Post sponsored by Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs. See below for more details.
This time of year always feels a bit like waking up from a long nap. Coming out of winter, my family still has slow weekend mornings often filled with lots of coffee on the patio and a solid mid-morning brunch. Even though I have more time to make breakfast, I'm still in the mood for quick meals that can easily serve all three (or more!) So, when Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs asked me to make a brunch that highlights eggs, I knew exactly what I was making. This pesto asparagus egg skillet is just about my perfect weekend breakfast. Plus, Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs are Certified Humane so I know the eggs I’m eating are coming from hens that are treated well.
A couple notes about this asparagus egg skillet. I love shaved asparagus because once you get the feel for how to shave it, the asparagus requires hardly any precooking. I typically make pesto ahead of time because I like to keep a batch around for pizza and pasta. I know basil isn't quite in season yet which means it can be a bit pricey. My favorite hack for this: spinach pesto. Requires a lot less pesto but you still get the wonderful basil flavor!
Pesto Asparagus Egg Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 large or 4 small servings 1x
Ingredients
Skillet
¾ pound asparagus, untrimmed
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 to 4 tablespoons homemade or store-bought pesto
4 large Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs
Toppings
3 tablespoons homemade toasted bread crumbs
Veg-friendly parmesan, for topping
Chili flakes, if desired
Instructions
Hold the untrimmed end of the asparagus and using a vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus (video here). Heat a 12" skillet over medium-low heat. Add the olive and coat the bottom of the pan. Place the asparagus in the pan along with the pesto and toss until the asparagus is well coated.
Cook the asparagus for about 1 minute then create four spaces for the eggs. Crack an egg into each space. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks are to your desired firmness; 10 to 15 minutes. If the whites are not firming up, cover the pan. Or heat a small amount of oil in a separate pan and spoon over the egg whites.
Before serving, sprinkle with the bread crumbs, grated parmesan, and/or chili flakes.
Asparagus Egg Skillet
variations
Pesto: As mentioned above, you can play around with the pesto. I used a pretty traditional pesto but you could make one with kale or spinach, try your hand at using almonds or walnuts, or leave the cheese out for a dairy free recipe.
Gluten-Free: Ditch the bread crumbs and top with crispy quinoa.
Non-shaved asparagus: If you're unsure of shaving asparagus, cut the asparagus into ¼" thick slices (on the bias creates a beautiful look but is not necessary). Saute the asparagus for a couple minutes before adding the egg to the pan.
Explore Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs
If it's not obvious, we eat eggs quite a bit and I was super happy to be able to partner with an egg company that cares about the environment and uses a network of local farmers instead of relying on large factory farms. We always have eggs on hand and more often than not, have a few hardboiled for an easy snack or salad topping. A few of my favorite egg recipes (it's hard to choose!)
Sesame Green Beans with Quinoa and Eggs
Romesco Toast with Fried Egg
Broccoli Melt with Fried Egg
Asparagus Frittata with Herbs and Mozzarella
Rhonda @ Change In Seconds says
That looks delicious!
Sabrina says
oh my. what a wonderful recipe, I've never seen anything like it but it's such a simple set of pure ingredients creatively assembled, all of your recipes are so creative, thank you!
Denise says
I LOVE this recipe! I have made it so many times and it's really become my summer time go to recipe for something quick in the evening. I love to trim mine out with some red chili flakes and a bit of panko crumbs and I LOVE to let the asparagus get just a little crunchy. SO SO good!
★★★★★