If you’re looking for a delicious and impressive breakfast or brunch idea, this Brunch Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto, and Garlic Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfectly balanced stack of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion brunch with friends, you’ll find this bagel sandwich hits the spot every time.
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In the Kitchen
I love this recipe because it combines simple staples like bagels and eggs with rich, salty prosciutto and a vibrant garlic butter—giving you a luxurious brunch experience with minimal fuss.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Baking the egg inside the prosciutto ensures it cooks gently while soaking up delicious flavors.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: The garlic butter crisps the bagel edges and adds that toasty, fragrant hit with every bite.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can wow guests or upgrade a weekday breakfast.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Quick to prep, it’s perfect whether you’re enjoying a relaxed morning or a casual get-together.
Ingredients at a Glance
For the best Brunch Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto, and Garlic Butter Recipe, quality is key — especially when it comes to the bagels and cured meats. I always pick fresh, dense bagels and thinly sliced, flavorful prosciutto and salami for maximum taste and texture contrast.
- Bagels: Choose fresh, chewy bagels with a slightly crisp crust for the perfect base.
- Eggs: Use large, fresh eggs for a nicely runny yolk that firms up just enough when baked.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild, pick good quality cheddar that melts smoothly.
- Prosciutto: Look for thin, translucent slices with a delicate saltiness and rich aroma.
- Italian Salami: Adds a spicy, savory undertone that pairs wonderfully with the prosciutto.
- Butter: Salted butter brings richness; blending it with garlic and herbs amps up the flavor.
- Garlic & Herbs: Fresh parsley and a clove of garlic make the garlic butter bright and fragrant.
- Spices: Dried oregano and chili paprika add warmth and a subtle kick.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Brunch Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto, and Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1 — Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by blending the softened salted butter with garlic, fresh parsley, dried oregano, chili paprika, and a pinch of salt until it’s smooth and creamy. I like to use a small blender or food processor for this — it comes together quickly and the herbs really infuse the butter beautifully. This garlic butter is where much of the flavor magic begins.
Step 2 — Spread, Layer, and Hollow Out
Split your bagels in half and spread the garlic butter generously over each cut side. Next, layer each one with a slice of cheddar cheese, followed by a slice of Italian salami, and finally, a slice of prosciutto. Be gentle when working with the prosciutto—it’s thin and delicate. Carefully make a small hole or well in the center of the prosciutto layer on each bagel half; this will hold the egg perfectly in place during baking.
Step 3 — Crack the Eggs and Season
Gently crack an egg into the hole you created on each bagel. Don’t worry if some whites spill out—it will cook into a lovely edge around the toppings. Sprinkle a little chili paprika and salt on top of the eggs to build a subtle heat and enhance all those savory flavors. This step feels a bit like art, and I find it so satisfying to see those eggs nestled right in the middle.
Step 4 — Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the bagels on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 13-16 minutes. I keep a close eye as the eggs set to your liking; you want the whites firm but the yolks still slightly runny, though fully cooked is fine too. You’ll notice the prosciutto crisps up and becomes beautifully golden, adding a wonderful crisp texture against the soft eggs and melty cheese. Let the bagels cool for a few minutes after baking—it helps everything settle.
Things to Remember
A few tips I’ve picked up that make this Brunch Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto, and Garlic Butter Recipe come out just right every time.
- Doneness Cue: Eggs are done when whites are set but yolks still have a gentle jiggle.
- Temperature Trick: If your oven runs hot, lower to 350°F to avoid overcooked eggs and burnt prosciutto.
- Make-Ahead Move: Mix the garlic butter up to two days ahead and keep in the fridge for fresher flavor.
- Common Pitfall: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; ensure air circulates so the prosciutto crisps evenly.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the bagels just before serving to add a bright pop of color and fresh herbal note. A little cracked black pepper or a tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil can elevate it even further, making each bite feel extra special.
Plays Well With
This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp, refreshing salad like arugula dressed with lemon juice or a side of roasted cherry tomatoes. For a real brunch spread, roasted potatoes or a fresh fruit platter add welcome balance to the richness of the bagel.
Simple Plating Upgrades
Serve the bagel halves on a wooden board or slate plate for rustic charm. Add a few sprigs of fresh parsley or thin lemon slices around for a colorful, inviting presentation that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, even when you didn’t!
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The eggs and garlic butter hold up well, but the bagel might soften slightly. Reheating properly helps regain some of that fresh-baked texture.
Freezing Tips
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the unbaked layered bagels wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking to keep the best texture.
Reheating Brunch Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto, and Garlic Butter Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat without drying out, I recommend preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C), placing the bagel on a baking sheet, and warming for 8–10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave on medium power in short bursts with a damp paper towel over the bagel to keep moisture. An air fryer can also crisp the edges again—10 minutes at 320°F is a great way!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While classic plain or everything bagels work best for balance, feel free to try sesame or whole wheat bagels if that’s what you have on hand. Just pick ones that are sturdy enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
Look for whites that are fully set and opaque but yolks that still have a gentle wobble when you shake the tray slightly. If you prefer fully cooked yolks, add a couple more minutes but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
For a vegan twist, substitute eggs with tofu slices or chickpea flour omelet, and use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter. The prosciutto can be swapped with plant-based deli slices. The flavors will change but it can still be delicious!
You can prepare the bagels up to the point of adding eggs and refrigerate overnight. Add the eggs and bake fresh before serving. This saves time without compromising on flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
This Brunch Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto, and Garlic Butter Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to elevate a simple bagel into a memorable meal. The layers of savory meats, creamy cheese, fragrant herbs, and baked egg deliver buildable flavor that’s hard to beat. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — perfect for sharing, savoring, and starting your day just right.
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Brunch Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto, and Garlic Butter Recipe
A savory and flavorful brunch bagel layered with cheddar cheese, Italian salami, and prosciutto, topped with a baked egg nestled in garlic butter infused with herbs and spices. This recipe combines rich textures and aromatic flavors perfect for a satisfying morning meal.
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Bagel Layers
- 4 bagels
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 4 slices Italian salami
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1 ½ tablespoon salted butter
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili paprika
- A few sprigs fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
Toppings
- 4 eggs
- Additional chili paprika, for sprinkling
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. You can also use a fan oven or an air fryer if preferred for baking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a blender, combine the garlic, fresh parsley, salted butter, dried oregano, chili paprika, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Assemble Bagels: Slice the bagels in half and evenly spread the garlic butter over each half. Layer each bagel half with a slice of cheddar cheese, then a slice of Italian salami, followed by a slice of prosciutto.
- Create Egg Holder: Carefully make a small hole in the center of the prosciutto on each bagel half to hold the egg securely during baking.
- Add Eggs: Crack one egg into each hole, allowing the egg white to spread slightly but keeping most of the egg centered on the bagel.
- Season and Bake: Sprinkle each bagel with chili paprika and salt to taste. Place the bagels on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 16 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the prosciutto is crispy and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the baked bagels from the oven and allow them to cool for 3 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili paprika sprinkled on top.
- Use a crusty or chewy bagel to better hold the toppings and egg.
- If preferred, substitute prosciutto with smoked ham or bacon for a different flavor.
- You can prepare the garlic butter a day ahead and refrigerate it to save time.
- Carefully crack the eggs to avoid shell pieces in the hole of the prosciutto.
- Watch the eggs closely near the end of baking to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
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