These Prosciutto Egg Cups with pesto make a perfect fun, new addition to a breakfast or brunch spread over the holidays.
Ingredients
Basil Pesto:
2medium garlic cloves
2heading cupsfresh basil leaves
¼cup (60 ml)extra virgin olive oil
¼cupfinely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
freshly ground black pepper
Egg Cups:
3-4sliceswhole wheat or white sandwich bread
4-6ouncesthinly sliced Prosciutto de Parma ham
basil pestosee recipe above
12large eggs
Instructions
Prepare Bread: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Using a two-inch biscuit cutter, cut the bread into 12 rounds–you will need about 3-4 slices, depending on their size. Place the bread on a small baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes.
Prepare Pesto: Place the garlic in the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times until fincely minced. Add the basil. While pulsing, slowly add the olive oil until the pesto is smooth.
Assemble Egg Cups: Grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan with olive oil or another baking spray. Line the bottom of each cup with a toasted bread round.
Slice each prosciutto slice in half lengthwise and line the sides of the each muffin cup with the prosciutto. The prosciutto should be touching the bottom of each cup and be level with the top or slightly above (try to avoid double layering the prosciutto as it gets saltier during baking).
Spread a small spoonful (teaspoon or so) of pesto onto the top of the bread base. Crack one egg into each well on top of the pesto. Do not season.
Bake for 17 to 22 minutes or until the white has just set, but the yolk is still soft and the prosciutto is crisp. Allow to cool in pan on rack for 5 minutes before carefully removing and setting on a large platter. Serve hot.
Tips for Success:
Pesto can be made up to a day or two in advance, covered with a light layer of olive oil, and kept in an airtight container in the fridge.