Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. These super-easy Ham and Egg Cups use just a few ingredients and come together in minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or meal prep. Each serving is an individual egg baked inside a ham “cup” with melted cheese — simple, satisfying, and easy to customize.
Ham and Egg Cups — So Easy!
For many mornings, a quick yogurt and coffee will do. But when you want something more substantial without the fuss, these Ham and Egg Cups are a lifesaver. The recipe yields a dozen individual cups, so you can serve them fresh or bake a batch to reheat during the week. They’re ideal for a fast family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a protein-packed snack.
Gather just a few ingredients
This recipe is intentionally short on ingredients, which makes it quick and economical. Use what you like and adapt based on what’s in your fridge.
- 12 slices of ham (standard thickness deli ham works best)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, Swiss, or mozzarella)
- 12 large eggs
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Cooking spray (or butter/neutral oil for greasing)
Tips for baking ham and egg cups
- Use a standard 12-cup muffin pan for easy assembly and even baking.
- Grease the muffin cups thoroughly. Cooking spray works well; you can also use softened butter or a light brush of oil to prevent sticking.
- Choose standard-thickness deli ham. Very thin ham may not hold the egg and cheese as neatly. Trim slices to fit inside the muffin cup if needed.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese coated to prevent clumping. If you have time, grate your own for a creamier texture.
- Cooking time controls yolk consistency: about 12 minutes at 400°F gives softer, slightly runny yolks; 14–15 minutes results in firmer, more set yolks.
Make-ahead and storage
These cups reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. After baking, allow the cups to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, microwave one cup on medium power (about 60%) for 40–60 seconds, or warm in a low oven until heated through.
More easy breakfast ideas
- Mini chocolate puff pastry rolls
- Quinoa egg muffins (make-ahead option)
- Crustless spinach and bacon quiche squares
- Sausage, spinach, and cheddar breakfast casserole
- Muffin tin scrambled eggs
A quick note
If you try these cheesy ham and egg cups, consider sharing your experience or a photo. Hearing what worked or how you customized the recipe is always appreciated.
Recipe
Super Easy Ham and Egg Cups
Yield: 12 cups | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 12–15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- Cooking spray (or butter/oil)
- 12 slices ham
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 large eggs
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease the cups of a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray, butter, or oil.
- Line each muffin cup with a slice of ham, trimming any excess so the ham forms a cup.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese into the bottom of each ham-lined cup.
- Carefully crack one egg into each cup on top of the cheese.
- Season each egg with a pinch of kosher salt and a grind of black pepper.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, depending on how set you prefer the yolks: 12 minutes for softer yolks, up to 15 minutes for firmer yolks.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Use a spoon to lift the cups from the pan and serve warm.
Notes
- A standard 12-cup muffin pan makes assembly quick and consistent.
- If using very thin ham, layer two slices or choose a thicker-sliced deli ham to help the cup hold together.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-clumping agents.
- Adjust the bake time to control yolk consistency: shorter for runny yolks, longer for firm yolks.
- Store cooled cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 174 kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.6 g | Protein: 14.5 g | Fat: 12.1 g | Saturated Fat: 5.4 g | Cholesterol: 217 mg | Sodium: 523 mg | Fiber: 0.4 g | Sugar: 0.5 g
