Over Easy Eggs
Over easy eggs are all about a set white and a warm, runny yolk. A gentle pan, a little butter, and one confident flip get you there.
- Total time
- 6 min
- Yield
- 1 serving
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 2mCook 4mAmericanBreakfast
Over easy eggs are fried eggs that get flipped once, just long enough to lightly cook the top while keeping the yolk runny. They are great with toast, breakfast potatoes, rice, beans, or tucked into a breakfast sandwich.
The trick is moderate heat. Too hot, and the whites brown before they set. Too cool, and the eggs can spread and stick. A nonstick skillet makes this recipe friendly for beginners.
This method makes two eggs, which is one hearty serving. Cook more in batches so each egg has room to flip cleanly.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
4 items · 1 serving
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Heat the skillet
Place an 8- or 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat for about 1 minute. Medium-low means the pan is hot enough to melt butter gently, but not so hot that it smokes.
2. Melt the butter
Add the butter and tilt the pan so it coats the surface. Let it melt and foam lightly. If the butter browns quickly, lower the heat before adding the eggs.
3. Crack in the eggs
Crack each egg into a small bowl first, then slide it into the skillet. This helps keep shells out and makes it easier to add the eggs gently without breaking the yolks.
4. Season the tops
Sprinkle the eggs with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes, until the whites are mostly opaque and set around the edges.
5. Loosen the eggs
Slide a thin spatula around and under each egg. Move slowly so the yolk stays intact. If the egg sticks, give it another 15 to 30 seconds before trying again.
6. Flip with confidence
Gently lift one egg with the spatula and turn it over in one smooth motion. Repeat with the second egg. A quick, calm flip works better than a slow one.
7. Cook the second side briefly
Cook for 15 to 30 seconds for a runny yolk. The whites should be fully set, and the yolk should still feel soft when lightly touched with the spatula.
8. Serve right away
Transfer the eggs to a plate. Serve immediately while the yolks are warm and saucy.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Over easy eggs are best cooked right before eating. The yolks thicken as they sit, so this is not a great make-ahead dish.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in a covered container for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, but expect the yolks to become more cooked.
- Butter swap: Use 1 teaspoon olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral cooking oil instead of butter. Oil makes the edges a little less rich but still helps prevent sticking.
- For easier flipping: Use very fresh eggs if you can. Fresh whites hold together better and spread less in the pan.
- If the yolk breaks: Keep cooking and serve it anyway. It will taste good, just less saucy. Next time, crack the egg into a bowl first and use a thinner spatula.
- For firmer yolks: After flipping, cook the eggs for 45 to 60 seconds. They will move toward over medium instead of over easy.
Cook's note
Food safety guidance recommends cooking eggs until the whites and yolks are firm, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Over easy eggs have runny yolks, so use fresh, properly refrigerated eggs and choose the doneness that is right for you.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
What does “over easy” mean?
“Over” means the egg is flipped. “Easy” means the second side cooks only briefly, so the white sets but the yolk stays runny.
How do I know when to flip the eggs?
Flip when the whites are mostly set and no longer clear, but the yolks still jiggle. If the whites are very wet, wait another 30 seconds.
Can I make over easy eggs without a nonstick pan?
Yes, but it takes more fat and careful heat. Use a well-seasoned cast-iron or carbon-steel skillet, preheat it, and add enough butter or oil to coat the surface well.
Why did my eggs stick to the pan?
The pan may not have been hot enough when the eggs went in, there may not have been enough fat, or the surface may not be nonstick. Let the whites set before sliding the spatula underneath.
Are over easy eggs the same as sunny-side up eggs?
No. Sunny-side up eggs are not flipped, so the yolk stays visible on top. Over easy eggs are flipped and cooked briefly on the second side.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
1 serving
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat13 g
- 17%
- Saturated Fat6 g
- 30%
- Cholesterol382 mg
- 127%
- Sodium434 mg
- 19%
- Total Carbohydrate1 g
- 0%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars0 g
- Protein13 g
- 26%
- Vitamin D2.2 mcg
- 11%
- Calcium57 mg
- 4%
- Iron1.8 mg
- 10%
- Potassium139 mg
- 3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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