Bacon & Egg Brioche Breakfast Nests

Fluffy brioche cups filled with bacon and a perfectly baked egg, offering an elevated yet simple start to your morning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These breakfast nests combine pillowy brioche, crisp bacon, and runny yolks into charming handheld parcels. They’re visually appealing, practical for meal prep, and customizable with your favorite herbs or cheese—perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Brioche bread slices (thick-cut)
• Bacon strips
• Large eggs
• Butter, softened
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Fresh chives or parsley (optional, finely chopped)
• Shredded cheese (optional, e.g., cheddar or gruyère)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
2. Butter both sides of each brioche slice. Press a slice into each muffin cup to form a cup shape.
3. Par-bake the brioche cups for 5 minutes until slightly golden, then remove from oven.
4. Line each brioche cup with half a strip of bacon, curved along the sides.
5. Crack one egg into each brioche-lined cup. Season with salt and pepper. If using, sprinkle cheese and herbs over the top.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until egg whites are set but yolks remain soft (adjust time for firmer yolks).
7. Carefully remove nests from the tin. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 6 breakfast nests
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Bake time: 17–20 minutes (including par-bake)
• Total time: Approximately 27–30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Omit bacon and add sautéed spinach or roasted peppers.
• Mexican twist: Top with salsa, diced jalapeño, and pepper jack cheese.
• Herby feta: Substitute cheddar/gruyère with crumbled feta and fresh dill.
• Smoky sausage: Swap bacon for cooked breakfast sausage crumbles.

Storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store cooled nests in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individually (uncooked or baked) for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 30–45 seconds until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread instead of brioche?

Yes—use any sturdy, slightly sweet bread like challah or a thick-cut white loaf for similar results.

How do I ensure the egg yolk stays runny?

Bake until the whites are just set and the yolks still wiggle slightly when the tin is lightly tapped, usually around 12–13 minutes.

Can I prep these the night before?

Yes—assemble nests, cover, and refrigerate. Bake from chilled in the morning, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

What size muffin tin is best?

Standard 6‑cup muffin tins work best; mini tins require reduced bake time (8–10 minutes total), and jumbo tins need 2–3 more minutes.

Can I make them savory-sweet?

Absolutely—add a thin layer of jam (like fig) inside the brioche before adding the egg and bacon for a sweet-savory contrast.

Are they freezer-friendly after baking?

Yes—cool completely, then wrap individually. Reheat in a 350 °F oven for about 10 minutes.

How do I prevent the brioche from becoming soggy?

Par-bake the brioche cups before adding fillings to create a protective crisp layer.

Can I make these without dairy?

Yes—skip the butter or use a dairy-free spread. Filling ingredients are naturally dairy-free when cheese and butter are omitted.

Can I bake them ahead for a crowd?

You can par-bake and assemble earlier, then bake all at once when ready to serve for convenience.

What can I serve alongside?

Pair with a simple fruit salad, mixed greens, or roasted potatoes for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Bacon & Egg Brioche Breakfast Nests offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors in a convenient, portable format. Elegant yet fuss-free, they’re perfect for elevating your breakfast routine or impressing brunch guests. Enjoy the flexibility of variations and ease of make-ahead prep for a sophisticated start to any morning.

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