Ham and Egg Cups: The Perfect Grab-and-Go Breakfast

Welcome to the ultimate solution for your busy mornings! These Ham and Egg Cups are a game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, high-protein, and incredibly easy breakfast. Forget stressful morning rushes; with just a few simple ingredients and a muffin tin, you can prepare a week’s worth of savory, satisfying breakfasts. They are perfectly portioned, endlessly customizable, and an absolute favorite for both kids and adults.

Why This Ham and Egg Cups Recipe is a Morning Game-Changer

You’re going to love the simplicity and convenience of this recipe. These little cups are designed for meal prep, making your mornings smoother and more delicious. They are packed with protein to keep you full and focused until lunch, and they are naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.


What makes these baked ham and egg cups truly special is their versatility. Whether you’re adding cheese, sneaking in some veggies for extra nutrients, or just enjoying the classic combination, they never disappoint. Plus, they store and reheat beautifully, so you can just grab one from the fridge, warm it up, and start your day right.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create these amazing breakfast bites.

  • Large Eggs: The star of the show. Use high-quality eggs for the best flavor and nutrition.
  • Deli Ham: Opt for thick-cut or black forest ham. You’ll want slices that are large enough to form a cup shape inside the muffin tin.
  • Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but mozzarella, Swiss, or a Monterey Jack blend also work wonderfully.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the eggs.
  • Fresh Chives or Parsley: Optional, but highly recommended for a fresh, finishing touch.
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Essential for greasing the muffin tin to prevent any sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Ham and Egg Cups

Follow these simple steps to create flawless ham and egg cups every single time. It’s a straightforward process that delivers amazing results.

  1. Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This is a crucial step to ensure your cups come out cleanly.
  2. Form the Ham Cups: Press one slice of ham into each muffin cup, creating a liner. Try to press it against the bottom and up the sides to form a sturdy cup shape.
  3. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a small amount of your shredded cheese into the bottom of each ham cup. This creates a delicious, cheesy base.
  4. Crack the Eggs: Carefully crack one large egg into each ham cup, right on top of the cheese. Try not to break the yolk.
  5. Season: Season each egg with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The baking time will depend on how you like your yolks. For runny yolks, aim for 12 minutes; for firm, fully-cooked yolks, go closer to 15-17 minutes.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the cups cool for a minute or two before running a knife around the edges and gently lifting them out. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley and serve immediately.
A batch of ham and egg cups fresh out of the oven in a muffin tin, ready for a healthy meal prep breakfast.
Meal prep is a breeze with this simple and delicious recipe.

Pro Tips for Flawless Egg Cups Every Time

Want to make sure your Ham and Egg Cups are perfect? Here are a few expert tips to guarantee success.

  • Don’t Skip Greasing: Even if you have a non-stick muffin tin, greasing it is the best insurance against sticking. Use a good quality cooking spray or melted butter.
  • Choose the Right Ham: Use round slices of deli ham that are not too thin. Black Forest ham is a great choice because it’s flavorful and sturdy enough to hold its shape.
  • Watch the Cook Time: Ovens can vary. Keep a close eye on your egg cups the first time you make them. The whites should be set, but the yolk can be cooked to your preference. Remember they will continue to cook a little after you remove them from the oven.

Fun Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started on making these ham and cheese egg muffins your own.

Add Some Veggies

Finely chopped vegetables can be added for extra flavor and nutrition. Try adding sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions. Just be sure to cook them first to remove excess moisture.

Spice It Up

For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the eggs before baking. A sprinkle of smoked paprika also adds a lovely, smoky flavor.

Change the Cheese

Experiment with different cheeses! Crumbled feta, creamy goat cheese, or a spicy pepper jack can completely change the flavor profile of your ham and egg cups.

An extreme close-up of a perfectly baked ham and egg cup, showing the melted cheddar cheese and tender ham.
Look at that perfectly cooked egg and crispy ham edge!

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating for Easy Mornings

These ham and egg cups are perfect for meal prep. To store, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 30-45 seconds until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze them. Arrange the cooled cups on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave for 60-90 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

To prevent soggy cups, make sure you don’t overbake them. If you add vegetables, sauté them first to remove excess moisture before adding them to the cups. Let them cool completely before storing.


When stored in an airtight container, these ham and egg cups will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making them perfect for your weekly meal prep.


Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Let them cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet to flash-freeze for an hour. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 2 months.


Thicker-cut deli ham like Black Forest or Virginia ham works best because it’s sturdy enough to form a cup and hold the egg. Avoid very thin or shaved ham.


The key is to grease your muffin tin very generously, even if it’s non-stick. Use a good quality cooking spray or melted butter and make sure to cover the bottom and all sides of each cup.


More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these easy breakfast cups, you’ll love exploring more of our simple and delicious morning meals. Try our fan-favorite easy breakfast burrito recipe for another fantastic meal-prep option. For a low-carb bread alternative, you have to bake a loaf of our fluffy cottage cheese cloud bread. And for a surprisingly healthy treat, check out these simple 3-ingredient banana brownies!

The Perfect Ham and Egg Cups Recipe

An extreme close-up of a perfectly baked ham and egg cup, showing the melted cheddar cheese and tender ham.
FL Recipes

Ham and Egg Cups: The Perfect Grab-and-Go Breakfast

These quick and easy Ham and Egg Cups are the perfect high-protein, low-carb breakfast for busy mornings. Made in a muffin tin with ham, eggs, and cheese, they are ideal for meal prep and endlessly customizable.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 cups
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 145

Ingredients
  

  • 12 large eggs
  • 12 slices deli ham Thick-cut or Black Forest works best
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 12-cup muffin tin
  • 1 Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
  2. Press one slice of ham into each muffin cup, creating a liner. Try to press it against the bottom and up the sides to form a sturdy cup shape.
  3. Sprinkle a small amount of your shredded cheese into the bottom of each ham cup.
  4. Carefully crack one large egg into each ham cup, right on top of the cheese.
  5. Season each egg with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  6. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on how you like your egg yolks.
  7. Let the cups cool for a minute before removing from the tin. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcalProtein: 12gFat: 10g

Notes

For runny yolks, bake for 12-13 minutes. For firm yolks, bake for 15-17 minutes.
Store cooled egg cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keyword baked egg cups,ham and egg cups,meal prep breakfast

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A delicious platter of freshly baked Ham and Egg Cups, garnished with chives. The perfect high-protein, grab-and-go breakfast idea for meal prep.
Save this easy Ham and Egg Cups recipe for your next meal prep session!

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