If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s fun, quick, and satisfying, Moony Toast—also known as Egg-in-a-Hole, Toad in the Hole, or Eggy Bread—is a timeless favorite. This delightful dish involves cutting a hole in a slice of bread, cracking an egg into the center, and pan-frying it to golden perfection. The result is a crispy, buttery toast with a perfectly cooked egg in the middle.
Whether you’re making it for kids, brunch guests, or a comforting solo breakfast, Moony Toast never fails to bring a smile to the table. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make it, flavor ideas, cooking tips, variations, and everything else you need to master this breakfast classic.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy – Ready in under 10 minutes, even on a busy morning.
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One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup and simple ingredients.
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Customizable – Easily adjust the flavor with cheese, herbs, or spices.
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Kid-Friendly and Fun – Interactive and appealing to kids of all ages.
What is Moony Toast?
Moony Toast is a whimsical name for a dish made by cutting a circular hole in the center of a slice of bread, placing it in a buttered skillet, and cracking an egg into the hole. The name “Moony” likely refers to the bright yellow egg yolk resembling a full moon.
This dish goes by many names worldwide:
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Egg in a Hole
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Toad in the Hole (UK, though this can also mean sausage in Yorkshire pudding)
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Bullseye Toast
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One-Eyed Jack
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Sunshine Toast
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Hole-in-One
Despite the many names, the method remains simple and delicious.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to make the classic version of Moony Toast:
Basic Ingredients:
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1 slice of bread (white, whole wheat, sourdough, brioche)
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1 large egg
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1 tablespoon butter
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Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Optional Additions:
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Grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan)
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Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, basil)
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Garlic powder or chili flakes
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Avocado or bacon on the side
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 3 minutes
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Cook Time: 5–6 minutes
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Total Time: 8–10 minutes
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Servings: 1 (easily multiplied)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Moony Toast
Step 1: Cut the Hole
Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut a 2–2.5 inch circle in the center of your bread slice. Save the cutout—it can be toasted in the same pan!
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a skillet over medium heat and add butter. Let it melt and coat the pan evenly.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Place the bread slice (and the circle) into the pan. Crack the egg directly into the hole. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Flip and Finish
Carefully flip the toast with a spatula. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the egg is done to your liking.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add herbs or toppings if desired.
Choosing the Right Bread
Different bread types can affect the texture and flavor:
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White bread – soft and quick to crisp.
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Whole wheat – more fiber and earthy flavor.
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Sourdough – tangy and chewy, holds its shape well.
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Brioche – rich and buttery for a gourmet touch.
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Gluten-free bread – works fine but may need careful handling.
Thicker bread slices give more structure and prevent sogginess.
Tips for Perfect Moony Toast
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Use medium heat to avoid burning the bread before the egg cooks.
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Cover with a lid if you want the egg whites to cook fully without flipping.
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Butter generously for crispy golden edges.
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Pre-crack your egg into a bowl if you’re nervous about breaking the yolk.
Moony Toast Variations
There are so many creative ways to enjoy this recipe. Try these tasty variations:
1. Cheesy Moony Toast
Sprinkle cheese over the top right after flipping. It’ll melt beautifully into the egg and toast.
2. Spicy Moony Toast
Add a pinch of chili flakes, smoked paprika, or a few drops of hot sauce to spice things up.
3. Herbed Moony Toast
Add fresh basil, parsley, or thyme before serving for a fresh finish.
4. Sweet Moony Toast
Try it with a dash of cinnamon, maple syrup, and apple slices on the side.
Moony Toast for Kids
Kids love this dish thanks to the fun shape and sunny center. You can make it even more fun:
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Use shaped cookie cutters (heart, star, bear)
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Let them help crack the egg (with supervision)
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Serve with fruit faces or colorful sides
It’s a great way to introduce kids to cooking and eating eggs.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Can You Make Moony Toast Ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance.
Storage:
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Fridge: Store leftover Moony Toast for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
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Reheat: Warm in a skillet or toaster oven for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave, which may make the toast soggy.
Nutritional Overview (Per Slice)
Nutrient Amount Calories ~180–250 kcal Protein ~9g Carbohydrates ~15–20g Fat ~10–15g Fiber ~1–2g
Nutrition varies depending on bread, butter, and toppings used.
Moony Toast Around the World
While Moony Toast is especially popular in Western households, variations appear globally:
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France: Similar idea in Croque Madame (with béchamel and ham).
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India: Toasted egg sandwich with green chutney.
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Middle East: Shakshuka-style eggs on toast.
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Korea/Japan: Egg toast with mayo, veggies, and cheese in street-food style.
It’s a global concept with endless interpretation.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Moony Toast with any of the following for a complete meal:
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Fresh fruit or a smoothie
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Hash browns or roasted potatoes
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Yogurt and granola
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Coffee, tea, or fresh juice
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Side salad or sautéed greens for brunch
FAQs
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives better flavor and color.
What if the egg leaks out of the hole?
Use a smaller hole, or press the bread down into the skillet to seal gaps before adding the egg.
Can I bake Moony Toast?
You can bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, especially if making several servings.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter or olive oil. Skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese.
Conclusion
Moony Toast is proof that even the simplest foods can be joyful, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself to a nostalgic breakfast, this dish never disappoints. With endless room for creativity and a prep time that fits any schedule, it’s easy to see why Moony Toast is a beloved favorite around the world.