Eggs and Bread Recipes: 17 Easy Meals When That’s All You Have in the Kitchen

Eggs and bread recipes are the quiet heroes of every American kitchen. The fridge looks empty, payday is still three days away, and yet there they are: a carton of eggs and half a loaf of bread. That is not a sad situation. It is the start of a really good meal. One short video showing what to do with just these two things has been watched more than 32 million times, which tells you how many of us stand in front of the fridge with the same question. Below you will find our favorite ways to turn them into breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert. Most need five ingredients or fewer, most cost less than a coffee, and every one of them tastes like home..

Eggs and bread recipes that turn two staples into a real meal

If there is a loaf of bread and a carton of eggs in your kitchen, dinner is already handled. The two were made for each other: bread soaks up rich yolk, eggs turn plain toast into something warm and filling, and together they cost next to nothing. Good eggs and bread recipes save the day again and again. We start with a simple skillet bake that feeds the whole family with almost no effort. What is the one egg and toast dish you grew up eating..

You will need: 6 slices bread, 6 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 2 green onions sliced

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F and butter a 10 inch oven safe skillet. 2. Tear the bread into pieces and spread it in the pan. 3. Whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper and pour over the bread. 4. Press down so the bread soaks it up, then top with cheese. 5. Bake 25 minutes until puffed and golden, then add the green onions.

The viral one pan egg toast sandwich

This is the trick that made eggs and bread recipes go viral. You pour beaten egg into a hot pan, lay two slices of bread on top, flip the whole thing, then fold it into a sandwich with cheese inside. It takes five minutes and uses one pan. Have you tried this one yet, or are you about to?

You will need: 2 eggs, 2 slices bread, 1 slice cheese, 1 tbsp butter, pinch of salt and pepper, 1 slice ham (optional)

How to make it: 1. Melt the butter in a nonstick pan over medium heat. 2. Beat the eggs with salt and pepper and pour them in. 3. Quickly dip both slices of bread in the egg side by side, then flip each slice so both sides are coated. 4. When the egg sets, flip everything over as one piece. 5. Add cheese and ham, fold the egg edges over, fold the sandwich in half and cook 1 more minute.

Egg in a hole, one of the eggs and bread recipes every kid loves

Some call it egg in a basket, some call it toad in the hole, and some just call it breakfast. You cut a circle out of the bread, crack an egg into the gap and fry the whole thing in butter. The little toasted circle is the best part. What does your family call it? Tell us below.

You will need: 2 slices bread, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp butter, salt and pepper

How to make it: 1. Cut a 2 inch hole in the middle of each slice with a glass. 2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. 3. Add the bread and the cut out circles. 4. Crack an egg into each hole and season. 5. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, flip carefully and cook 1 more minute for a runny yolk, or longer for a firm one.

Air fryer egg toast cups

These cute little cups are made by pressing bread into a muffin tin, cracking an egg inside and letting the air fryer or oven do the rest. They are one of the smartest make ahead eggs and bread recipes. They are perfect for busy mornings because you can make a batch and warm them up all week. Kids love that each one is their own little breakfast. Would you add bacon, cheese or both?

You will need: 6 slices soft sandwich bread, 6 eggs, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, 3 slices cooked bacon chopped, salt and pepper

How to make it: 1. Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin and trim the crusts. 2. Brush with butter and press into silicone muffin cups. 3. Add a little cheese and bacon, then crack in an egg and season. 4. Air fry at 330 F for 10 to 12 minutes, or bake at 375 F for 15 to 18 minutes. 5. Cool 2 minutes and lift them out.

Street style bread omelette sandwich

In India, the bread omelette is a famous street breakfast: a spicy omelette cooked with slices of bread pressed right into it, then folded like a sandwich. It is fast, filling and full of flavor from onion, chili and fresh herbs. It is one of those eggs and bread recipes you will make again and again. Do you like a little heat at breakfast?

You will need: 3 eggs, 2 slices bread, 1/4 small onion finely chopped, 1 small green chili chopped (optional), 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1/4 tsp salt, pinch of turmeric, 1 tbsp butter, ketchup to serve

How to make it: 1. Beat the eggs with onion, chili, cilantro, salt and turmeric. 2. Melt the butter in a wide pan and pour in the eggs. 3. While still wet, dip both bread slices in the egg and flip them. 4. When set, flip everything, then fold the omelette edges over the bread. 5. Fold in half, cut into squares and serve with ketchup.

Diner style egg salad sandwich

A good egg salad sandwich is creamy, tangy and a little bit old fashioned, like something from a small town diner counter. Hard boiled eggs, a spoon of mayo and soft bread are all you need, and it is one of the cheapest lunches you can pack. It belongs on every list of eggs and bread recipes. Do you like your egg salad smooth or chunky?

You will need: 6 hard boiled eggs, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp chopped chives, 1/4 tsp salt, pepper, paprika, 8 slices soft bread, lettuce

How to make it: 1. Peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces. 2. Stir in the mayo, mustard, chives, salt and pepper. 3. Taste and add a little more mayo if you like it creamy. 4. Spread onto 4 slices of bread and add lettuce. 5. Top with the other slices, cut in half and dust with paprika.

Croque madame: fancy French eggs and bread recipes made easy

Of all the eggs and bread recipes, the croque madame is the French cafe classic: a toasted ham and cheese sandwich covered in creamy sauce and crowned with a fried egg. It sounds fancy, but at home it is just a really good grilled cheese with a sunny egg on top. Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch. Quick poll: A) croque madame with the egg, or B) croque monsieur without it?

You will need: 4 slices bread, 4 slices ham, 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese, 2 eggs, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp flour, 1/2 cup milk, pinch of nutmeg, 1 tsp Dijon mustard

How to make it: 1. Melt the butter, stir in the flour, then whisk in the milk and nutmeg until thick. 2. Spread mustard on 2 slices of bread, add ham and half the cheese, and top with the other slices. 3. Spread the sauce on top and add the rest of the cheese. 4. Bake at 400 F for 10 minutes until bubbly. 5. Fry the eggs and set one on each sandwich.

Monte Cristo sandwich with powdered sugar

The Monte Cristo is a ham and cheese sandwich dipped in egg like French toast, fried until golden and dusted with powdered sugar. Many people first tried it at a theme park or a 1960s style restaurant, and it is still a sweet and salty treat. Serve it with a little berry jam for dipping. Would you eat this for breakfast or for dinner?

You will need: 4 slices bread, 4 slices ham, 4 slices turkey, 4 slices Swiss cheese, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 2 tbsp butter, powdered sugar, berry jam to serve

How to make it: 1. Layer ham, turkey and cheese between the bread to make 2 sandwiches. 2. Beat the eggs with the milk in a shallow dish. 3. Dip each sandwich on both sides. 4. Fry in butter over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts. 5. Cut in half, dust with powdered sugar and serve with jam.

Baked egg boats in a bread crust

These bread boats come from the country of Georgia, where they are called khachapuri. A soft dough is shaped like a little boat, filled with melted cheese and finished with an egg in the middle. At home, a hollowed baguette works too and is much faster. Stir the yolk into the hot cheese and tear off the crust to dip. It is one of the most fun eggs and bread recipes to share. Who would you share one with?

You will need: 1 baguette, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 4 eggs, 2 tbsp butter, pinch of salt

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and cut the baguette into 2 long pieces. 2. Cut a shallow boat shape into the top of each and scoop out some of the soft bread. 3. Fill with the mixed cheeses and bake 8 minutes. 4. Make a well, crack in 2 eggs per boat and bake 8 to 10 more minutes. 5. Add a little butter on top and serve hot.

Soft scrambled eggs on garlic toast

Creamy, slow cooked scrambled eggs on crunchy garlic toast might be the most comforting of all eggs and bread recipes. The trick is low heat and patience, so the eggs stay soft and silky. Add a few sliced tomatoes on the side and you have a cafe style plate for pennies. Do you like your eggs soft or well done?

You will need: 4 eggs, 2 thick slices bread, 2 tbsp butter, 1 garlic clove halved, 2 tbsp milk, salt and pepper, chopped chives, sliced tomatoes

How to make it: 1. Toast the bread, rub it with the cut garlic and spread with a little butter. 2. Whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper. 3. Melt the rest of the butter in a pan over low heat. 4. Add the eggs and stir slowly with a spatula until just set and creamy. 5. Spoon onto the toast and top with chives and tomatoes.

Shakshuka with crusty bread, eggs and bread recipes for dinner

Shakshuka is eggs gently poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce, served right from the skillet with plenty of bread for dipping. It is popular across North Africa and the Middle East and makes a cozy, meatless dinner. One pan, one loaf, and everybody digs in. Have you ever had eggs for dinner?

You will need: 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 red bell pepper sliced, 1 onion sliced, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp olive oil, 6 eggs, crusty bread, chopped parsley

How to make it: 1. Cook the onion and pepper in oil for 8 minutes until soft. 2. Add the garlic, cumin and paprika for 1 minute. 3. Pour in the tomatoes and salt and simmer 10 minutes. 4. Make 6 wells, crack in the eggs, cover and cook 6 to 8 minutes until the whites set. 5. Top with parsley and serve with bread.

Savory bread pudding, thrifty eggs and bread recipes for stale bread

Savory bread pudding is one of the smartest eggs and bread recipes for a stale loaf. Cubes of bread soak in eggs and milk with spinach and cheese, then bake into a puffy, golden dish that works for brunch or a meatless dinner. It is a great way to use up leftovers. What would you add: ham, mushrooms or sausage?

You will need: 6 cups cubed day old bread, 5 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, 2 cups baby spinach, 1 small onion chopped, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper

How to make it: 1. Cook the onion in butter, then stir in the spinach until wilted. 2. Grease a baking dish and add the bread, spinach mix and most of the cheese. 3. Whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper and pour over. 4. Let it soak 20 minutes, then top with the rest of the cheese. 5. Bake at 350 F for 40 to 45 minutes until set in the middle.

Dippy eggs and toast soldiers for kids

Soft boiled eggs with thin strips of buttered toast, called soldiers, are a classic breakfast in Britain and a fun one for kids anywhere. You dip each toast strip into the runny yolk. For little kids, pregnant women and older adults, cook the egg a bit longer until the yolk is thick, or use pasteurized eggs. These are the gentlest eggs and bread recipes for little ones. Did you have dippy eggs as a child?

You will need: 2 eggs, 2 slices bread, 1 tbsp butter, pinch of salt, egg cups

How to make it: 1. Bring a small pot of water to a gentle boil. 2. Lower in the eggs and cook 6 minutes for a runny yolk, or 7 to 8 minutes for a jammy one. 3. Toast and butter the bread, then cut into thin strips. 4. Set each egg in a cup and slice off the top. 5. Add a pinch of salt and dip away.

Old fashioned bread pudding, the sweet side of eggs and bread recipes

Yes, eggs and bread make dessert too. Old fashioned bread pudding is soft, custardy and full of warm cinnamon, just like the one grandma made to use up the end of the loaf. A quick vanilla sauce on top makes it feel like a holiday treat. Quick poll: A) raisins in, B) raisins out, C) chocolate chips instead?

You will need: 6 cups cubed bread, 4 eggs, 2 cups milk, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup raisins (optional). Sauce: 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp vanilla

How to make it: 1. Put the bread and raisins in a buttered 8 inch dish. 2. Whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, butter, cinnamon and vanilla and pour over. 3. Soak 15 minutes, then bake at 350 F for 45 minutes. 4. For the sauce, whisk milk, sugar and cornstarch over medium heat until thick, then add vanilla. 5. Spoon the warm sauce over each serving.

Spanish migas with a fried egg

Migas means crumbs, and in Spain it is a hearty dish of day old bread cubes fried in olive oil with garlic, peppers and sausage, then topped with a fried egg. It was born as a way for farm families to waste nothing. It may be the oldest of all eggs and bread recipes. Today it is pure comfort food. Would you try it for breakfast or for dinner?

You will need: 4 cups day old bread cubes, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 garlic cloves sliced, 4 oz cured sausage or bacon chopped, 1 red pepper chopped, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 4 eggs, salt

How to make it: 1. Sprinkle the bread with a little water and salt and let it sit 10 minutes. 2. Fry the sausage, garlic and pepper in the oil for 5 minutes. 3. Add the bread and paprika and stir often for 10 minutes until golden and crisp. 4. Fry the eggs in a separate pan. 5. Divide the migas onto plates and top each with an egg.

Eggs Benedict at home, easier than you think

Eggs Benedict is a brunch favorite: toasted English muffins, warm ham, poached eggs and buttery hollandaise sauce. Restaurants charge a lot for it, but a quick blender hollandaise makes it doable at home. Use pasteurized eggs for the sauce if you are serving kids, older adults or anyone pregnant. It is the brunch star of eggs and bread recipes. Is this your brunch order?

You will need: 2 English muffins split, 4 slices Canadian bacon, 4 eggs, 1 tbsp vinegar. Sauce: 3 pasteurized egg yolks, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 cup hot melted butter, pinch of salt

How to make it: 1. Blend the yolks, lemon juice and salt, then slowly pour in the hot butter until thick. 2. Toast the muffins and warm the Canadian bacon in a pan. 3. Bring a pot of water and vinegar to a gentle simmer. 4. Slide in the eggs and poach 3 to 4 minutes. 5. Stack muffin, bacon and egg, then spoon the sauce over.

Egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, plus tips for eggs and bread recipes

We end with the breakfast sandwich, the simplest of all eggs and bread recipes and maybe the most loved. A fried egg, a slice of cheese and toasted bread are all it takes. A few tips: stale bread is perfect for bread pudding, migas and strata style bakes, eggs keep best in their carton on a fridge shelf, not the door, and always cook eggs until set for young kids. For more ideas, see these egg breakfasts that make busy mornings feel so much better, and watch the eggs and bread video with 32 million views. Which recipe will you make first?

You will need: 2 slices bread or 1 English muffin, 1 egg, 1 slice American or cheddar cheese, 1 tsp butter, salt and pepper, 1 slice cooked bacon (optional)

How to make it: 1. Toast the bread. 2. Melt the butter in a small pan and crack in the egg. 3. Break the yolk if you like it firm, season and cook until set. 4. Flip, top with cheese and cover for 30 seconds to melt. 5. Slide onto the toast, add bacon and close the sandwich.