Name: Pesto Eggs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons pesto (store-bought or homemade); 2 large eggs; 2 slices sourdough bread, toasted; 1 ounce goat cheese, crumbled (optional); ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional); Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

If you're searching for a breakfast that's absolutely dreamy, packed with flavor, and ready in no time, this Pesto Eggs Recipe is your new go-to! Imagine golden, jammy eggs gently cooked in a skillet of aromatic, garlicky pesto-each bite exploding with fresh basil, nutty Parmesan, and savory goodness.

This dish is a total game-changer for busy mornings or lazy brunches. The vibrant pesto forms a herby, crispy base that takes simple eggs to a whole new level. Plus, it's Instagram-worthy and sure to impress anyone at your table!

I first tried pesto eggs after seeing them blow up on social media, and now I make them almost every weekend. They're so easy, but taste like something you'd order at a fancy café. Trust me, you'll want to make this again and again.

Pesto eggs sizzling in a skillet with crusty bread on the side

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Breathtaking flavor in minutes-herbaceous, garlicky, and perfectly savory!
Minimal ingredients, maximum impact-simple pantry staples come alive.
Great for meal prep or last-minute brunches-whip up a crowd-pleaser fast.
Customizable and versatile-delicious on toast, with veggies, or as-is.
Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free-suits a variety of diets.

Key Ingredients for Pesto Eggs Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Pesto

Pesto is the star of this dish, infusing the eggs with layers of basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. Use a good-quality store-bought pesto for convenience, or make your own if you have fresh basil on hand. If you're dairy-free or vegan, try a plant-based pesto-the flavor will still shine! For tips on homemade pesto, check out this classic basil pesto recipe.

Eggs

Eggs provide the silky, protein-packed canvas for all that herby flavor. Fresh, large eggs work best, and you can cook them to your preferred doneness-sunny-side up, over-easy, or even scrambled. For a richer yolk, choose pasture-raised eggs.

Sourdough Bread

Thick slices of crusty sourdough make the perfect base for serving pesto eggs. Toast them until golden for an irresistible crunch. No sourdough? Swap in whole grain, rye, or even an English muffin.

Goat Cheese (Optional)

Tangy goat cheese adds a creamy finish and balances the richness of the pesto. Simply crumble it over the eggs before serving. Feta or ricotta are great alternatives if goat cheese isn't your favorite.

Cherry Tomatoes (Optional)

Bursting cherry tomatoes bring a pop of color and refreshing acidity to the plate. Slice them in half and toss them on top for extra brightness, or try roasted red peppers for a deeper, sweeter flavor.

Instructions for Pesto Eggs Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Toast the Bread

Start by toasting your sourdough slices until they're golden and crisp. You can do this in a toaster, on a grill pan, or under the broiler. Toasting the bread first ensures it's ready for those hot, just-cooked eggs.

Heat the Pesto

Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the pesto and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. This step releases the oils, intensifies the aroma, and forms a gorgeous, flavorful base for the eggs.

Cook the Eggs

Crack the eggs directly onto the sizzling pesto. Let them cook undisturbed until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 2-3 minutes. For firmer yolks, cover the pan briefly or flip the eggs carefully for over-easy.

Add Toppings

When the eggs are done, season with a pinch of salt, fresh black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Top with crumbled goat cheese and cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and freshness.

Serve and Enjoy

Slide the pesto eggs onto your toasted sourdough. Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and serve immediately, while everything is hot and aromatic. Enjoy every bite!

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegan

For a completely plant-based version, use vegan pesto and substitute eggs with a tofu scramble. You'll still get all the herby, garlicky goodness!

Add Greens

Stir a handful of baby spinach or arugula into the skillet with the pesto before adding the eggs. It's an easy way to sneak in veggies and adds wonderful color.

Spicy Kick

Love heat? Add a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste or hot sauce to the pesto as it sizzles in the pan. Or top your finished eggs with sliced fresh jalapeño.

Swap the Cheese

Try feta, ricotta, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan instead of goat cheese for a fun twist on the flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Option

Simply serve the pesto eggs over gluten-free toast or roasted sweet potato rounds for a naturally gluten-free meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pesto eggs are delicious on their own, but they shine even brighter with the right accompaniments. Serve them atop crusty sourdough with a side of roasted potatoes, a simple arugula salad, or fresh fruit. For brunch, pair with a frothy cappuccino or freshly squeezed orange juice. Try them alongside sauteed greens or grilled asparagus for extra veggies, or add homemade hash browns for a hearty breakfast plate.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover pesto eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a nonstick skillet over low heat until just heated through-this helps preserve the creamy yolk. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the eggs. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of eggs and pesto can change significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pesto Eggs Recipe (FAQ)

Q: Can I use homemade pesto for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Homemade pesto-whether traditional basil or a fun twist like arugula or kale-will add fresh, vibrant flavor to your eggs.

Q: Are pesto eggs healthy?

A: Yes! They're packed with protein and healthy fats. To lighten it up, use a light hand with the pesto or opt for a lower-fat cheese. For more nutritional info, see this comprehensive guide to eggs.

Q: Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

A: Definitely. Use a larger skillet and cook multiple eggs at once, or make a pesto egg "sheet pan" version by baking the eggs and pesto together in the oven.

If you're craving a lightning-fast, flavor-packed breakfast, this Pesto Eggs Recipe is your ticket! The herby pesto and jammy eggs are a match made in heaven-perfect for busy mornings or lazy brunches. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. If you love it, don't forget to leave a rating!

★★★★★ 4.80 from 195 ratings