Pesto Eggs on Sourdough Bread Recipe
Introduction
Pesto Eggs is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, combining creamy eggs with vibrant homemade basil pesto. Served atop crisp sourdough bread, this dish is packed with fresh flavors and makes a satisfying meal any time of day.

Ingredients
- 8 eggs
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- To taste crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1 lemon
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse several times until the mixture is well chopped.
- Step 2: With the processor running on its lowest speed, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Season the pesto with salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and honey. Pulse a few times to blend the seasonings evenly. Transfer the pesto to a clean container and set aside.
- Step 4: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Once hot, spread 1-2 tablespoons of pesto in the pan, then crack in one egg. Gently break the egg white slightly around the yolk. Cover with a lid and let cook slowly for 2–3 minutes or until the egg reaches your desired doneness.
- Step 5: Turn off the heat. Place the cooked pesto eggs on top of the sourdough bread slices. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if using, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto.
- You can swap out sourdough for your favorite crusty bread or even an English muffin.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten up the flavors.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of ricotta or cream cheese into the pesto before cooking.
Storage
Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pesto eggs are best eaten fresh, but if needed, store cooked eggs separately in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheat gently in a pan over low heat. Toast bread fresh before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Yes, pesto can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container. Give it a good stir and add a little olive oil if it thickens before using.
What if I don’t have pine nuts?
Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work well as substitutes for pine nuts in pesto, offering a slightly different but delicious flavor.
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Pesto Eggs on Sourdough Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pesto Eggs is a delightful breakfast recipe featuring eggs slowly cooked in a fragrant homemade basil pesto and served over toasted sourdough bread. This savory and aromatic dish combines creamy cooked eggs with the fresh, nutty flavors of pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon, making it a perfect energizing start to your day.
Ingredients
Pesto Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaf
- 1/4 cup Pine Nuts
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (from 1 Lemon)
Egg and Bread
- 8 Eggs
- 8 slices Sourdough Bread
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse several times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped to develop a coarse and aromatic base for the pesto.
- Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running on the lowest power, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. This gradual addition emulsifies the mixture nicely, yielding a smooth and creamy pesto sauce.
- Season the Pesto: Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon juice, and honey to the food processor. Pulse a couple more times to incorporate all seasonings evenly. Transfer the finished pesto into a clean container and set aside.
- Cook the Pesto Eggs: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Once hot, spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the pesto onto the pan, spreading it evenly. Carefully crack one egg over the pesto, lightly breaking the egg white so it melds with the pesto. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the egg to cook gently for 2-3 minutes or until the white is set and the yolk reaches your preferred doneness. Repeat for all eggs.
- Serve: Turn off the heat. Toast the slices of sourdough bread. Transfer each pesto-cooked egg onto a slice of toasted sourdough. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes to taste for an optional spicy kick. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor in the pesto.
- Adjust the cooking time of eggs to suit your preferred yolk consistency, whether runny or fully set.
- You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds if desired.
- Crushed red pepper flakes add a nice heat, but are optional.
- This pesto can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: pesto eggs, breakfast recipe, basil pesto, sourdough toast, easy brunch, Italian breakfast

