- Pair with a homemade banana milkshake for a fresh and fruity side.
- Enjoy with raspberry chia pudding for an easy make-ahead meal.
- Add Greek yogurt bagel bites for a more filling breakfast spread.
- Serve alongside air fryer banana muffins for a sweet and savory combination.
Tips For Success
- For the best Ham and Cheese Egg Cups, start with a standard 12-cup muffin tin and lightly coat it with cooking spray. This helps the cups release more easily after baking and keeps the ham from sticking to the pan.
- Choose deli ham slices that are sturdy enough to hold the egg and cheese. The original recipe recommends using ham that is not too thin. Press each slice gently into the muffin cup so it forms a small shell around the filling.
- Divide the mozzarella cheese as evenly as possible among all 12 cups. This gives every egg cup a similar amount of cheesy flavor. Adding the cheese before the egg also creates a tasty layer between the ham and egg.
- Crack the eggs carefully into the ham cups so the filling stays contained. Since each cup holds one whole egg, taking a little extra care can help keep the muffin tin neat and make the finished egg cups look more uniform.
- Keep an eye on the baking time because the texture of the yolks will change depending on how long the egg cups stay in the oven. Baking closer to 15 minutes will give you softer yolks. Baking closer to 18 minutes will give you firmer whites and a more cooked yolk. Choose the timing that matches the way you like your eggs.
- Season the egg cups evenly with salt and black pepper before baking. A small amount goes a long way because the ham and cheese already add plenty of savory flavor.
- Add the green onions after the egg cups come out of the oven. This keeps their fresh flavor and adds a nice finishing touch to the tops.
- If you are making these for meal prep, let them cool before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat them, reheat the amount you need in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the serving size.
- These egg cups are also easy to serve in different ways. Enjoy them on their own, add a little extra cheese or hot sauce, or pair them with toast or fruit for a more complete breakfast.
Variations And Substitutions
- For the meat, deli ham works well because it forms a sturdy cup around the egg. If you want to switch things up, you can use sliced turkey or prosciutto instead. Choose slices that are thick enough to hold their shape in the muffin tin.
- Mozzarella cheese gives these egg cups a mild and creamy flavor, but you can easily replace it with another cheese. Cheddar is a great option if you want a sharper flavor. Swiss cheese pairs especially well with ham. Feta can also be used if you prefer a tangier taste.
- You can also add vegetables to the egg cups. Chopped bell peppers are an easy way to add color and a little crunch. Cherry tomatoes can bring a fresh, juicy flavor. Keep the vegetable pieces small so they fit easily inside the ham cups without overcrowding them.
- Green onions add a fresh finishing touch, but you can replace them with other herbs if you prefer. Fresh herbs can give the egg cups a different flavor while keeping the recipe simple.
- The seasonings are another easy way to customize this recipe. Salt and black pepper keep the flavor classic, but you can add garlic powder or onion powder for more savory flavor. If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes before baking.
- You can also combine several of these ideas. Try turkey with cheddar, ham with Swiss, or prosciutto with mozzarella. Add bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- No matter which variation you choose, keep the basic structure the same: line each muffin cup with deli meat, add the cheese, crack in an egg, season, and bake. These simple swaps make it easy to enjoy Ham and Cheese Egg Cups in a variety of ways while still keeping the recipe quick and easy.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover Ham and Cheese Egg Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 1 week.
- To reheat, place the egg cups in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. The exact time will depend on how many egg cups you are warming at once. Heat just until warmed through so the eggs do not become overcooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ham should I use for Ham and Cheese Egg Cups?
You can use your favorite deli ham for these egg cups. Ham slices that are not too thin work best because they need to hold the cheese and egg inside the muffin tin. Press one slice into each muffin cup to create the base. The ham adds a savory, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the eggs and mozzarella cheese.
How long do Ham and Cheese Egg Cups need to bake?
Bake the egg cups at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes. The exact baking time depends on how you like your eggs. A shorter baking time will give you softer yolks, while baking closer to 18 minutes will produce firmer whites and more cooked yolks. Check the egg cups toward the end of the baking time and remove them when they reach your preferred consistency.
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes. Mozzarella gives the egg cups a mild, creamy flavor, but other cheeses can be used. Cheddar, Swiss, and feta are all options mentioned for this recipe. Changing the cheese is an easy way to give the egg cups a different flavor without changing the basic preparation method.
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Can I substitute another meat for the ham?
Yes. You can replace the deli ham with another sliced deli meat. Turkey and prosciutto are two options that work with this recipe. Choose slices that are sturdy enough to fit into the muffin cups and hold the egg and cheese while baking.
Can I add vegetables to these egg cups?
Yes. Chopped vegetables can be added if you want more flavor and variety. Cherry tomatoes and bell peppers are both good options for these egg cups. Keep the pieces small so they fit easily inside the ham cups along with the cheese and egg.
What other seasonings can I add?
Salt and black pepper keep the flavor simple, but you can add more seasoning if desired. Garlic powder and onion powder can add extra savory flavor. Red pepper flakes are another option if you want the egg cups to have a little heat. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
How can I tell when the eggs are done?
The egg cups are done when the whites have reached the firmness you prefer. At around 18 minutes, the egg whites should be fully cooked and the yolks will be mostly cooked with a slightly jammy texture. If you prefer a runnier yolk, remove them closer to 15 minutes or slightly earlier. Keep in mind that the whites may also be softer when using a shorter baking time.
What can I serve with Ham and Cheese Egg Cups?
These egg cups can be served on their own with extra cheese, hot sauce, salt, or black pepper. You can also add toast or fruit on the side for a more complete breakfast. They pair well with other breakfast dishes when you want to serve a larger meal.
Are Ham and Cheese Egg Cups good for meal prep?
Yes. These egg cups work especially well for meal prep because one batch makes 12 individual portions. You can prepare them ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to eat them. Their individual size also makes it easy to reheat only the amount you need.
How should I store leftover egg cups?
Place leftover Ham and Cheese Egg Cups in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They can be stored for about one week. Keeping them covered helps protect them while they are refrigerated and makes it convenient to prepare breakfast ahead of time.
How do I reheat Ham and Cheese Egg Cups?
Reheat the egg cups in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds. The amount of time needed depends on how many egg cups you are heating at once. Start with a shorter time and heat until they are warmed through.
Can I make the yolks softer?
Yes. For softer or runnier yolks, reduce the baking time. Baking for less than the full 18 minutes will leave the yolks less cooked. The egg whites may also be softer, so choose the baking time according to the egg texture you prefer.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes. Green onions are used as a topping in this recipe, but other fresh herbs can also be added. Herbs are an easy way to change the flavor of the egg cups without altering the basic recipe. Add them according to your taste for a fresh finishing touch.
Other Easy Ham Recipes
Other Easy Egg Recipes
- Turkish Poached Eggs With Yogurt and Spiced Butter
- Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich
- TikTok Egg Boil Recipe
Ham and Cheese Egg Cups
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Ingredients
- 12 slices deli ham
- 12 eggs large
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp green onions chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Place one slice of ham into each muffin cup, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
- Divide the mozzarella cheese evenly among the ham cups.
- Crack one egg into each cup over the cheese.
- Sprinkle evenly with salt and black pepper, then bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Top with chopped green onions and serve.
Notes
- Bake less for softer yolks.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 week.














