Got eggs in your fridge? No worries, you're always close to a tasty meal. Whether you prefer sunny side up, poached, or scrambled, there’s an egg dish for every taste and occasion. Cooked in just minutes, eggs can be quickly added to toast for a filling, high-protein breakfast.
For a more refined option, bake them in a ramekin with tomato sauce for 15 minutes. Craving more? Make a creamy omelet with your favorite cheese, ham, and veggies. Eggs are versatile and perfect for any time of day. Here, we've rounded up 8 popular ways to cook eggs.
Choose fresh eggs for the best results. Fresh eggs have a stronger structure and are less likely to spread during cooking. You can test an egg's freshness by placing it in a bowl of water; fresh eggs sink, while older eggs float. Avoid eggs with cracks or dirt, as they can be contaminated.
For better quality and taste, opt for organic or free-range eggs, which come from chickens that are fed a natural diet and have access to outdoor spaces.
Store eggs in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the growth of bacteria. Keep them in their original carton to protect them from absorbing strong odors. Bring eggs to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking. This can be done by taking them out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
8 Ways to Cook Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and incredibly versatile, offering a range of cooking methods. You can enjoy eggs on their own or as part of a larger dish, making them a perfect ingredient for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Explore these eight different ways to cook eggs and find your new favorite way to enjoy this simple yet satisfying ingredient.
1. Sunny Side Up Eggs
Ingredients
Eggs: 1-2 large eggs
Butter or Oil: 1-2 teaspoons (butter for a richer flavor, oil for a neutral taste)
Salt: To taste
Black Pepper: To taste (optional)
Fresh Herbs: (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat the Skillet
Place a non-stick skillet on the stove over medium-low heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of butter or oil and let it melt or heat until it shimmers.
2. Crack the Eggs
Crack each egg gently on a flat surface. Hold the egg over the skillet and carefully open it, letting the contents slide into the pan. Try to keep the yolk intact and avoid getting any shell pieces in the pan.
Let the eggs cook undisturbed. The whites will start to set while the yolk remains runny. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help the top of the eggs cook without flipping.
4. Season
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the eggs while they cook.
5. Check for Doneness
The whites should be fully set, and the yolk should remain bright and slightly wobbly.
6. Serve
Carefully slide the eggs onto a plate and serve immediately.
Sunny side up eggs go well with toast, avocado, or alongside other breakfast items like bacon or sausage. Serve immediately while the yolks are still runny and the whites are set. Enjoy your eggs as part of a delicious breakfast or brunch!
Storage
Sunny side up eggs are not recommended for storage. Cooked eggs, especially those with runny yolks like sunny side up, can easily become contaminated with bacteria. Refrigerating them does not eliminate this risk. Additionally, the texture and flavor of these eggs deteriorate rapidly after cooking.
It's best to consume sunny side up eggs immediately after cooking.
2. Over Easy, Medium, Hard Eggs
Ingredients
Eggs: 1-2 large eggs
Butter or Oil: 1-2 teaspoons (for greasing the skillet)
Salt: To taste
Black Pepper: To taste (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat the Skillet
Place a non-stick skillet on medium heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of butter or oil and let it melt or heat until shimmering.
2. Crack the Eggs
Crack each egg gently on a flat surface. Open the egg and let it slide into the skillet.
3. Cook the Eggs
Let the eggs cook until the whites start to set, about 2-3 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully flip each egg over.
For a classic breakfast, pair them with toast or English muffins for dipping. They also go well with crispy bacon or sausage and a side of fresh fruit. If you prefer something lighter, serve them on top of a salad or alongside avocado slices.
For a hearty meal, try adding them to a breakfast burrito or sandwich with cheese, spinach, and tomatoes.
Storage
You can store over medium and hard eggs, but over-easy eggs are not recommended for storage.
Over medium and hard eggs: Let them cool down first. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. It’s best to eat them within 1-2 days for the best taste. When reheating, gently warm them up in a pan or microwave. Remember, reheated eggs might not taste as good as fresh ones.
Over-easy eggs: They have a runny yolk, which makes them more likely to spoil. It's best to eat them immediately after cooking.
3. Boiled Eggs (Soft, Hard)
Ingredients
Eggs: 1-6 large eggs (depending on how many you want to cook)
Water: Enough to cover the eggs in the pot
Salt: (optional, for seasoning)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pot
Place the eggs in a single layer at the bottom of a pot. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by about an inch.
2. Heat the Water
Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
3. Boil the Eggs
For Soft-Boiled Eggs: Once the water boils, reduce the heat to medium and cook the eggs for 4-6 minutes. The whites will be set, but the yolks will remain soft and runny.
For Hard-Boiled Eggs: Once the water boils, reduce the heat to medium and cook the eggs for 9-12 minutes. The whites and yolks will be fully set.
After cooking, carefully drain the hot water and transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water. Let them cool for a few minutes to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.
5. Peel and Serve
Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel it off. Rinse under water if needed to remove any shell bits. Season with salt if desired, and serve.
For a simple snack, enjoy boiled eggs with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. They’re great sliced on top of salads or mixed into a pasta dish. You can also make deviled eggs by mashing the yolks with mayo, mustard, and seasoning, then spooning the mixture back into the whites.
For a more filling option, serve boiled eggs on toast or in a sandwich with your favorite veggies and condiments.
Storage
To store boiled eggs, let them cool to room temperature first. Then, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. Soft-boiled eggs are best eaten within 1-2 days, while hard-boiled eggs can stay fresh for up to a week.
If you’ve already peeled the eggs, store them in a container with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Reheat hard-boiled eggs gently in a pot of warm water or the microwave, but they may not taste as good as when they are freshly cooked.
4. Scrambled Eggs
Ingredients
Eggs: 2-4 large eggs
Butter or Oil: 1-2 teaspoons (for cooking)
Salt: To taste
Black Pepper: To taste (optional)
Milk or Cream: 1-2 tablespoons (optional, for creamier eggs)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Eggs
Crack the eggs into a bowl. Add a splash of milk or cream if you want creamier eggs. Beat the eggs with a fork or whisk until the yolks and whites are well combined.
2. Heat the Skillet
Place a non-stick skillet on the stove over medium-low heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of butter or oil and let it melt or heat.
3. Cook the Eggs
Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet. Let them sit undisturbed for a few seconds until the edges start to set.
Gently stir the eggs with a spatula, pushing them from the edges toward the center. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are mostly set but still slightly soft and creamy.
5. Season and Serve
Season the eggs with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while they’re warm and soft.
Scrambled eggs are delicious served warm on their own or with toast. They pair well with fresh herbs like chives or parsley and can be topped with cheese for extra flavor. Add them to a breakfast burrito or sandwich with avocado and veggies. For a quick meal, serve them alongside fruit or a simple salad.
Storage
Let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking. The texture might change slightly, so try to eat them as fresh as possible.
5. Poached Eggs
Ingredients
Eggs: 1-4 large eggs
Water: Enough to fill a pot about 2-3 inches deep
Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (optional, helps the egg whites set)
Instructions
1. Heat the Water
Fill a pot with 2-3 inches of water and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar if using. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. The water should have small bubbles but not be boiling.
2. Prepare the Egg
Crack the egg into a small bowl or cup, being careful not to break the yolk.
3. Poach the Egg
Create a gentle whirlpool in the water by stirring with a spoon. Carefully slide the egg from the bowl into the center of the whirlpool. This helps the egg whites wrap around the yolk.
Let the egg cook for about 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk, or up to 5 minutes if you prefer the yolk a bit firmer. The whites should be set, and the yolk should still be soft.
5. Remove, Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift the egg out of the water. Place it on a paper towel to drain excess water. Serve immediately on toast, salads, or any dish of your choice.
Serving Tips
Poached eggs are great served on toast, like an English muffin or sourdough. They’re also delicious on top of salads, with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Try them with avocado or smoked salmon for extra flavor. For a hearty meal, add them to a breakfast bowl with grains and veggies.
It's not recommended to store poached eggs. Poached eggs are best eaten immediately after cooking. Storing them can lead to food safety issues and a significant decline in quality.
6. Baked Eggs
Ingredients
Eggs: 1-6 large eggs
Butter or Oil: 1 teaspoon (for greasing)
Salt: To taste
Black Pepper: To taste (optional)
Other Add-ins: (optional, such as cheese, herbs, or veggies)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a baking dish or individual ramekins with butter or oil.
Crack each egg into a small bowl, then gently slide the egg into the prepared dish. If using a baking dish, you can crack multiple eggs at once.
4. Add Seasonings
Sprinkle salt and pepper on top of the eggs. Add any optional ingredients like cheese, herbs, or chopped veggies if desired.
5. Bake the Eggs
Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the whites are fully set and the yolks are cooked to your preference. For runny yolks, bake closer to 12 minutes; for firmer yolks, bake a bit longer.
6. Serve
Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let the eggs cool slightly before serving.
Baked eggs are delicious and served straight from the oven. Try them with toast, which is perfect for dipping. They also pair well with a side of fresh salad or sauteed veggies. For a heartier meal, add them to a breakfast bowl with grains or potatoes. Sprinkle fresh herbs, cheese, or hot sauce on top for extra flavor.
Storage
To store baked eggs, let them cool down completely before putting them in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge. They'll stay good for about 3-4 days. Remember, they might not taste as good as fresh ones when reheated.
7. Classic Omelette
Ingredients
Eggs: 2-3 large eggs
Butter or Oil: 1-2 teaspoons (for cooking)
Salt: To taste
Black Pepper: To taste (optional)
Fillings: (optional) such as cheese, ham, mushrooms, peppers, onions, or herbs
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Crack the eggs into a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Beat the eggs with a fork or whisk until well combined.
2. Heat the Skillet
Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of butter or oil and let it melt or heat until it shimmers.
3. Cook the Eggs
Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to set.
4. Add Fillings
If using fillings, sprinkle them evenly over one half of the omelette while the eggs are still slightly runny.
5. Fold the Omelette
Once the eggs are mostly set but still slightly soft on top, gently fold the omelette in half using a spatula.
Cook for another minute or until the omelette is cooked through and the cheese, if used, is melted. Carefully slide the omelette onto a plate. Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Serving Tips
Pair a classic omelette with toast or fresh fruit for a complete meal. You can also add a side salad or some sautéed vegetables. For extra flavor, top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese.
Let it cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. The texture may change slightly, but it will still be tasty.
8. Sous Vide Eggs
Ingredients
Eggs: 1-4 large eggs (or more, depending on your needs)
Water: Enough to fill your sous vide container
Instructions
1. Preheat the Sous Vide Machine
Set your sous vide machine to 145°F (63°C) for a creamy, soft texture or 147°F (64°C) for a slightly firmer texture. Preheat the water bath according to your desired texture.
2. Prepare the Eggs
Gently place the eggs in their shells into the sous vide water bath. You can cook multiple eggs at once as long as they are not overcrowded.
3. Cook the Eggs
Let the eggs cook in the water bath for 45 minutes. This will ensure the whites are set and the yolks are creamy.
After cooking, carefully remove the eggs from the water bath. Tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel them. Serve immediately.
Serving Tips
Serve sous vide eggs right after cooking for the best texture. They’re delicious on toast, sprinkled with salt and pepper. You can also top them with fresh herbs, avocado slices, or a drizzle of olive oil. For added flavor, place them on a bed of greens or alongside a salad.
To store sous vide eggs, cool them quickly in an ice bath. Once chilled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be stored for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, gently reheat them in hot water or a low-temperature sous vide bath. Avoid microwaving as it can ruin the texture.
What is the Best Way to Cook Eggs
The best way to cook eggs depends on your taste and health goals. Sunny side up eggs are cooked with minimal fat but may not be fully cooked, which could be a concern for food safety. Over easy, medium, or hard eggs are cooked longer and can be healthier if you use less oil or butter.
Boiled eggs are low in fat and retain most nutrients. Scrambled eggs can be made healthier by using less butter and adding vegetables. Poached eggs are a great option as they require no added fat and are gentle on the stomach. Baked eggs offer a versatile cooking method with minimal added fat.
Classic omelettes are nutritious, especially with added veggies, but watch the amount of cheese and oil. Sous vide eggs have a creamy texture and retain nutrients, but cooking requires a precise method. Each method has its benefits, so choose based on your dietary needs and preferences.
