Baked Cheese and Bacon Egg Cups

These Baked Cheese and Bacon Egg Cups are a delicious, easy-to-make breakfast or brunch option that is both satisfying and packed with flavor. Each cup features a crispy bacon base, a rich cheesy filling, and a perfectly baked egg. This recipe is customizable to your tastes—whether you prefer a runny yolk or a fully set egg, it’s all up to you! Perfect for meal prep, serving at a weekend gathering, or as a protein-packed start to your day, these egg cups are sure to become a go-to recipe.

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Recipe Overview:

• Yield: 6 egg cups
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

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Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 6 slices of bacon (thick-cut works best, but regular is fine)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or non-stick spray (to grease the muffin tin)
• Optional: 1/4 cup of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers (for extra flavor and nutrients)
• Optional: Hot sauce or ketchup (for serving)

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Equipment:

• Muffin tin (12-cup or 6-cup depending on the batch size)
• Frying pan (for bacon)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spoon or tongs (for placing bacon in the muffin tin)
• Oven-safe spatula or spoon (for serving)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to allow it to heat up while you prepare the ingredients.
2. Grease the muffin tin: Lightly grease the muffin tin with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent the bacon and eggs from sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Cook the bacon

1. Fry the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Turn occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides.
2. Drain the bacon: Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pan and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
3. Cool and cut the bacon: Allow the bacon to cool slightly. Once cooled, chop each slice into smaller pieces (roughly 1 to 1 1/2 inches long), or you can crumble it if you prefer smaller bits.

Step 3: Assemble the egg cups

1. Place bacon in muffin tin: Take the cooked bacon and arrange the pieces in each muffin cup. Try to form a ring around the edges to create a little “nest” for the egg. This will help contain the egg and prevent it from spilling over.
2. Add cheese: Sprinkle about 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheese on top of the bacon in each muffin cup. You can use cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or any of your favorite cheeses for this step.
3. Crack the eggs: Carefully crack one egg into each muffin cup over the bacon and cheese. If you prefer your eggs scrambled, you can beat them lightly in a bowl and pour them into the cups instead.

Step 4: Season and bake

1. Season the eggs: Sprinkle each egg with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. If you’re adding any optional ingredients, such as sautéed spinach or mushrooms, you can sprinkle them on top of the eggs now.
2. Bake the egg cups: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the egg whites are fully set but the yolks are still soft (if you prefer runny yolks). If you prefer fully cooked eggs, leave them in for an extra 5-7 minutes.
   • Tip for yolk preference: For runny yolks, check at the 15-minute mark. For firm yolks, let them bake for 20 minutes or longer.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

1. Cool and garnish: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the egg cups to cool slightly. Use a spoon or an oven-safe spatula to gently remove the egg cups from the muffin tin.
2. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or any other fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and flavor.
3. Serve: Serve the egg cups warm with a side of avocado, fresh fruit, or toast. You can also drizzle with hot sauce or ketchup if you like.

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Notes and Tips:

1. Bacon Tips:
   • You can also bake the bacon in the oven if you prefer hands-off cooking. Place the bacon slices on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until crispy. Then chop and proceed with the recipe.
   • If you want an extra crispy bacon base, you can bake the bacon directly in the muffin tin at 375°F for 5-7 minutes before adding the eggs and cheese.
2. Cheese Variations: The cheese in this recipe can be varied depending on your preference. Try mozzarella for a meltier texture, or add crumbled feta for a tangy twist. A blend of different cheeses will create an even more complex flavor profile.
3. Make it Veggie: If you’re looking for a more vegetable-forward breakfast, feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the cups before adding the egg. The moisture from the vegetables will combine beautifully with the egg.
4. Make-Ahead Option:
   • These egg cups can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to warm through.
   • You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap each egg cup tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
5. Serving Suggestions:
   • Serve these egg cups with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or crispy hash browns for a complete meal.
   • For extra indulgence, top with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hollandaise sauce.

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Storage:

• Refrigerate: These egg cups store well in the refrigerator for 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
• Freeze: If you plan to freeze them, wrap each egg cup in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat them from frozen or after thawing in the fridge overnight.

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Conclusion:

These Baked Cheese and Bacon Egg Cups are an easy, customizable, and delicious breakfast option that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them with a runny yolk or fully cooked eggs, they’re a satisfying choice that can be prepped ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week. Perfect for a busy morning or a weekend brunch with friends, these egg cups combine the richness of cheese and bacon with the comfort of a perfectly baked egg. Enjoy!