Easy Ham and Egg Cups: Quick Protein-Packed Breakfast

August 15, 2025Maria

Introduction to Easy Ham and Egg Cups

Easy Ham and Egg Cups are a breakfast game-changer for anyone who loves a hearty, protein-packed meal but doesn’t have time for complicated morning cooking. This recipe transforms simple ingredients—ham, eggs, cheese, and a few seasonings, into a portable, delicious, and filling breakfast that looks like something straight out of a brunch café. They’re baked in muffin tins, which not only makes them perfectly portioned but also gives them an adorable presentation that’s great for serving guests or packing in lunchboxes.

Whether you’re looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy weekdays, a fun addition to your weekend brunch spread, or a high-protein snack to fuel your day, Easy Ham and Egg Cups are the answer.

Why Is This Easy Ham and Egg Cups Recipe So Popular?

This recipe’s popularity comes from its simplicity and versatility. People love it because it’s quick to make, easy to customize, and works for everything from meal prep to entertaining. Health-conscious eaters appreciate that it’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free, while busy families enjoy that it’s a minimal-mess breakfast that kids and adults both enjoy. Unlike scrambled eggs or omelets that can get cold quickly, these cups retain their warmth longer and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead breakfasts. They’re also highly Instagram-worthy with their golden-brown edges and sunny centers, which makes them a hit for brunch gatherings. Another reason for their popularity is that they solve the “boring breakfast” problem—each cup can have its own flavor combination, so every bite can be unique.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ham and Egg Cups Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. It’s one of those dishes that’s just as good on a rushed Monday morning as it is on a lazy Sunday brunch table. If you like variety, you can make half a batch with cheddar and chives, another half with mozzarella and spinach, or mix in diced veggies for color and crunch. They’re also an ideal option if you’re following keto, paleo, or Whole30 eating plans. Since they’re baked in individual servings, there’s no need to worry about portion sizes, and cleanup is minimal—just wash the muffin tin and you’re done. They’re kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. Plus, they’re budget-friendly because they make use of basic grocery staples that you probably already have at home.

Here’s What You’ll Need

Base Ingredients

12 slices of deli ham (thin but sturdy enough to hold the filling)
12 large eggs
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or your favorite blend)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking spray or a small amount of oil/butter for greasing

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
1/4 cup diced tomatoes (seeds removed)
1/4 cup cooked bacon crumbles
1/2 cup sautéed spinach or mushrooms
A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a spicy kick

How to Make Easy Ham and Egg Cups

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the easy, step-by-step process for making these delightful cups.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat. A properly preheated oven ensures that the ham crisps up nicely while the eggs cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray, oil, or butter. This will prevent the ham from sticking and make it easier to remove the cups once baked.

Step 3: Form the Ham Cups

Press one slice of ham into each muffin cup, gently folding and overlapping the edges so it forms a “cup” shape. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—the egg will help hold everything together during baking.

Step 4: Add the Filling

If you’re adding vegetables, cheese, or meats inside the cups, place them in the bottom of the ham cups before adding the egg. This ensures even distribution and prevents toppings from burning.

Step 5: Add the Eggs

Crack one egg into each ham cup. If you prefer a fully set yolk, gently pierce the yolk with a fork before baking. If you like a runnier yolk, leave it intact. Season each cup with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese over each egg. You can go light for a subtle flavor or pile it on for extra gooey goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the eggs reach your desired doneness. For a firmer yolk, aim for closer to 15 minutes; for a softer center, check around 12 minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the ham and egg cups to cool for a minute or two before gently lifting them from the muffin tin with a spoon or spatula. Serve immediately while warm, or store for later use.

Tips for Success

Use ham slices that are thick enough to hold their shape but still pliable. Don’t skip greasing the muffin tin—it makes removal much easier. For perfect presentation, use fresh, colorful ingredients like red bell peppers or green chives. If meal prepping, slightly undercook the eggs so they don’t overcook when reheated.

Equipment Needed

12-cup muffin tin
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl (if pre-mixing add-ins)
Spoon or spatula for removing baked cups
Oven mitts for safety

Variations of Easy Ham and Egg Cups

Mediterranean Style: Add diced tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Spicy Southwest: Mix in diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a dash of cumin.
Breakfast Supreme: Layer in cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, and cheddar cheese.
Veggie Lover’s: Fill with bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mozzarella cheese.
Italian Inspired: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Ham and Egg Cups

Serve these with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast, or pair them with roasted potatoes for a more filling meal. They’re also great as part of a brunch buffet alongside pastries, yogurt parfaits, and fresh juice. For a light lunch, serve them with a side salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (per cup, approximate)

Calories: 120
Protein: 11g
Sodium: 460mg
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Sugars: 0g

FAQs about Easy Ham and Egg Cups

Q: Can I make them ahead of time? Yes, store them in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Q: Can I use turkey instead of ham? Absolutely—turkey slices work well and are a leaner option. Q: Can I scramble the eggs instead of leaving them whole? Yes, whisk the eggs with your preferred seasonings and pour into the ham cups before baking. Q: How do I reheat them? Microwave for 30–45 seconds or reheat in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Easy Ham and Egg Cups are proof that breakfast doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming to be delicious. They’re customizable, quick to prepare, and packed with protein, making them perfect for any schedule or lifestyle. Whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven at a family brunch or grabbing one from the fridge on your way out the door, they deliver flavor and nutrition in every bite. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular part of your breakfast rotation.