Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and a short preparation time, this dish is perfect for busy mornings.
Nutritious: Eggs are a great source of protein and essential nutrients, while whole-grain toast adds fiber to your meal.
Versatile: Easily customizable with various toppings like avocado, sautéed vegetables, or a sprinkle of cheese.

Ingredients

2 large eggs
2 slices of whole-grain bread
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: smashed avocado, sautéed spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Poaching Water: Fill a medium saucepan with about 3 inches of water. Add the white vinegar and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Toast the Bread: While waiting for the water to simmer, toast the slices of bread to your desired level of crispiness.
Poach the Eggs:
- Crack each egg into a small bowl or ramekin.
- Create a gentle whirlpool in the simmering water by stirring with a spoon.
- Carefully slide each egg into the center of the whirlpool.
- Let the eggs cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the whites are set, and the yolks remain runny.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs and drain any excess water.
Assemble the Dish:
- Place the toasted bread on serving plates.
- Optionally, spread smashed avocado or another desired topping on the toast.
- Gently place a poached egg on each slice of toast.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Garnish with optional toppings like fresh herbs or grated cheese.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 2.
Preparation Time: Approximately 5 minutes.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5 minutes.

Variations

Avocado Toast with Poached Egg: Spread ripe avocado on the toast before adding the poached egg.
Mushroom and Spinach: Sauté mushrooms and spinach, then place them on the toast beneath the poached egg.
Spicy Kick: Drizzle sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the egg for added heat.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese on top of the poached egg.

Storage/Reheating

Poached eggs are best enjoyed immediately. However, if needed, you can store poached eggs:

Storage: Place poached eggs in a bowl of cold water, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Submerge the poached eggs in hot (not boiling) water for about 1 minute to warm them without overcooking.

FAQs

How can I ensure my poached eggs have a neat shape?

Using fresh eggs and adding a teaspoon of vinegar to the poaching water can help the whites coagulate better, resulting in a neater shape. Simply Recipes

Can I poach eggs ahead of time?

Yes, poached eggs can be made ahead and stored in cold water in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in hot water before serving.

What type of bread works best for poached eggs on toast?

Whole-grain, sourdough, or rustic breads are excellent choices due to their sturdy texture and flavor.

Do I need to add vinegar to the poaching water?

Adding vinegar helps the egg whites coagulate more quickly, leading to a tidier poached egg.

How can I prevent the egg whites from spreading in the water?

Creating a gentle whirlpool in the simmering water before adding the egg can help the whites wrap around the yolk, resulting in a compact poached egg

What’s the ideal water temperature for poaching eggs?

The water should be at a gentle simmer, with small bubbles forming but not boiling vigorously.

How long should I cook the poached eggs?

Typically, 3-4 minutes yields firm whites and runny yolks, but you can adjust the time based on your preference

Can I use an egg poacher instead of poaching directly in water?

Yes, egg poachers can simplify the process and ensure consistently shaped poached eggs.Simply Recipes

Are there any health benefits to poached eggs?

Poached eggs are cooked without added fats, making them a healthier option compared to fried eggs.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when poaching eggs?

Avoid using water that’s boiling too vigorously, not adding vinegar, and using older eggs, as these factors can lead to uneven or wispy poached eggs.

Conclusion

Poached eggs on toast is a versatile and nutritious dish that’s quick to prepare and customizable to your taste. Whether you enjoy it plain or with various toppings, it’s