Ham and Fried Egg on Toast

Ham and Fried Egg on Toast

Ham and fried egg on toast is one of those wonderfully simple comfort foods that never fails to satisfy. It’s not fancy, it’s not fussy – just proper food that hits the spot when you need something quick, warm and filling.

We tend to eat this most often around Christmas time, when there’s always a bit of home-cooked ham lying around waiting to be used. But honestly, it’s good all year round. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a lazy supper, this dish is always a winner in our house.

This is a great little snack and is found in different forms and with different names all over the world.

The Perfect Quick Meal

This is such a great one for those moments when you’re too hungry to wait, but still want something decent. You can have it on the table in under 10 minutes, which is perfect when you’re ravenous or just can’t be bothered to cook anything more complicated.

My wife actually told me not to bother posting this one on the blog because it was “too simple”… before promptly asking me to make it for her lunch. 😄 That’s exactly the point though – it’s basic, but it works.

 

Best Ingredients to Use

For the ham, we usually go with whatever’s in the fridge. Thinly sliced deli ham works fine, but if you’ve got some leftover glazed ham or gammon, even better. A thick-cut, juicy slice of ham takes this to another level.

And for the eggs – go fresh. A good quality free-range egg makes a huge difference. I like mine fried with a runny yolk and just cooked whites. You can do this by tipping the pan slightly and spooning hot oil over the top of the egg – no flipping required. Less risk of breakage that way too.

Top tip: the fresher the egg, the more likely it is to hold together properly in the pan.

Bread Matters

Don’t underestimate the power of good bread. Toasted sourdough gives it a bit of crunch and a slightly tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the richness of the yolk and the saltiness of the ham. A seeded bloomer or even a thick-cut white loaf will do just as well. It’s all about what you like.

For an extra touch, a little butter on the toast goes a long way. And yes, we do sometimes add a cheeky blob of Hellmann’s on top. Calories? What calories?

Optional Extras

If you want to fancy things up, try adding a slice of cheese – it turns it into something close to a Croque Madame or a Dutch uitsmijter (especially if you use gouda or cheddar).

You could also poach or boil the egg instead of frying it if you’re aiming for a lighter version. Soft-boiled with a runny centre is particularly good – just 5 minutes in boiling water, cooled and peeled.

And if you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of Hollandaise wouldn’t go amiss either.

 

Soft boiled egg and ham

If you have a little bit more time on your hands you could also try this with a soft boiled egg. A little bit healthier as you are not using oil to cook the egg, but you still need to get the water to boiling, so it takes a bit longer. Just boil the egg for 5 minutes, cool it under the cold tap and peel it. A bit easier than a poached egg I find. 

Here is a soft boiled egg I made with some home-cooked ham:

Final Thoughts

It’s funny how such a simple combo – just ham and fried egg on toast – can bring so much satisfaction. It’s quick, comforting and flexible. And sometimes, that’s all you need.

Whether you’re using it to use up Christmas leftovers or just want a no-fuss snack that hits the spot, this one’s a keeper. 

If you give it a go, let me know how you get on in the comments – and do tell me your favourite way to eat it!

How to make ham and eggs on toast

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