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Pesto Fried Eggs Toppings

Section: Rise and Shine with Delicious Breakfast Recipes

These pesto fried eggs are your go-to when you need a quick yet impressive breakfast or brunch. Swirled in rich olive oil and herby pesto, the eggs cook to crispy-edged perfection with golden yolks ready for dipping. The toppings bar lets you go creamy with burrata or ricotta, salty with prosciutto or parmesan, or crunchy with pine nuts or toast. It comes together in under 10 minutes and works beautifully for any time of day. Once you try it, you’ll keep it in your back pocket for solo breakfasts or weekend spreads with friends.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Sun, 29 Jun 2025 14:20:54 GMT
Two fried eggs with pesto and crispy toppings on a white plate. Bookmark
Two fried eggs with pesto and crispy toppings on a white plate. | ioanacooks.com

This dish brings together the boldness of pesto with the richness of runny yolks for a fast and flavor-packed meal. It is one of those throw together dishes that feels way fancier than it is especially when topped with crispy prosciutto burrata and fresh basil. Whether it is brunch lunch or that in between moment when you need something delicious fast this delivers every time.

I first made this when cleaning out the fridge and ended up creating a dish I now make weekly it is that good

Ingredients

  • Eggs: very fresh eggs will cook best with set whites and runny yolks
  • Olive oil: choose a good quality oil since it acts as the base of your sauce
  • Basil pesto: use store bought or homemade just make sure it is vibrant and herby
  • Salt and black pepper: season to taste right before serving for best flavor
  • Red pepper flakes: optional for a subtle kick
  • Fresh mozzarella: creamy and melts into warm eggs beautifully
  • Burrata: even creamier and adds luxe texture
  • Goat cheese: brings tangy contrast
  • Ricotta: perfect for small creamy dollops
  • Avocado: creamy and fresh and pairs great with pesto
  • Crispy prosciutto: salty and crisp adds a great texture
  • Pancetta: similar to bacon with Italian twist
  • Everything bagel seasoning: adds crunch and savory notes
  • Parmesan shavings: sharp and salty for depth
  • Capers: briny and bright
  • Cherry tomatoes: juicy and fresh
  • Fresh basil: classic herb pairing
  • Arugula or spinach: adds peppery freshness
  • Red onion: thinly sliced for bite
  • Toasted pine nuts: crunchy and buttery
  • Crispy chickpeas: protein and crunch
  • Sourdough toast points: sturdy base for scooping
  • Fried garlic chips: intense flavor and crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Toppings Ready:
Prep all toppings in advance and keep them nearby If using meat crisp in skillet first then set aside Tear cheese toast nuts and halve tomatoes
Cook the Eggs:
Heat olive oil over medium in a nonstick skillet Crack in eggs spaced out Let cook undisturbed for two minutes so whites begin to set
Swirl the Pesto:
Add spoonfuls of pesto around the eggs not on top Swirl it gently into the hot oil with a spoon to create a green herby sauce base
Get the Edges Crispy:
Tilt the pan and spoon hot pesto oil over whites Keep heat medium to avoid burning Cook two or three more minutes until edges are golden
Add Toppings:
Turn off the heat Begin layering toppings immediately while eggs are still hot so cheese softens and herbs warm slightly
Serve It Up:
Slide onto plates or serve right from the pan Drizzle extra pesto oil over top and enjoy with toasted bread to soak up the yolk
Two pieces of toast with eggs and pesto. Bookmark
Two pieces of toast with eggs and pesto. | ioanacooks.com

I love watching the pesto swirl into the oil as it sizzles and transforms it into something magical My sister and I make this whenever we brunch together and it never disappoints

Storage Tips

Eggs are best served fresh but toppings like roasted vegetables and cheeses can be prepped ahead Store them in airtight containers and reheat gently before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sun dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto instead of basil Try feta or olives if you do not have soft cheese Avocado replaces burrata well

Serving Suggestions

Make it a full meal by adding to garlic toast or cooked polenta Serve with a green salad for balance or turn it into a sandwich

Two pieces of bread with eggs in them. Bookmark
Two pieces of bread with eggs in them. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

Inspired by Mediterranean flavors this dish combines Italian pesto with classic European breakfast ingredients It bridges the gap between brunch and tapas style dining

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make my own pesto?

Absolutely! But honestly, good store-bought pesto works great here and saves time.

→ What if my pesto burns?

Lower the heat next time. Burned pesto tastes bitter, so start over if it happens.

→ Can I meal prep this?

The eggs need to be fresh, but you can prep all your toppings ahead of time.

→ How do I get perfectly runny yolks?

Cook on medium heat and don’t flip. The whites should be set but the yolks still jiggle when you shake the pan.

→ Can I use other pestos?

Yes! Red pesto, arugula pesto, or even pesto made with different herbs all work great.

→ What if I don’t have a big enough pan?

Cook the eggs in batches or use two smaller pans. Don’t overcrowd or they won’t cook evenly.

Pesto Fried Eggs Toppings

Crispy pesto fried eggs topped with bold fresh ingredients and perfect runny yolks.

Time Needed to Prep
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
10 minutes
Overall Time
20 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Breakfast

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: Mediterranean

Number of Portions: 2 How Many It Serves (2 servings with eggs and toppings)

Dietary Preferences: Made for Vegetarians

Ingredients You'll Need

→ For the Eggs

Ingredient 01 4 large eggs
Ingredient 02 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 03 2 tablespoons basil pesto
Ingredient 04 Salt to taste
Ingredient 05 Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Ingredient 06 Red pepper flakes optional

→ Creamy Toppings

Ingredient 07 Fresh mozzarella torn
Ingredient 08 Burrata torn
Ingredient 09 Goat cheese crumbles
Ingredient 10 Ricotta dollops
Ingredient 11 Avocado slices

→ Salty and Savory Toppings

Ingredient 12 Crispy prosciutto
Ingredient 13 Crispy pancetta
Ingredient 14 Everything bagel seasoning
Ingredient 15 Parmesan shavings
Ingredient 16 Capers

→ Fresh and Bright Toppings

Ingredient 17 Cherry tomatoes halved
Ingredient 18 Fresh basil leaves
Ingredient 19 Arugula
Ingredient 20 Baby spinach
Ingredient 21 Thinly sliced red onion

→ Crunchy Toppings

Ingredient 22 Toasted pine nuts
Ingredient 23 Crispy chickpeas
Ingredient 24 Sourdough toast points
Ingredient 25 Fried garlic chips

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Prepare all toppings in advance and have them within reach. Crisp prosciutto or pancetta in a skillet and set aside.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Crack in the eggs spaced apart and cook for 2 minutes until whites begin to set.

Step 03

Spoon pesto around the eggs and gently swirl it into the oil using a spoon to create flavored green swirls.

Step 04

Spoon hot pesto oil over the egg whites to help them set and crisp the edges. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until whites are firm.

Step 05

Turn off heat and begin layering toppings over the hot eggs. The residual heat will slightly melt cheeses and warm ingredients.

Step 06

Slide eggs onto plates or serve directly from the skillet. Drizzle remaining pesto oil around and serve with toasted bread.

Extra Tips

  1. Use good quality olive oil and fresh eggs for the best texture and flavor.
  2. Add toppings quickly while the eggs are still hot for optimal melting and warmth.
  3. Avoid placing pesto directly on yolks to maintain perfect runniness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Spatula or spoon for swirling oil
  • Small bowls for topping prep

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy from cheese
  • Contains nuts from pesto or pine nuts
  • May contain gluten if served with regular bread

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 410
  • Total Fat: 34 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 6 grams
  • Protein Amount: 18 grams