If you’re looking for a delightful, fuss-free breakfast that feels made just for you, then this Easy Muffin Tin Breakfast Bundles Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Picture a perfectly baked egg nestled inside a crispy bread crust, topped with savory ham and melty cheddar cheese—all baked right in a muffin tin for portion-perfect, no-mess mornings. This recipe turns simple ingredients into an impressive, satisfying start to your day that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s quick, charming, and utterly comforting, making breakfast fun and totally approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Fresh eggs bring creaminess, bread provides a crunchy, golden base, and the cheese and ham add layers of savory goodness. Simple pantry staples come together to create a standout breakfast treat.
- 6 slices white or whole wheat bread: Choose sturdy bread that will hold up well to baking and create a golden crust.
- 6 eggs: The star of the dish, adding richness and that perfectly cooked yolk texture.
- 6 oz. deli ham or leftover ham (chopped): Provides smoky, meaty depth and a boost of protein.
- 3 oz. cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, flavorful topping.
- 3 teaspoons butter: Adds richness to the bread and helps achieve a golden, crispy finish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle seasoning that amps up the savory notes without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor.
How to Make Easy Muffin Tin Breakfast Bundles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures the muffin tin will be ready to create golden, crispy bread pockets. Measure your muffin cups and find a cookie cutter that matches their size—ideally between 3 to 3 ½ inches. Use this cutter to carve out perfect circles from the center of each bread slice. This step will give you a sturdy but delicate bread “crust” that holds all the delicious fillings.
Step 2: Season and Butter the Bread Circles
Take each bread circle and roll it flat with a rolling pin—this helps it fit snugly in the muffin cup without tearing. Spread butter on both sides of each piece, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The butter adds rich flavor and makes sure the crust crisps up beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Fit the Bread Into the Muffin Tin
Grease your muffin tin cups thoroughly, then gently press each buttered bread circle into its own compartment. This creates a little edible bowl ready to support the ham, egg, and cheese layers that follow.
Step 4: Pre-bake the Bread Crusts
Bake the bread-lined muffin tin for about 6 to 8 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden color and a bit of firmness so the bread doesn’t get soggy when the egg and toppings go in. This pre-baking step is crucial for texture.
Step 5: Add Ham, Egg, and Cheese
Once the bread crusts are out of the oven, place roughly half an ounce of diced deli or leftover ham at the bottom of each bread cup. Next, carefully crack one egg into each. Season with a little salt and pepper, then top each with about half an ounce of cheddar cheese. This layering ensures every bite is packed with flavor and gooey texture.
Step 6: Final Bake Until Perfect
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. The goal is a fully cooked egg with a set white and still slightly tender yolk, with cheese melting into a delicious golden blanket on top. Keep an eye on the oven so you get that perfect balance of crispy bread and luscious egg and cheese.
How to Serve Easy Muffin Tin Breakfast Bundles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top elevates these breakfast bundles instantly. A dash of paprika or a few flakes of red pepper can also bring a lively hint of color and flavor that’s visually pleasing and tempting.
Side Dishes
Pair these bundles with a fresh fruit salad or some lightly dressed mixed greens to balance the richness. Roasted potatoes or a simple avocado toast can make your breakfast spread feel both hearty and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these bundles on a rustic wooden board with colorful cloth napkins for a cozy brunch vibe. You can also wrap them individually in parchment paper for an on-the-go treat or stack them in a tiered serving tray for a fun breakfast buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious breakfast again without any hassle.
Freezing
These breakfast bundles freeze wonderfully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy a homemade breakfast bundle anytime you like without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the bundles and pop them in a 350-degree oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the bread regains some crispness. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes, but expect a softer crust.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! White or whole wheat work best for structure, but you can experiment with sourdough or multigrain for a deeper flavor. Just make sure it’s not too thin or it may get soggy.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ham and add sautéed veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach before cracking the egg. You’ll get amazing flavor and substance without the meat.
Can I prepare these the night before?
You can assemble the bundles up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and keep them refrigerated overnight. Then bake fresh in the morning for best taste and texture.
What if I don’t have a cookie cutter?
No worries! You can use a small glass or a knife to carefully cut circles to fit your muffin tin cups. The goal is to have a bread base that fits snugly.
How do I know when the eggs are perfectly cooked?
Look for set whites and yolks that jiggle slightly when you shake the pan gently. If you prefer fully cooked yolks, bake a few extra minutes, but this recipe works wonderfully with gently soft yolks.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Muffin Tin Breakfast Bundles Recipe is truly one of those simple pleasures that bring warmth and comfort to your morning routine. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or quick weekday treats. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it just might become your new favorite breakfast!
Print
Easy Muffin Tin Breakfast Bundles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Muffin Tin Breakfast Bundles are a delightful and convenient breakfast option featuring buttery bread crusts filled with ham, eggs, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked in muffin tins, these bundles are perfect for a quick morning meal or a brunch gathering, combining simple ingredients with an appealing presentation.
Ingredients
Breakfast Bundles
- 6 slices white or whole wheat bread
- 6 large eggs
- 6 oz deli ham or any leftover ham, chopped
- 3 oz cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
- 3 teaspoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease your muffin tin cups well to prevent sticking. Measure your muffin tin cups and find a cookie cutter between 3”–3½” diameter for cutting the bread.
- Cut and Flatten Bread Circles: Using the cookie cutter, cut a circle out from the center of each bread slice. Then, use a rolling pin to flatten each bread circle gently.
- Butter and Season Bread: Spread butter generously over each flattened bread medallion. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your preference.
- Fit Bread Into Muffin Cups and Pre-bake: Press each buttered bread circle into a greased muffin tin cup, forming a bread crust shell. Bake in the preheated oven for 6–8 minutes until the bread turns golden and slightly firm.
- Add Ham Filling: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and place approximately ½ ounce of chopped deli ham into the bottom of each bread crust.
- Add Eggs and Cheese: Carefully crack one egg into each bread crust on top of the ham, seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Then top each egg with about ½ ounce of cheddar cheese.
- Bake to Finish: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the eggs are fully cooked and the cheese has melted and slightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Once done, let the breakfast bundles cool for a couple of minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm for a savory, satisfying breakfast treat.
Notes
- You can use any type of bread, but thicker slices work best to hold the filling.
- For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to the egg or cheese topping.
- Leftover cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can be mixed with the ham for added nutrition and taste.
- Ensure eggs are cooked thoroughly to your preference; you can increase or decrease baking time accordingly.
- Use a non-stick muffin pan or grease generously to prevent sticking.
