Instantly Upgrade Egg-In-A-Hole With A Mashed Potato Ring

Cutting a circle out of a slice of bread, placing it into a buttered pan, cracking an egg in the center, and frying it on both sides until cooked is what we like to call the ever-so-famous egg-in-a-hole – with over 60 other names including bull's eye, eggs-in-a-frame, and egg-in-a-nest. One of the best parts about this dish is the crispy bread round — it's the perfect vehicle for sopping up the rich runny yolk. However, just as there are many ways to refer to this dish, there are also many ways to make it your own.

Sure, eggs are a must, but is the bread really irreplaceable? Another starch that is the perfect substitute is potatoes. If you're looking for the same crunch that the bread provides, try using crispy hash browns, sweet potato noodles, or even a hollowed-out baked potato. However, there is something so satisfying about a creamy texture to surround your fried egg, and mashed potatoes achieve just that.

It's easy, creamy, and more flavorful

When whipping up a batch of homemade mashed potatoes, it's easy to overdo it and get stuck with leftovers for days. When this happens, eat 'em for breakfast! Not only does the texture live up to its hype, but the amount of flavor that's already incorporated into prepared mashed potatoes is much more pungent than a slice of bread. That being said, egg-in-a-hole using a mashed potato ring is much more tasty compared to its traditional version.

Simply dollop a mound of the mash onto a skillet greased with butter, press your spoon into the center to create a hole, and let it sear for a few minutes before cracking in your egg. This will give the bottom a chance to form a nice crust before the egg takes over. Once your egg is in there, cover the pan with a lid and let it cook until the yolk is the consistency you desire. From there, transfer to a plate and enjoy.

Unlike when you're using bread, the mashed potato version doesn't require flipping, making it a bit more low maintenance. Furthermore, flipping it can cause a bit of a mess, preventing your dish from staying intact.