Learn how to make perfect sunny side up eggs. With set whites and runny yolks, sunny side up eggs are as delicious as they look.
Eggs are a staple for so many homes, especially for us at the farmhouse! We alternate through some classic breakfast recipes — over hard eggs, over medium eggs, and perfect over-easy eggs.
One of the prettiest ways to serve a fried egg, in my opinion, is by cooking it the good old-fashioned sunny-side-up egg way.
It has perfectly set whites, crispy edges, and runny golden yolk. Unlike other fried egg techniques, you do not flip it or cook it on the second side.
Serve these delicious sunny side up eggs with crispy bacon and fruit, on sourdough toast (I love it with some avocado!), with biscuits and gravy, or over rice bowls with veggies and a delicious sauce (like my orange sauce recipe).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy – With no flipping involved, the egg goes into to the hot skillet for a few minutes and then straight to your plate. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Impressive – Sunny side up eggs look so beautiful when served. With just a little practice, you can add picture-perfect eggs to any breakfast plate or even a sourdough breakfast pizza.
Nutritious – Eggs are one of the most nutrient dense foods and a great breakfast food. They are packed full of protein, vitamins, and healthy fat.
Ingredients
Eggs – Fresh, large eggs work best, ideally high-quality pastured eggs. They give the most beautiful bright yellow yolk. Older eggs tend to separate and not stay together well.
Butter – I prefer to use a bit of butter (ideally grass-fed). However, you could also use lard, tallow, avocado oil, or bacon grease.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Tools You May Need
Skillet – Well-seasoned cast iron skillet like this one or a non-stick skillet like this nonstick pan. I prefer a cast iron pan.
Spatula – Use a thin spatula like this one to help you easily scoop up your sunny side up egg from skillet to plate.
How To Make Sunny Side Up Eggs
Step 1: Heat a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet to low heat.
Add about 1/2 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt. Use a spatula or gently swirl the pan to make sure the butter coats the bottom evenly.
Step 2: Crack each egg into a separate dish and carefully transfer it to the heated pan.
Cover your skillet with a lid and let cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: No need to flip these! Once the egg white is cooked through and the yolk looks good, take it right out of the skillet and onto your plate!
Step 4: Top with a little bit of salt and pepper.
Add herbs like parsley or thyme or even a little paprika for an extra kick (optional).
Tips
- Use low or medium low heat. Cooking too high will overcook and potentially burn the egg whites without cooking the yolk enough.
- Depending on the size of your skillet, you may only want to do one or two eggs at a time. Otherwise, the egg whites can run together, and not hold their shape.
- Cover your skillet while the eggs cook. The steam helps fully cook the white without burning it. I like to use a glass lid, so I can easily see when the egg whites are set.
Recipe FAQs
I prefer butter, but they also do well in lard, tallow, or even bacon grease. A neutral oil (like avocado or olive oil) works also, but it is not nearly as effective as an animal fat.
A sunny side up egg has only been cooked on one side, with set whites and a runny yolk. Over easy eggs have been cooked on one side, then flipped and cooked briefly on the other side. The delicate yolk is still a little runny.
The egg whites will be completely set and no longer runny or clear when the eggs are done.
More Delicious Recipes From The Farmhouse
- Sourdough Breakfast Strata
- Baked Sourdough Donuts
- Easy Potato Waffles – Two Ways
- Sourdough Croissants
- Einkorn Pancakes
- Hard Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love it if you could come back and give it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @farmhouseonboone.
Perfect Sunny Side Up Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs, optional
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet to low heat.
- Add about 1/2 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt. Use a spatula or gently swirl the pan to make sure the butter coats the bottom evenly.
- Crack each egg into a separate dish and carefully transfer it to the heated pan.
- Cover your skillet with a lid and let cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- No need to flip these! Once the egg white is cooked through and the yolk looks good, take it right out of the skillet and onto your plate!
- Top with a little bit of salt and pepper.
- Optional: Add herbs like parsley or thyme or even a little paprika for an extra kick.
Notes
- I like to use a glass lid to cover my sunny side up eggs. That way I can tell once the egg white is perfectly set.
- Make sure to cook on low heat to avoid burning the egg white.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
