Feeding a large group, especially for breakfast, can be challenging. You know how stressful it can be if you’ve ever juggled multiple pans on the stove while trying to manage drinks, sides, and a clean kitchen before the day even starts. Thankfully, a kitchen hack can make your life a lot easier: sheet pan eggs.
This simple method allows you to cook multiple eggs simultaneously, saving time, energy, and dishes. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just making breakfast for a hungry family, sheet-pan eggs are a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to make them, along with some other easy sheet-pan breakfast ideas.
Why Sheet Pan Eggs?
Eggs are a breakfast staple, but cooking them to order for a large group can take time and effort. Some people prefer scrambled, others like runny yolks, and not everyone enjoys sunny-side up. With sheet-pan eggs, you can easily make a big batch all at once, and the best part? They cook evenly and require minimal effort.
Whether you prefer runny yolks or scrambled eggs, cooking them on a sheet pan simplifies the process and allows you to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Perfect Sheet Pan Eggs with Runny Yolks
If you’re aiming for eggs with intact yolks and slightly crispy whites, here’s a quick and foolproof method:
Ingredients:
- 12 large eggs (or as many as needed)
- Olive oil or non-stick spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped herbs, or grated cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prep the Sheet Pan: Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or grease it generously with oil or non-stick spray. This ensures the eggs won’t stick.
3. Warm the Pan: To get crispier eggs, heat up the sheet pan in the oven for about 15 minutes before adding the eggs.
4. Crack the Eggs: Once the pan is hot, you have two options:
- Crack each egg directly onto the pan, spaced evenly apart.
- For easier pouring, crack all the eggs into a bowl or pitcher first, then gently pour them into the pan.
5. Bake the Eggs: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, depending on how runny you want the yolks. Keep an eye on them—the eggs should be set with the yolks still soft.
6. Season & Serve: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any desired toppings. Cut into squares and serve!
Sheet Pan Scrambled Eggs for a Large Group
If runny yolks aren’t your thing, or you’re looking to make scrambled eggs for a crowd, this method works like a charm:
Ingredients:
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup milk or cream (optional for fluffiness)
- Salt and pepper
- Your choice of mix-ins: shredded cheese, chopped vegetables, cooked bacon, etc.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. If you add any vegetables, cheese, or cooked meats, stir them in.
3. Pour into the Pan: Pour the egg mixture evenly into a greased or parchment-lined sheet pan.
4. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the eggs are fully set. Check at the 15-minute mark to ensure they don’t overcook.
5. Serve: Remove from the oven, cut into squares, and serve. You can garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese for added flavor.
Sheet Pan Breakfast Ideas Beyond Eggs
While sheet-pan eggs are a lifesaver, you might want to offer more variety to your breakfast spread. The beauty of sheet-pan cooking is that you can prepare multiple items at once, cutting down on time and effort.
1. Sheet Pan Pancakes
Pancakes are a classic breakfast favorite, but making them on the stove can be time-consuming and messy. Skip the grill and try sheet pan pancakes instead!
Ingredients:
- Your favorite pancake batter (pre-made or homemade)
- Toppings like berries, chocolate chips, or nuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Pour the pancake batter into a greased or parchment-lined sheet pan, spreading it evenly.
3. Add any toppings like blueberries, banana slices, or chocolate chips.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the pancakes are golden brown and set in the center.
5. Slice into squares and serve with syrup or butter.
2. Sheet Pan Bacon and Sausage
Who doesn’t love crispy bacon and perfectly cooked sausage? You can quickly cook both in a sheet pan, making it a hands-off process while you prepare the eggs or pancakes.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Line a sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup, and arrange the bacon and sausages in a single layer.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The bacon should be crispy, and the sausages should be fully cooked.
3. Sheet Pan Hash Browns or Home Fries
Want some crispy potatoes on the side? Sheet pans can handle that, too!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss diced potatoes or frozen hash browns with olive oil, salt, pepper, and other seasonings you like.
3. Spread them evenly on a sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
Why Sheet Pan Cooking Works for Breakfast
Sheet pan cooking is a game-changer, especially for breakfast. It minimizes the number of dishes you need to wash, saves time by cooking everything at once, and ensures that your food is evenly cooked. Plus, it allows you to efficiently serve a large group without the chaos of managing multiple skillets and ovens.
Whether making eggs, pancakes, bacon, or potatoes, sheet pan cooking takes the stress out of feeding a crowd. It’s perfect for family gatherings, brunch parties, or a leisurely weekend breakfast.
FAQs
1. Can I make different types of eggs in the same sheet pan?
Yes! If you want to serve both scrambled eggs and eggs with runny yolks, you can use two separate sheet pans or divide one large pan with a sheet of aluminum foil.
2. Can I prepare the eggs ahead of time?
You can whisk the eggs and store them in the fridge overnight. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s best to bake them fresh.
3. How do I prevent the eggs from sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper or generously greasing the pan with oil or non-stick spray will prevent sticking.
4. Can I add toppings directly to the eggs?
Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle cheese, herbs, or even cooked vegetables on top before baking.
5. What size sheet pan should I use?
A standard 13×18-inch sheet pan works great for 12 eggs. You can adjust the pan size based on the number of eggs or portions you’re making.
6. Can I cook other breakfast items at the same time?
Yes! Just keep in mind the different cooking times. You can cook bacon, sausage, or hash browns on separate pans alongside your eggs.
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