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Bacon and Cheese Egg Cups: A Savoury Delight for Any Time of Day

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, or even as a light lunch, look no further than the delightful bacon and cheese egg cups. This dish combines the rich flavours of crispy bacon with the creaminess of melted cheese, all enveloped in perfectly baked eggs. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they also offer a fantastic way to start the day or serve at a casual gathering.

Ingredients

To make a batch of bacon and cheese egg cups, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 6 strips of streaky bacon (or back bacon, depending on preference)
• 100g of grated cheese (cheddar works wonderfully, but feel free to use your favourite)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley) for garnish (optional)
• Muffin tin or silicone muffin cups

Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. Prepare the Bacon: Lightly fry the strips of bacon in a pan over medium heat until they are just crispy but still pliable. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain on kitchen paper to remove excess fat.

3. Grease the Muffin Tin: If you’re using a metal muffin tin, lightly grease each cup with oil or butter to prevent sticking. If you have silicone muffin cups, this step can be omitted.

4. Line the Cups: Take each strip of bacon and cut it in half. Line the inside of each muffin cup with two half strips, forming a ring at the bottom and sides.

5. Prepare the Eggs: In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add a splash of milk or cream here for extra richness, although this is optional.

6. Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated cheese into the whisked eggs, reserving a little for topping if desired.

7. Fill the Cups: Carefully pour the egg and cheese mixture into each bacon-lined muffin cup, filling them approximately three-quarters full. If you reserved some cheese, sprinkle it on top.

8. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the eggs are set and lightly golden on top. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the centre of an egg cup; it should come out clean.

9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the egg cups to cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the tin. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs if desired.

Enjoying Your Egg Cups

Bacon and cheese egg cups can be served warm and enjoyed straight from the oven. They pair beautifully with a slice of toasted bread or a fresh salad for a more substantial meal. For those looking to store leftovers, these egg cups can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless combinations. Here are a few ideas to customise your egg cups:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the bacon with sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like feta, mozzarella, or blue cheese to change the flavour profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped chillies or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Herbal Infusion: Incorporate dried herbs such as thyme or oregano into the mixture for an aromatic twist.

Bacon and cheese egg cups are not only delicious and satisfying, but they also embrace the joy of cooking with simple ingredients. So why not try making these delightful treats? They are sure to impress family and friends alike!