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Quick Pesto & Scrambled Eggs on Toast Recipe


  • Author: Katherine

Ingredients

For the Pesto Scrambled Eggs:

  • Large Eggs: 4
  • Basil Pesto: 2-3 tablespoons (Use high-quality store-bought or homemade pesto for the best flavor. Adjust amount based on your preference for pesto intensity.)
  • Milk or Heavy Cream (Optional): 1-2 tablespoons (For extra creaminess, but can be omitted.)
  • Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (For cooking the eggs.)
  • Fine Sea Salt: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon, or to taste

For the Toast:

  • Bread Slices: 2-4 slices (Depending on thickness and appetite. Sourdough, whole wheat, rye, brioche, or a sturdy artisan loaf work beautifully.)
  • Butter or Olive Oil (Optional): For spreading on the toast before or after toasting.

Instructions

Prepare the Pesto Egg Mixture

  1. Crack the Eggs: Gently crack the 4 large eggs into a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Whisk Lightly: Add the salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, add the optional milk or cream. Whisk the eggs lightly with a fork or whisk until the yolks and whites are just combined. Be careful not to over-whisk at this stage; you want streaks of yolk and white, which leads to more tender eggs.
  3. Swirl in the Pesto: Add 2-3 tablespoons of pesto to the whisked eggs. Gently swirl it in with the fork – don’t fully incorporate it. You want visible streaks and ribbons of pesto throughout the egg mixture for distinct flavor pockets and visual appeal. Set aside momentarily.

Cook the Scrambled Eggs

  1. Heat the Pan: Place a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil and let it melt or heat until shimmering slightly. Ensure the heat isn’t too high; low and slow is key for creamy scrambled eggs.
  2. Pour in Egg Mixture: Once the pan is heated and the butter is melted (it should sizzle gently, not brown aggressively), pour the pesto-egg mixture into the skillet.
  3. Cook Gently: Let the eggs sit undisturbed for about 20-30 seconds until the edges begin to set slightly.
  4. Scramble: Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently push the cooked egg from the edges towards the center of the pan, tilting the pan so the uncooked egg flows underneath. Continue this gentle pushing and folding motion. Avoid constantly stirring, which can make the eggs rubbery.
  5. Monitor Closely: Keep the heat on medium-low. Cook until the eggs are mostly set but still slightly moist and glossy. Remember that the eggs will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat even after being removed from the pan. This entire cooking process should only take 2-4 minutes. Overcooked eggs become dry and less flavorful.
  6. Remove from Heat: Once the eggs reach your desired consistency (slightly underdone is often best), immediately remove the skillet from the heat source to prevent overcooking.

Toast the Bread

  1. Choose Your Method: While the eggs are cooking or just before, toast your bread slices using your preferred method:

    • Toaster: The quickest and easiest method.
    • Oven/Broiler: Place slices on a baking sheet and toast under a preheated broiler (watch carefully!) or in a toaster oven until golden brown and crisp.
    • Pan-Frying: Melt a little butter or heat olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Place the bread slices in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. This method adds extra flavor.

  2. Optional Buttering: If desired, lightly butter the toast immediately after it comes out of the toaster or pan.

Assemble Your Masterpiece

  1. Plate the Toast: Place the warm, toasted bread slices onto your serving plates.
  2. Top with Eggs: Carefully spoon the creamy pesto scrambled eggs generously over each slice of toast. Distribute them evenly.
  3. Garnish: Sprinkle with your chosen optional garnishes – a dusting of Parmesan cheese, a pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze all work wonderfully.
  4. Serve Immediately: Pesto scrambled eggs on toast are best enjoyed fresh and hot!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: One Normal Portion
  • Calories: 450-600
  • Fat: 30-40g
  • Carbohydrates: 25-35g
  • Protein: 20-25g