Pizzaiola-style poached eggs

Pizzaiola-style poached eggs feature poached eggs nestled in a savory tomato sauce with onions and red peppers. This Italian-inspired dish is topped with parmesan for a hearty meal.

15 Nov 2025
Cook time 12 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1/2 cup onion
1/4 cup red pepper
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
1/8 tsp red pepper (spice)
1 cana tomato sauce
4 eggs
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Pizzaiola-style poached eggs is a delicious and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that beautifully melds the savory essence of poached eggs with the rich, aromatic flavors of tomato sauce, onions, and red pepper. Topped with grated parmesan cheese, this recipe is perfect for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion and red bell pepper.
- Mince the garlic if you haven't already.
- Set out all the spices and seasonings for easy access.

2. Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and red pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

3. Add Seasonings and Sauce:
- Stir in the dried oregano, a dash of salt, a dash of black pepper, and the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables and seasonings.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Poach the Eggs:
- Create small wells in the tomato sauce using a spoon.
- Carefully crack one egg into each well.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let the eggs poach in the simmering sauce until the egg whites are fully cooked and the yolks reach your desired level of doneness, roughly 5-8 minutes. For runny yolks, aim for the shorter end of this time range.

5. Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Once the eggs are poached to your liking, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
- Cover the skillet again and let it sit for another minute so the cheese can melt slightly.

6. Serve:
- Carefully scoop out each poached egg with some of the sauce and vegetables onto plates.
- Optionally, garnish with additional parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, over polenta, or alongside a fresh green salad.

Once you've tasted these Pizzaiola-style poached eggs, you'll love the comforting and satisfying combination of flavors. Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it also brings a touch of Italian cuisine right to your table. Serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and enjoy!

Pizzaiola-style poached eggs FAQ:

How long do I poach the eggs for perfect doneness?

Poach the eggs for about 5-8 minutes. For runny yolks, aim for the lower end of the time range. If you prefer firmer yolks, extend the cooking time closer to 8 minutes.

Can I substitute the tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce. Roughly chop 2-3 medium tomatoes and simmer them until they break down into a sauce, adding additional seasoning as needed for flavor.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or mozzarella, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

What skillet size is best for this recipe?

A 10 to 12-inch skillet works best for this recipe to allow enough space for the eggs and the sauce without overcrowding.

Tips:

- For a smoother and more uniform texture, finely chop the onions and red pepper.

- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add a bit more red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.

- Use high-quality tomato sauce for the best flavor outcome, and consider homemade sauce if time permits.

- When poaching the eggs, gently crack them into a small bowl first before sliding them into the sauce to avoid breaking the yolks.

- Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top of the dish before serving for an added burst of freshness and color.

Nutrition per serving

2 Servings
Calories 310kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 4.50g
Sugar 11g
Fat 20g

Pizzaiola-style poached eggs