Pesto Eggs are the ultimate three-ingredient breakfast recipe! This easy recipe features a crispy parmesan crust, flavorful pesto, and a perfectly fried egg!
A few months ago I shared my recipe for Parmesan Eggs and you all went crazy! That recipe is a tried and true breakfast our family enjoys with a side of Swiss Chard and Bacon. Today, I’m upping the game with the addition of pesto. Not only does it taste like an entirely new dish, but it also makes a great easy dinner too!
Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
- EASY: this recipe is so simple that calling it a recipe is a stretch. This dish requires just three ingredients and comes together in a matter of minutes.
- AFFORDABLE: having so few ingredients this is naturally pretty economical. As a bonus, if you have basil in your garden you can make homemade pesto.
- IMPRESSIVE: this is a breakfast that is bound to impress any house guest!
Ingredients for Pesto Eggs
As always, this is a quick overview of the ingredients needed to make this easy egg dish. For the complete, printable recipe scroll to the recipe card.
- Eggs: stick with a smaller egg for this recipe. I recommend medium or large. Jumbo eggs can be used, but they need a larger bed of parmesan.
- Pesto: you can use storebought to homemade.
- Parmesan: for this recipe, you need shredded parmesan, not grated.
How to Make Pesto Eggs
Aside from the ingredients listed above you will need a good nonstick pan and a spatula. Below I’ve documented the entire process, you can see exactly what you need to do to make these easy parmesan eggs.
- Add the Parmesan: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the parmesan to the skillet, you will need 1/4 cup of parmesan per egg. Simply add the parmesan to the skillet and carefully spread it out so it melts in a circle as shown in the photo.
- Pesto: Once the cheese has begun to melt spoon about 1/2 a tablespoon of pesto on the parmesan. If you really love pesto you can increase this to 1 tablespoon.
- Add the Egg: Next, very carefully crack an egg directly over the parmesan and pesto. Cover the pan and allow the egg to cook for about 1 minute or until it reaches your desired doneness. I like for the white to be cooked through and the yellow to be runny.
Serve
Once the egg has reached your desired texture use a spatula to carefully remove it from the skillet, taking care not to break the yolk. The bottom of the egg will feature a crispy parmesan crust so it will be a little easier to remove from the pan than an egg by itself.
Pesto Eggs can be served on their own as a low-carb breakfast, or paired with a side dish to make a more hearty meal. This is a great dish to serve with hot buttered toast, breakfast potatoes or fresh tomatoes! Overall, this is a quick and easy breakfast that is sure to shake you out of your breakfast rut!
Tips and Substitutions
- A good nonstick pan is the most important component of this recipe!
- Stick with size medium or large eggs. If you use jump eggs you will need to increase the parmesan to 1/3 cup and make sure it spreads out into a larger circle.
- Asiago can be used instead of parmesan for a different variation.
- Add fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes add a kick if you like a little spice.
Are eggs healthy?
Eggs are a healthy food option as they are high in protein, low in carbs, and contain all nine essential amino acids. In addition, they are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Eggs are considered a perfect breakfast food because they are high in protein and low in calories. This helps you feel full for longer and provides energy for the day. Eggs have also been linked to overall brain and eye health.
How do you make pesto?
Pesto is so easy to make! You only need a few ingredients and a blender or food processor. This is an especially handy recipe if you grow basil. As you may know, a single garden-grown basil plant can produce more basil than any family can eat during the summer months. This is a guide that shows you how to make the best homemade pesto! This is a great edible gift, just put it in a cute jar with a bow!
Recipes with Pesto you Will Love
- Pesto Chicken: the perfect one-pan chicken dish.
- Pesto Chicken Sliders: a party food you can’t live without.
- Grilled Chicken with Pesto Cream Sauce: a major crowd-pleaser!
- Creamy Pesto Penne: a one-pot pasta dish that makes a great side or vegetarian meal.
- Chicken and Pesto Stuffed Sweet Peppers: an easy appetizer or main meal.
Other Egg Recipes
- Shirred Eggs: also known as baked eggs this dish is ultra-rich and great for breakfast or dinner.
- Sausage Burrito: a tortilla packed with scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and spinach.
- Deviled Eggs: a classic appetizer!
- Mushroom Swiss Omlette: a breakfast that is flavorful and naturally low carb.
- Air Fryer Eggs: a super easy breakfast ready in minutes!
Pesto Eggs
Equipment
Ingredients
For each Parmesan Egg (multiply for however many eggs you want)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon up to 1 teaspoon pesto sauce
- 1 egg medium-large size
Instructions
- Heat a nonstick skillet to medium-low heat and lightly spray with cooking oil.
- Add 1/4 cup shredded parmesan to the skillet and allow it to melt and set around the edges. Add 1/2 teaspoon or up to 1 teaspoon of pesto on top of the parmesan.
- Carefully crack an egg directly on the parmesan. Cover the skillet and cook 1-2 more minutes until the egg white has set.
- Carefully remove from the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Thank you for sharing this recipe with us, it’s definitely going to be a new favorite in my household!