Eggy in the Middle

I know this particular dish has many, many names, but in my family we always referred to it as "eggy in the middle." We call the little circle of bread a "dunker," since it's usually used to scoop up the extra runny yolk.

1 slice of bread
1 egg
small pat of butter
salt and pepper, to taste

Take a small glass and press out a hole in the center of the bread. You can now either pre-butter the bread, or what I have recently found easier is melting butter in the pan and letting both sides of the bread soak some up. Break the egg into the hole in the bread and season with salt and pepper if you choose (I usually just use a little pepper). Move the white around gently so it is evenly distributed on the heat, taking care not to break the yolk. Once the white of the egg has started to turn more opaque, gently flip the bread and finish over low heat. Move to a plate and eat immediately!


I have always liked mine with a runny yolk, while my brother (and now Johnny) prefer a scrambled egg in the hole. To make this simple change, simply whisk the egg slightly once you have broken it into the hole in the bread and continue cooking as usual.

I love all of the different flavors and textures that come from such a simple dish. The firm egg white paired with the crunchy, buttery bread in each bite is delicious. Add the rich, creamy runny yolk (look I captured a drip!) to dunk each bite in and it's comfort food at it's best! I usually have one for a snack or light meal and two if I'm eating this as a meal in itself.

Did you grow up with this dish, too? If so, what did you refer to it as?!