The only thing I hate more than a sink full of dirty dishes is WASHING a sink full of dirty dishes. So this “No Washing Up Ham, Egg & Cheese Bread Bowl” post is dedicated to everyone who hates doing the dishes as much as I do!
“Perfect for feeding an army. You can make ahead, eat it with your hands and I swear, there is not a single dish or pan or utensil to be washed!”
In my next life, I hope to be reborn with slim hands and long, elegant fingers instead of pudgy, midget hands. My friends call me “Baby Hands”. Truly! I do everything I can to avoid “hand shots”, but sometimes it just has to be done.
Enough about my Baby Hands, let’s put the focus back on the food. If I wrote this post like my other posts, it would go on for pages as I ranted on and on about why I think these No Washing Up Ham, Egg & Cheese Bread Bowls are so nifty. So I’m going to do both of us a favour and simply list out the pros and cons!
PROS
1. NO WASHING UP – no pots, no pans, no baking tray, no cutting board, no bowls. These are baked wrapped in foil which you need to do otherwise the bread roll burns before the egg cooks. The only kitchen equipment you’ll use is a knife to cut the top off the rolls. If you’re as lazy as me, you’ll just run a dishcloth along the blade and put it right back in the knife rack!
2. FAST TO MAKE – it will take you all of 4 minutes to assemble 4 to pop into the oven. Possibly 3 minutes. And if you like your yolks really runny like I do, these will be out of the oven in 10 minutes.
3. EAT WITH YOUR HANDS – just like a burger!
4. FEED A CROWD – FAST. You can make loads of No Washing Up Ham, Egg & Cheese Bread Bowls in one go – as many as you can fit in your oven!
5. MAKE AHEAD. Yes, you really can! The only thing is to make sure the bread bowls are properly lined with ham to stop the egg from seeping through to the bread. Just assemble completely and wrap with foil, then leave them in the fridge until you need them. Then pop them in the oven!
6. VERSATILE. Get creative! These are pretty boring – just ham, eggs and cheese. Fill it with whatever you want! The only thing to ensure is that you line the bread with ham so the egg doesn’t soak straight into the bread. I tried making these with bacon once but because it is thicker and not as pliable (especially after you fry it), you can’t mould it into the bowl as well so I struggled to make enough space for even an egg, let alone anything else.7. BUDGET. Ham is cheaper than bacon. And you don’t need to use any fancy bread for this. Just ordinary bread rolls. Even stale is fine. Once stuffed and baked, you won’t be able to tell if they are fresh or stale bread.
8. FOOD ON THE GO. Because you can eat this with your hands, it’s great for on the go! I was munching on this while wandering around packing up the props after taking the photo!
9. GREAT FOR A CAMP OUT. Can you imagine how great this would be cooked over a campfire?? Just place it on the edge of the fire near (not on) hot coals. The foil traps the heat well and it will cook in no time!
10. ONLY 339 CALORIES PER SERVING. Believe it. It’s only 1 bread roll, 1 egg, 1 small slice of ham and 2 tbsp of cheese. Actually, I just realised it’s less than 339 calories because I didn’t factor in that the centre of the bread roll is removed.
11. SO, SO TASTY. Why I haven’t put this as #1 is beyond me!
“This is a great way to use up bread rolls that are slightly stale. Once stuffed and baked, no one would ever be able to tell whether the rolls are fresh or not!”
CONS
1. Eerm….no greens? Though I DID add a sprinkle of parsley on the No Washing Up Ham, Egg & Cheese Bread Bowls. Isn’t that enough?
OK, so perhaps I’m being completely pig-headed by not coming up with more cons. I am the excitable type and can get blindsided. So if you’re the sensible type and can think of more “cons”, leave a comment below and I’ll update the list!
Aren’t my wrapping skills shocking? You should see the presents I wrap! Well, you won’t, because I won’t ever be showing you!
Don’t toss the bread you scoop out! Save it to make croutons or breadcrumbs. Or how about this Chicken and Spinach Bread Bake or this Creamy Bacon, Chicken and Broccoli Bread Bake?
Love to hear what you think, or any other suggestions you might have for other fillings! Just leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to respond :). – Nagi x
MORE BREAKFAST EGG RECIPES
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Frittata – the classic done right!
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Shakshouka – baked eggs made exotic
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No Washing Up Ham, Egg & Cheese Bread Bowls
Ingredients
- 4 bread rolls (soft or crusty)
- 4 small slices of ham , or 2 big ones cut in half
- 4 eggs , at room temperature
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley , finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
- Cut the tops off the bread rolls.
- Scoop out the centre and reserve (see notes for ideas to use). To be neat, use a small knife to cut a round outline before scooping out the centre.
- Line the bread bowl with a layer of ham. Try to use one whole piece if you can because then there is less chance of egg seeping through and being soaked up by the bread.
- Crack in an egg.
- Top each with 2 tbsp of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of parsley (optional).
- Put the top back on each roll. Wrap with foil and place in oven to bake for ~15 to 25 minutes. Take a peek at 20 minutes to check them. 20 minutes = runny yolks. 25 minutes + = just cooked yolks. (See notes for more information)
- Remove from oven, unwrap and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
a) Your oven. Mine is a fan forced oven which cooks food faster than normal ovens.
b) How many you are making - the more you are making, the longer it will take.
c) How thick the bread bowl walls are. The thicker the wall, the longer it will take for the heat to get to the centre of the bread to cook the egg. I made mine quite thin - about 1cm/1/3".
d) The type of bread you are using. A dense bread like a sourdough will take longer. I used soft standard bread rolls.
e) Whether the eggs are at room temperature or are cold, straight out of the fridge.
Nutrition Information:
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
No Washing Up Ham, Egg and Cheese Bowls recipe video!
Nagi I am looking forward to try this!!
Thanks Ami! I do hope you like it!
I will definitely try this recipe. I might try smoked salmon in place of the ham.
It would be delicious with smoked salmon. I haven’t tried it myself, but this recipe will definitely work for smoked salmon!
Oh my SOUL!!!!!!! I just happen to come across your website and man oh man, I’m starting to wonder if it’s possible to make all of these in one day and eat till I fall over and not share it with my 6 kids and husband (which basically makes it 7 kids) This is absolutely amaaaazing and specially for me having to cook for all of us every night and running out of easy to make quick great food recipes!!
I’m book marking your site NOW!!!!!
Thank you so much for an amazing easy to follow helpful original food website!
I rate all the ones on this page 5 stars so far……no off to read the rest!
I have just discovered this site and I am thinking the same thing… BOOKMARK!!! I have 4 sons (5 including hubby), how good are these brekky rolls going to work in my house before all their sport training!! I’m in love with Nagi!
Aww, thank you so much for your gorgeous comment Anita! I truly appreciate it!!
Rianka, I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to wake up in the morning to read this comment! Thank you for your enthusiasm and your kind words! People like you are the reason why I blog!! 🙂
Mmmmm mouth watering!! I will definitely have to make these for my family. I will have to make plenty of them. This would be great GAME DAY easy food. Love this idea!!!
Thanks Michelle! It is a great recipe for making a lot of at the same time. Basically you can cram as many as you can fit into the oven!! So YES it is great for game day!
Aloha Nagi!
This was wonderful and easy & I have a CON for you to add to your list! My hubby says, “You can’t eat just one!” He had 2! This was Great! I give it 5 Stars!
Take care!
Ha ha ha!! That is GOLD! I should definitely update the CON list for that!!
If youre a veg head like me, try spinach and some onion in place of the ham.
That’s a great idea Katie! Or how about some blanched kale leaves? Anything vegetable where you can use it as a lining to prevent the egg from soaking into the bread will work great!
These look really good! Will this work if I try a different meat other then what’s already been suggested. Beef or chicken?
Absolutely! Any thinly sliced cured meat or even smoked salmon or trout will work!
Awesome! Thank you. (sorry for the double post earlier, my computer wasn’t showing that the post went through)
No worries about double comment! I thank you for your effort 🙂
This looks delicious! Would shredded or pieces of chicken or beef work for this ?
Of course you could add them!! You will still need to “line” the bowl with ham or slices of chicken, beef or anything else that will prevent the egg from soaking the bread. But adding pieces of meat is such a great idea! Maybe I should give it a go an update the post with your suggestions 🙂
These look wonderful !!! Have you or anyone else ever made them the night before, put them in the fridge overnight and then either just eaten them cold or warmed them up in the microwave ??
Hi Bei! They would work find warmed up in the microwave though not the same as made fresh! Just make sure that the eggs are cooked through because runny yolks won’t reheat so well the next day 🙂
I don’t eat ham so wondering if smoked salmon would work? A bit more expensive but maybe as a weekend treat…..oh dear, my mouth is watering. Thanks for the fantastic idea.
Hi Runa! I think I replied to your message before but I just changed servers and I’ve been having some issues so I’ll reply again just in case! Smoked salmon will DEFINATELY work and you are taking my humble little recipe to another level!! Depending on the strength of your oven, a bit of the salmon may “cook” a bit, but not much. I make baked eggs with smoked salmon and it hardly cooks through at all because the salmon is cured. I would love to hear what you think if you try this with smoked salmon!
I cannot wait to try these!! They look amazing and with some spinach or onion.. oh goodness! Thanks for the great idea!!!
Thanks Brit!! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
It took 45 minutes total for a very cooked egg. It was good, though.
Hi Elizabeth – wow, that’s ALOT longer than it took me! I updated the recipe with a few tips on the baking time, I hope that helps!
Wow does this look good! Super idea 🙂
Thank you!
These look amazing!!! Definitely will be adding spinach or making a light spinach/greens salad on the side. The two would compliment each other nicely and not make me feel too guilty haha!he
Thanks Marie! And YES adding some greens certainly will make it healthier – though surprisingly not too high in calories!!
Can’t wait to try these. I don’t like using foil and I have a dishwasher, can I make these in french onion soup bowls if the buns fit? Is parchment paper ok?
Hi Rose! I don’t think parchment paper will protect the bread enough while baking so they will get burnt before the egg inside cooks. The alternative would be to bake them in a baking dish with a lid for most of the time, then put them on a baking tray to crisp the outside just for a few minutes. I’m sure that will work just fine! 🙂
I tried these this morning! Yum!! In addition to said ingredients, I added a few shakes of Mrs. Dash table blend for seasoning, Oscar Meyer real bacon bits…cooked until over medium and topped with thinly sliced green onion tops. I mean, you really could do anything in a bread bowl and get away with it. Imagine with No Mess, No Clean Up approach with a Philly sandwich filling?
I love it, you’ve gone all out!! And you’re right, you really can do anything with this. Philly sandwich….please don’t torture me with the thought of that, can’t get them here in Sydney!
Dill would go fantastically in these too, I love using Dill when cooking with eggs!
I never thought to use dill with eggs, but yes it would go so well! Nice burst of fresh flavour!
Your “con” on the list is invalid… you could EASILY add some spinach or diced veggies to this (as long as there is room in the bowl.)
The only con I can think of is the time to preheat the oven and cook it. My weekday mornings are usually pretty rushed, so I’d have to reserve this for a weekend treat!
Ha ha ha! You so SO right Marissa, I should have qualified the “con” list! Just get BIG rolls and stuff it full of veggies as well!
Made these with scrambled eggs with fresh basil, ham, and Parmesan in Italian rolls. Served them with a salad for a tasty supper!
Basil is a great fresh addition to this! And scrambled eggs is a good tip – I’m going to try it this weekend! Thanks Terri! 🙂
I’m wondering if anyone has tried these with almost cooked scrambled eggs? My kids would eat these better without the runny yoke. I’m thinking freezing them would be possible then. Of course, it couldn’t be called a “no-dish” meal:)
I make a similar breakfast bowl with a tube of croissant dough wrapped in small pyrex bowls. The dough is in the bottom and half folds over the top when filled. I pre-cook all the ingredients lightly and assemble. They can be frozen or just prepped the day before. Since they are pre-cooked they freeze easily but are always better fresh in my opinion. I use eggs, bacon or sausage, shredded cheese, garlic powder, and sometimes baby spinach leaves. Bake at 350F till brown. The household begs for them!!
now that’s just showing off, so much better than this one! And with bacon as well?? Jeez, you’ve totally outdone me!
Hi Bev, I’ve never made them with scrambled eggs but they certainly could be and yes, then you could freeze them then just pop them in the oven to heat up! I think that convenience is worth dirtying a pan for! 🙂