• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Dog Treats
  • Gluten Free
  • About
  • Subscribe

Peel with Zeal

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Dog Treats
  • Gluten Free
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Dog Treats
    • Gluten Free
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Egg Recipes

    Published: Aug 10, 2023 by Jen Wooster

    Sunny Side Up Eggs

    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe
    Sunny side up egg in a frying pan and eggs on avocado toast.
    Sunny side up eggs on a plate with toast and fruit.
    Sunny side up eggs on a plate with toast and fruit.
    Sunny side up eggs on toast.

    Sunny side-up eggs are a breakfast classic that anyone can make at home. My easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and simple tips are perfect for beginners looking to expand their cooking skills.

    Sunny side up eggs on a plate with toast and fruit.

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    Sunny side up eggs may be the most intimidating of all the fried egg recipes. But I have a trick up my sleeve. So get your avocado toast ready because here we come!

    Jump to:
    • 🧾What You Need
    • ⏲️How to Make Sunny Side Up Eggs
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • 🌡️Storing Leftovers
    • More Egg-cellent Recipes
    • 💭 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    🧾What You Need

    The best eggs for fried eggs are the freshest ones possible. Older eggs can be used for scrambled eggs where the egg yolk doesn't need to be defined. 

    What grade eggs for sunny side up eggs?

    Choose Grade AA large eggs for all fried egg recipes. Grade A works well for baking or scrambled eggs, where the yolk definition is less critical.  

    I always look for pasture-raised eggs. Orangic if they aren't going to make the bank. 

    Should You Use Oil, Butter, or Bacon Grease?

    The best choice for this type of fried egg is butter.  As you heat the butter it will brown slightly giving the eggs a richer nutty flavor.  

    In addition to adding more flavor than oil, it provides a lovely texture for the egg whites. 

    However, if you prefer an extra crispy white try olive oil or avocado oil. For a dairy-free and vegan option, try unsalted vegan butter. 

    I generally do not cook sunny side up eggs in bacon grease. It tends to run too hot and gets the bottoms crispier than I like. 

    Ingredients needed for frying eggs on a table.

    What Type of Pan for Sunny Side Up Eggs

    The secret to keeping your eggs from sticking is to use the right pan.  I prefer to use a nonstick skillet because it makes flipping eggs a snap. Also, cleanup is simpler. 

    When using a nonstick pan be sure to use a rubber or plastic spatula to prevent scratching.  A thin spatula will make flipping easier than a thick one. 

    Unlike my other fried egg recipes, I don't recommend stainless steel pans or even a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. For newbies in the kitchen, a non-stick pan is the way to go. 

    ⏲️How to Make Sunny Side Up Eggs

    Step 1- Melt the Butter

    Warming the butter in a cold pan over medium heat is the first step. Use lots of butter to keep things from sticking. When the melted butter is just beginning to foam, the pan is ready.

    Unlike with other types of fried eggs you don't want the butter to brown. 

    Melting butter in a non stick skillet.

    Step 2- Gently Add the Eggs

    I prefer to break the eggs into a small bowl and add them one at a time. If I break an egg yolk, it is usually because I cracked it on the side of the pan.

    Then cover the pan with a glass lid. 

    The bottoms of the eggs will fry while the tops will steam. After 1 to 2 minutes remove the lid.  The edges of the egg should look slightly dry, the whites set, and finally, the yolk should be bright yellow and glossy.

    Voila! You just made your first sunny side-up egg. 

    Gently remove the egg from the pan to your plate. 

    And honestly, if you break the yolk just flip it over and turn them into over-hard eggs. 

    Cooking a sunny side up egg with a lid on the skillet.

    🥗What to Serve with Sunny Side Up Eggs

    Clearly toast, bacon, hash browns, a stack of blueberry pancakes- the breakfast works essentially.

    But sunny side up eggs can be used on rice bowls, in place of poached eggs on raman, or served over roasted vegetables.

    But I like to turn my bean and cheese tacos into breakfast food by serving them sunny-side-up eggs and a little homemade salsa and avocado cream. Crispy tacos are perfect for dipping into that perfectly runny yolk. 

    You can also try topping your eggs with spicy harissa or a little basil pesto.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

    • Use fresh eggs to get the most defined yolk.
    • Thoroughly heat your pan and melt your butter. A hot pan will keep the egg whites together the prevent the eggs from running together.
    • But don't overheat the pan. medium heat is as high as you can go. 
    • If you are using oil or grease you can test for a hot pan by flicking a TINY amount of water and seeing if it sizzles.  
    • To avoid breaking the yolk, crack the eggs into a small dish and then slide them into the pan.
    • If you are using salted butter skip salting the eggs. 
    Sunny side up eggs with a plate of fruit.

    🌡️Storing Leftovers

    Sunny side up eggs are best eaten right away. but you can store the cooked eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within 2-3 days. 

    You can reheat fried on the stovetop in a skillet with a little butter. The yolks will cook fully. 

    More Egg-cellent Recipes

    • deviled eggs mimosa on a white plate.
      Eggs Mimosa
    • Slice of quiche on a plate with a green salad.
      Zucchini Crustless Quiche
    • Slice of crustless quiche on a plate with a salad.
      Ham and Cheese Crustless Quiche
    • Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole

    💭 Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I tell if my eggs are fresh?

    The first way to tell if your eggs are fresh is by the expiration date on the carton. You can also do the water test.

    Fill a glass with water. Place the egg in the water, if the egg sinks it is fresh.

    If it stands on one end it is a few weeks old and if it floats they are no longer safe to eat. 

    What is the difference between sunny-side up and over-easy eggs?

    While both types of eggs have runny yolks, the over-easy eggs are gently flipped without breaking the yolks. The egg whites are cooked more over easy eggs and the edges will be crispier. 

    Are runny yolks safe to eat?

    Eggs do run the risk of carrying food-borne illnesses like Salmonella. Cooking the eggs all the way through is the only way to ensure it is eliminated.

    It is recommended that young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems should avoid soft yolk eggs.

    Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    Two sunny side up eggs on a plate with toast and fruit.

    Sunny Side Up Eggs Recipe

    The perfect sunny eggs have a golden-yellow runny yolk and just set egg whites. Grab a piece of toast and let's start dipping.
    Servings: 1
    Prep: 5 minutes mins
    Total: 5 minutes mins
    5 from 3 votes
    PRINT PIN SAVE

    Equipment

    • Griddle or non-stick pan
    • Plastic spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter or other cooking oil or bacon grease
    • 2 eggs
    • kosher salt
    • black pepper
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the butter allow it to melt and coat the surface. Do not skimp and use at least a full tablespoon per batch.
      1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
    • When the butter begins to foam, crack the eggs into a small bowl then gently tip the egg into the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the pan with a lid.
      2 eggs, kosher salt, black pepper
    • Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the egg whites start to set and become opaque but the yolk is still runny. Gently move the egg to a plate and serve.
    Rate this Recipe

    Notes

    Tips:
    • Crack the eggs into a small bowl or ramekin and gently pour into the hot pan.
    • Use a nonstick skillet rather than a cast-iron pan or stainless pan for sunny side up eggs. It is easier to move the eggs around with out tearing the yolk. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 226kcal | Carbs: 1g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 20g | Sugar: 0.3g
    Author: Jen Wooster
    Course:: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword dipping eggs, perfect sunny side up eggs, sunny-side up eggs, sunnyside up eggs
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

    Next Recipe

    • Perfectly poached eggs on avocado toast.
      Microwave Poached Egg
    • Cheesy scrambled eggs and toast on a plate.
      Scrambled Eggs with Cheese
    • Egg in a frying pan.
      How to Fry an Egg
    • Over medium eggs on a plate with bacon and avocado toast.
      Over Medium Eggs
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Join the Discussion Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Sunny side up egg in a frying pan and eggs on avocado toast.
    Sunny side up eggs on a plate with toast and fruit.
    Sunny side up eggs on a plate with toast and fruit.
    Sunny side up eggs on toast.

    Greetings!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

    More About Me...

    Subscribe

    Not To Miss Recipes!

    • roasted eggplant on baking sheet
      Easy Oven Roasted Eggplant Slices
    • parmsean roasted zuchhini and yellow squash on a plate.
      Parmesan Roasted Zucchini and Squash
    • Eggplant rollatini with marinara on a plate.
      Eggplant Rollatini
    • Garlic butter in a white bowl.
      Garlic Butter Sauce

    Footer

    Sunny side up egg in a frying pan and eggs on avocado toast.
    Sunny side up eggs on a plate with toast and fruit.
    Sunny side up eggs on a plate with toast and fruit.
    Sunny side up eggs on toast.

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Check out our new Web Stories

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Partnerships

    Copyright © 2023 Peel with Zeal