Pepper Eggs in a Hole is a colorful, nutritious breakfast that turns ordinary eggs into a fun, satisfying meal.
Packed with protein and fiber from fresh bell peppers and eggs, it’s low in carbs and saturated fat while offering healthy fats from olive oil.
Quick to prepare, visually appealing, and versatile, it’s perfect for everyday cooking or meal prep.
Bell Pepper Egg Rings
Equipment
- 1 large non-stick skillet
- 1 Spatula
- Measuring spoons (½ tablespoon)
Ingredients
- 1 large bell pepper or multiple colors for variety
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 4 large eggs
- 4 pinches salt
- 4 pinches black pepper
- Optional: Everything but the Bagel seasoning tajin, cayenne, truffle salt, smoked sea salt, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Start by selecting a large, firm bell pepper. Wash it thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry. Slice the bell pepper in half lengthwise, then carefully cut out four rings approximately ½ inch thick. The neater and uniform your cuts are, the better your eggs will stay neatly inside each ring. Remove all seeds and any remaining white membrane, as this can be bitter and interfere with the egg cooking. Set the pepper rings aside.
- Preheat the Skillet: Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to warm for a minute or two until it is evenly heated. Brush the pan lightly with ½ tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring the entire surface has a thin coating to prevent sticking. Proper heating ensures the bell peppers will slightly caramelize, adding a delicious roasted flavor.
- Sear the Bell Pepper Rings: Gently place the prepared bell pepper rings onto the hot skillet, spacing them evenly so they aren’t overcrowded.Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, until the edges start to turn slightly golden and tender. This initial searing enhances the pepper’s natural sweetness and helps create a stable base for the eggs.
- Flip the Peppers for Even Cooking: Using a spatula, carefully flip each bell pepper ring. Reduce the heat to medium-low to ensure the eggs cook gently without burning the peppers. The goal is to have tender, slightly crisp edges while keeping the center soft enough to hold the egg.
- Crack the Eggs into the Pepper Rings: Crack one egg at a time directly into the center of each pepper ring. If the ring is wide or the egg is smaller, gently use a fork or spoon to push the egg whites outward so they fill the entire pepper cavity. This creates a neat and uniform presentation, ensuring every bite has both egg and pepper.
- Season the Eggs: Sprinkle each egg with a pinch of salt and pepper. For added flavor and a gourmet touch, consider optional seasonings such as Everything but the Bagel seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, truffle salt, or fresh herbs. Seasoning at this stage allows the flavors to meld as the eggs cook.
- Cook the Eggs to Perfection: Cover the skillet with a lid if you prefer fully set whites or slightly runny yolks. Allow the eggs to cook undisturbed on low heat for about 3–5 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. Keep a close eye to ensure the yolks don’t overcook. The ideal texture is firm whites with yolks still soft and creamy.
- Transfer to Serving Plate: Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, carefully slide a spatula under each pepper egg ring to lift it from the skillet. Transfer them gently onto a serving plate to prevent breaking the yolks or deforming the pepper rings.
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle any remaining optional seasonings or fresh herbs on top for extra flavor and visual appeal. You can also drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil or a few drops of hot sauce for added zing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor. These Pepper Eggs in a Hole are perfect with a side of toast, avocado slices, or fresh salad. They’re a nutritious, protein-packed, low-carb meal that’s visually vibrant and satisfying, making breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner feel special.
Notes
- Always choose a large, firm bell pepper to ensure the egg stays neatly inside the ring. Thin or small peppers may cause the egg to overflow.
- Use fresh eggs for the best texture and flavor. Older eggs can spread too much and affect presentation.
- Adjust cooking time depending on how you like your eggs: cover the skillet to cook whites fully while keeping yolks runny, or cook longer for firm yolks.
- Optional seasonings like smoked paprika, truffle salt, or fresh herbs can add unique flavor profiles without extra calories.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and high in protein, making it versatile for various dietary preferences.
Chef’s Secrets: Elevating Flavor Perfectly
To achieve perfectly cooked Pepper Eggs in a Hole, sear the bell pepper rings lightly before adding the eggs.
This step enhances their natural sweetness and provides a slight caramelized flavor.
Using a non-stick skillet prevents sticking and ensures easy flipping.
If you want extra richness, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the eggs while cooking or finish with a few drops of flavored oil.
For a gourmet touch, sprinkle fresh herbs or specialty salts right before serving to elevate both taste and presentation.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Pairing Ideas
These Pepper Eggs in a Hole are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of dishes.
Serve them with whole-grain toast, avocado slices, or a light green salad for a balanced breakfast or brunch.
For added texture and flavor, top with roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms.
They also work well as a low-carb lunch or light dinner option alongside quinoa, roasted veggies, or a side of fresh fruit for a colorful, nutrient-rich plate.
Storage Tips: Keep Fresh Safely
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a non-stick skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the yolks.
Avoid microwaving directly, as this can make the eggs rubbery.
For meal prep, prepare the pepper rings in advance and store them separately, then crack the eggs in and cook fresh when ready to eat.
This maintains optimal texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different types of peppers?
Yes! Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers work best for sweetness and size. Green peppers are slightly bitter but still delicious.
Just ensure they’re wide enough to hold the egg.
2. How can I make the eggs fully cooked?
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for a few extra minutes.
This gently cooks the whites while keeping yolks soft, or longer for fully firm yolks.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the pepper rings in advance, but it’s best to cook the eggs fresh to maintain texture.
Pre-cut peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
4. What other seasonings work well?
Everything but the Bagel seasoning, smoked paprika, tajin, truffle salt, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives complement the eggs beautifully.
Avoid overly wet sauces to keep the peppers intact.
5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare the pepper rings in advance and cook the eggs when ready to eat.
They reheat well in a skillet, making them perfect for a quick, high-protein breakfast or light lunch throughout the week.
