Crispy Everything Bagel Brioche Egg-in-a-Hole Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best results, use a high-quality, cold egg directly from the refrigerator. This helps the yolk stay intact while the whites cook through in the skillet. If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the egg is set, so maintain a steady medium heat throughout the cooking time to ensure everything finishes at the same rate.

Experiment with the cream cheese by adding a pinch of fresh herbs like chives or dill before piping. This adds a layer of freshness that cuts through the richness of the butter and brioche.

Always ensure the skillet is non-stick, as it is crucial for flipping the bread cleanly without leaving any of the cheese or seasoning behind in the pan.

Variations

• Spicy Everything Brioche: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the whipped cream cheese before piping to give the dish a subtle, spicy kick that cuts through the rich butter.
• Herbed Cream Cheese: Mix finely chopped fresh chives or scallions into the whipped cream cheese for a bright, aromatic flavor profile that elevates the savory notes of the seasoning.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. The texture will soften significantly upon refrigeration.

Reheat

Reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the bread soggy.

This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking to preserve the crisp texture of the brioche and the liquid consistency of the egg yolk. If leftovers must be stored, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. Note that the bread will lose its crispness and the yolk may continue to thicken.

While the cooking must happen fresh, you can prepare the brioche slices by cutting the holes and having the piping bag ready in the refrigerator. This saves time during the morning rush.

Do not apply the cream cheese or seasoning until just before cooking, as the moisture from the cheese can soften the bread if left to sit for too long.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish on a warm plate to keep the butter from solidifying and to maintain the texture of the toasted bread. Present the toasted center plug next to the main slice, allowing for easy dipping.

A small side of lightly dressed mixed greens or sliced tomatoes provides a nice acidic balance to the richness of the brioche and cream cheese.

For a complete breakfast experience, pair this with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of citrus juice.

The combination of the savory everything seasoning and the rich egg makes for a substantial meal that stands well on its own, but it can be complemented by simple sides that do not overpower the delicate balance of the toasted brioche.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Everything Bagel Brioche Egg-in-a-Hole

Prep 5 minCook 4 minTotal 9 minServes 1

Ingredients

• 1 slice brioche bread (3 cm thick)
• 30 g whipped cream cheese
• 8 g everything seasoning
• 20 g unsalted butter
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Using a 6-centimeter round cookie cutter, carefully cut a circle from the center of the brioche slice. Reserve the circular cutout for serving. Pipe the whipped cream cheese around the inner rim of the hole in the brioche slice. Generously coat the cream cheese edges and the outer crust of the bread with the everything seasoning, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor and texture.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once the butter is foaming, place the prepared brioche slice into the pan. Crack the egg directly into the cream-cheese-lined center. Toast the bread for 2 minutes on the first side. Carefully flip the bread and the reserved center plug, and toast for another 2 minutes until the whites are fully set and the yolk is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3. Transfer the toasted brioche and the crispy center plug to a serving plate. Serve immediately while hot, using the toasted bread cutout to dip into the rich, golden yolk center. Enjoy the combination of textures and flavors while the dish is at its peak freshness.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk, sesame

Food safety: This recipe includes a runny egg yolk. Consuming raw or undercooked eggs may increase the risk of foodborne illness, especially for those with weakened immune systems.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

12.5 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.