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Eggs in a Ham Cup: A Speedy Breakfast Delight

My grandmother, Nana Rose, always had a knack for making simple things feel special. I remember her whipping up these little “ham nests” as she called them, whenever I stayed over. The savory aroma of ham mingling with warm, cheesy eggs was the perfect way to start the day, even if it was a school day! It was a quick, satisfying breakfast that felt like a tiny treasure, customized just for me. Now, whenever I need a comforting, easy, and delicious meal, I turn to this old family favorite.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 6 minutes
Servings: 1
Yield: 1 ham cup
Dietary Type: High Protein

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
1 slice deli ham
1 teaspoon green onion, chopped
2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 eggs
2 tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt or 2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Equipment Needed

10 oz microwaveable ramekin or custard cup
Small bowl
Fork or whisk
Plastic wrap

Instructions

Begin by preparing your ramekin. Generously spray a 10 oz microwaveable ramekin or custard cup with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the ham from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Carefully place the ham slice in the ramekin. Gently press it against the sides and bottom to form a cup-like shape.
Now, add the flavor enhancers. Sprinkle the chopped green onion evenly over the ham inside the ramekin. Then, sprinkle one tablespoon of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the green onions.
In a small bowl, it’s time to prepare the egg mixture. Beat together the eggs, yogurt (or sour cream, if preferred), and fresh ground pepper until well blended. The yogurt (or sour cream) adds a lovely creaminess and tang.
Carefully pour the egg mixture into the ham cup in the ramekin. Be careful not to overfill it.
Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese over the egg mixture. Then, sprinkle the fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
To prevent splattering and ensure even cooking, cover the ramekin loosely with plastic wrap. Be sure to turn back one corner of the plastic wrap slightly to vent. This allows steam to escape and prevents the eggs from exploding.
Microwave on medium-high (70% power) for 2-1/2 minutes to 3 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage.
Remove the ramekin from the microwave, but do not remove the plastic wrap. Let it stand for 1 minute. This allows the residual heat to finish cooking the eggs and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
Finally, carefully remove the plastic wrap and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and easy Eggs in a Ham Cup!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Doneness Check: The eggs should be set but still slightly moist. If they appear too runny after 2-1/2 minutes, microwave for an additional 30 seconds at a time until cooked through.
Yogurt vs. Sour Cream: Both yogurt and sour cream add tang and creaminess. I tend to favour Greek yogurt for its protein content and slight tartness. Full-fat sour cream, while richer, might require slightly less cooking time.
Microwave Power: Microwaves vary widely. If your eggs consistently overcook, reduce the power level slightly (e.g., to 60%) and increase the cooking time accordingly.
Ham Alternatives: If you don’t have deli ham, try using crumbled cooked bacon or sausage instead.
Cheese it up: Try experimenting with other cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Eggs in a Ham Cup is best served immediately while it’s warm and the cheese is melted. A side of whole-wheat toast or fresh fruit complements it nicely.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture of the eggs may change slightly upon reheating, becoming a bit firmer.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	210 kcal	10%
Total Fat	12g	18%
Saturated Fat	4g	20%
Cholesterol	390mg	130%
Sodium	530mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	4g	1%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	3g	6%
Protein	19g	38%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham entirely and add more vegetables such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy twist.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the yogurt or sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream.
Mediterranean Flair: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Loaded Ham Cup: Add cooked breakfast potatoes and other vegetables to bulk up your ham cup!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: While best served immediately, you can assemble the ramekin ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before microwaving.

Q: Can I bake this in the oven instead of microwaving?
A: Yes, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyere, or pepper jack.

Q: My eggs exploded in the microwave! What did I do wrong?
A: Make sure you vent the plastic wrap by turning back one corner. This allows steam to escape and prevents the eggs from exploding. Also, reduce the microwave power level slightly if this continues to happen.

Q: Can I use different vegetables?
A: Yes, you can customize the vegetables to your liking. Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions are all great options.

Final Thoughts

I sincerely hope you enjoy this quick and comforting recipe for Eggs in a Ham Cup! It’s a simple yet satisfying way to start your day. Feel free to experiment with the variations and substitutions to create your own personalized version. Don’t hesitate to share your feedback and creations – I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures! This goes great with a cup of dark roast coffee. Happy cooking!

Eggs in a Ham Cup Recipe