I love recipes that don’t require a lot of time or effort, especially after a trip when I’m ready to settle back into my routine. All you need are a few basic ingredients, and you can customize your bagels with your favorite cheese, veggies, or seasonings. It’s an easy, satisfying breakfast that makes being back home taste even better!
If you would like to make your own bagels, I have great recipes: Jalapeño Cheddar Cottage Cheese Bagels and Easy High-Protein Blueberry (No Yeast!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Just a few ingredients and simple preparation.
- Perfect for busy mornings: Get breakfast ready with minimal hands-on time.
- Customizable: Add cheese, vegetables, herbs, or your favorite seasonings.
- A fun twist on eggs and toast: The bagel holds the egg, making every bite delicious.
- Easy to adapt: Use your favorite bagels, including gluten-free varieties.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bagels: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade bagels. Plain, whole wheat, or everything bagels all work well. Slice each bagel in half horizontally.
- Eggs: You’ll need one egg for each bagel half. Choose smaller eggs if your bagel holes are on the narrow side.
- Butter: Softened butter adds flavor and helps the cut sides of the bagels become golden and toasted.
- Everything bagel seasoning: This adds a delicious combination of sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. If you don’t have it, use salt and pepper instead.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, chopped tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, fresh herbs, or red pepper flakes are all great options.
FAQs
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh because the bagel is at its crispiest right out of the oven. However, you can slice the bagels and prepare your toppings ahead of time to make the morning even easier.
Yes! Place the prepared bagel halves in your air fryer basket, making sure they fit securely and the eggs won’t spill. Air-fry at around 325–350°F, checking frequently until the eggs are cooked to your preference. Cooking times vary by air fryer, so keep an eye on them.
Absolutely! Your favorite gluten-free bagels work well. Just make sure the holes are large enough to hold the eggs.
Salt and pepper are an easy alternative. You can also use garlic powder, onion powder, sesame seeds, or your favorite seasoning blend.
Egg in a Bagel Hole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 bagels any kind
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- everything bagel seasoning or salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh herbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice each bagel in half horizontally. If needed, carefully enlarge the center hole using a small biscuit cutter or knife to make room for the egg.
- Spread softened butter over the cut sides of the bagel halves and place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Carefully crack one egg into the center of each bagel half.
- Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning and add your favorite toppings, if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the egg whites and yolks are runny or set, depending on your preference. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the eggs and bagels.
- Serve warm and enjoy!

