No Washing Up Ham, Egg & Cheese Bread Bowls Recipe
Introduction
These No Washing Up Ham, Egg & Cheese Bread Bowls are a simple, delicious breakfast or brunch treat. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they combine rich egg, melted cheese, and savory ham all baked inside a bread roll for easy, mess-free eating.

Ingredients
- 4 bread rolls (soft or crusty)
- 4 small slices of ham (or 2 big ones cut in half)
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 2: Cut the tops off the bread rolls.
- Step 3: Scoop out the center of each roll, reserving the bread for other uses. For neatness, use a small knife to cut a round outline before scooping.
- Step 4: Line the inside of each bread bowl with a layer of ham, using one whole piece when possible to prevent egg seepage.
- Step 5: Crack an egg into each ham-lined bread bowl.
- Step 6: Top each with 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with parsley if using.
- Step 7: Replace the tops on each roll, wrap them in foil, and bake in the oven for 15 to 25 minutes. Check at 20 minutes for runny yolks; 25 minutes or more will yield fully cooked yolks.
- Step 8: Remove from oven, unwrap, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or smoked paprika before baking.
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar or your favorite melting cheese for a different taste.
- Try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
- Use gluten-free rolls to make this recipe suitable for gluten intolerances.
Storage
These bread bowls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat wrapped in foil in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10–15 minutes to maintain the bread’s crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can assemble the bread bowls up to the baking step, then refrigerate them covered for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How do I know when the eggs are cooked to my liking?
Check at 20 minutes for runny yolks—if you prefer them more set, bake closer to 25 minutes or longer. Ovens vary, so watching closely the first time helps you find your perfect timing.
Print
No Washing Up Ham, Egg & Cheese Bread Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these No Washing Up Ham, Egg & Cheese Bread Bowls—an easy, savory breakfast or brunch dish where eggs are baked inside hollowed-out bread rolls filled with ham and melted mozzarella cheese. Wrapped in foil and baked to perfection, they offer a runny or fully cooked yolk option while keeping cleanup minimal and flavors deliciously melded.
Ingredients
Bread Bowls
- 4 bread rolls (soft or crusty)
Fillings
- 4 small slices of ham (or 2 big ones cut in half)
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bread bowls evenly.
- Prepare Bread Rolls: Cut the tops off each bread roll carefully using a sharp knife.
- Scoop Out Bread Centers: Using a small knife, cut a neat round outline around the inside of each roll, then scoop out the soft bread center. Reserve the removed bread for other uses like breadcrumbs or stuffing.
- Line with Ham: Line the hollow bread bowls with a layer of ham, trying to use whole slices to prevent egg from leaking into the bread.
- Add Eggs: Crack one egg directly into each ham-lined bread bowl.
- Add Cheese and Parsley: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over each egg and add a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired.
- Assemble Bread Bowls: Place the bread tops back onto each bowl, wrap each filled roll securely in foil to trap moisture and facilitate even baking.
- Bake: Place the foil-wrapped bread bowls in the oven and bake for 15 to 25 minutes; check at 20 minutes for runny yolks or bake longer (around 25 minutes) for fully set yolks.
- Serve: Carefully remove the foil, serve the bread bowls immediately while warm and enjoy the delicious, mess-free meal.
Notes
- Use the scooped-out bread for breadcrumbs, croutons, or bread pudding.
- For runnier yolks, bake around 20 minutes; for fully cooked yolks, bake 25 minutes or longer.
- Room temperature eggs help prevent cracking and promote even cooking.
- Wrapping the bread bowls in foil helps keep them moist and prevents the cheese from burning.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like cheddar or gruyere for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: Ham egg bread bowls, baked eggs in bread, easy breakfast recipe, no washing up breakfast, savory bread bowls

