Forget everything you thought you knew about eggs for breakfast. No more basic salt and pepper, and definitely no more sad squirt of ketchup. Because once you try pesto with eggs, there’s no going back.
Pesto and egg breakfast ideas are the ultimate unlikely duo: the warm, comforting richness of a soft egg meets the vibrant, garlicky zing of a great pesto. It’s a 5-minute flavor bomb that turns any breakfast—from toast to frittata—into something gourmet.
This blog will give you a full breakdown of how to pair pesto with eggs for every kind of breakfast. From scrambled eggs and sunny-side-up toasties to pesto egg-in-a-hole and brunch-ready shakshuka, these ideas are here to wake up your plate—and your taste buds.
Why Pesto + Eggs Work So Well Together
1. Fat Meets Fat in the Best Way
• Egg yolks are creamy and fatty—so is pesto. Together? Decadent but balanced.
2. Pesto Brings Brightness
• The herbs, garlic, cheese, and nuts cut through the richness of eggs and bring complexity
3. One Ingredient, Big Payoff
• No need to chop or prep a ton of veggies—one spoonful of pesto adds huge flavor
8 Epic Pesto and Egg Breakfast Ideas
1. Pesto Fried Eggs on Toast
How to make it:
• Fry eggs in olive oil until edges are crispy
• Toast sourdough or ciabatta
• Spread toast with pesto (classic Genovese, broccoli-almond, or kale)
• Top with fried egg and a pinch of chili flakes or parmesan
Optional upgrades: sliced avocado, arugula, hot honey drizzle
2. Pesto Scrambled Eggs
How to make it:
• Scramble eggs low and slow in butter
• Stir in 1–2 tsp pesto just before they finish cooking
• Serve with toast, English muffin, or stuffed in a breakfast burrito
Best pesto pairings: spinach pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or beet and ricotta pesto
3. Pesto Egg Sandwich
How to make it:
• Toast a brioche bun or English muffin
• Cook egg over hard or scrambled
• Spread one side with pesto, add egg, mozzarella, tomato, arugula
Try this combo: arugula walnut pesto + egg + smoked provolone
4. Green Shakshuka with Pesto
How to make it:
• Sauté leeks, spinach, and garlic in olive oil
• Add vegetable broth and a few dollops of pesto to create a green base
• Crack eggs into the mix, cover, and cook until whites are set
Top with: feta, chili oil, and crusty bread for dipping
5. Pesto Egg in a Hole
How to make it:
• Cut a hole in a slice of bread
• Place in a skillet with butter or oil
• Crack an egg in the hole, cook gently, flip if desired
• Add pesto on top or into the bread before frying
Pesto tip: Try sun-dried tomato or red pepper pesto for color contrast
6. Baked Pesto Egg Cups
How to make it:
• Line muffin tins with prosciutto or cooked hash brown crust
• Add a teaspoon of pesto
• Crack in an egg
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–14 minutes
Make-ahead friendly: great for meal prep or brunch trays
7. Omelet with Pesto Swirl
How to make it:
• Make a simple 2- or 3-egg omelet
• Add cheese and sautéed vegetables
• Spoon pesto on top before folding and finishing
Great fillings: mushrooms, spinach, roasted peppers, onions
8. Pesto Breakfast Quesadilla
How to make it:
• Spread pesto inside a tortilla
• Add scrambled eggs, cheese, and any other fillings
• Toast until golden and crispy
Add-ins to try: jalapeños, sausage crumbles, caramelized onion
Best Pesto Varieties for Breakfast Eggs
| Pesto Type | Best With… |
|---|---|
| Basil Genovese | Fried eggs, avocado toast, egg muffins |
| Red Pepper Pesto | Egg sandwiches, quesadillas, shakshuka |
| Spinach Walnut Pesto | Omelets, scrambles, breakfast bowls |
| Broccoli Almond Pesto | Green shakshuka, baked egg cups |
| Mint & Fava Pesto | Light egg dishes, spring toast combos |
Bonus: Pesto Breakfast Bowl Blueprint
Layer these ingredients in a bowl:
1. Grains or greens (quinoa, farro, arugula, kale)
2. Eggs – fried, poached, or soft-boiled
3. Roasted veggies – sweet potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms
4. Cheese – feta, goat cheese, or shaved pecorino
5. Pesto drizzle
6. Optional: avocado, pickled onions, chili oil
Tips for Cooking with Pesto in Breakfast Dishes
• Stir pesto in at the end of egg cooking to preserve brightness
• Use a thicker pesto for layering in sandwiches or quesadillas
• Don’t overheat pesto—it can brown or separate
• Add lemon juice or ricotta to pesto for a creamier, milder spread
– Start Your Day with a Spoonful of Italy
Adding pesto to your breakfast is the culinary version of turning up the lights on a sleepy morning. It wakes up your food with color, aroma, and flavor—turning even a simple egg into something fresh, gourmet, and memorable.
From quick weekday scrambles to lavish brunch spreads, pesto brings Italy to your mornings—one delicious bite at a time.
Disclosure: Our blog contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
