Instant Pot Eggs and Soldiers: The Perfect Breakfast in Minutes

Recipes Italian Chef

Instant Pot Eggs and Soldiers: The Perfect Breakfast in Minutes

## Introduction

Eggs and soldiers – a classic breakfast enjoyed by generations, particularly in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish featuring soft-boiled eggs served with buttered toast strips (the ‘soldiers’) for dipping. But what if you could make this comforting breakfast even easier and faster? Enter the Instant Pot! This versatile kitchen appliance can perfectly cook eggs to your desired doneness in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to make the perfect Instant Pot eggs and soldiers, offering tips, tricks, and variations to elevate your breakfast game.

## Why Use an Instant Pot for Eggs?

The Instant Pot offers several advantages when it comes to cooking eggs:

* **Consistency:** The Instant Pot’s precise temperature control ensures consistent results every time. No more guessing whether your eggs will be perfectly soft-boiled or overcooked.
* **Speed:** Cooking eggs in the Instant Pot is significantly faster than boiling them on the stovetop. You can have perfectly cooked eggs ready in under 10 minutes, including the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure.
* **Easy Peeling:** Many users find that Instant Pot eggs are easier to peel than stovetop boiled eggs, thanks to the pressure cooking process.
* **Hands-Off Cooking:** Once the eggs are in the Instant Pot, you can set it and forget it. No need to constantly monitor the water temperature or worry about the eggs cracking.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** You can cook a large batch of eggs at once for meal prepping breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

## What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients and equipment:

* **Eggs:** The star of the show! Use large or extra-large eggs for best results. Older eggs tend to peel more easily than fresh eggs.
* **Water:** You’ll need water to create steam in the Instant Pot. Usually, 1 cup of water is sufficient.
* **Bread:** Choose your favorite type of bread for making the soldiers. White bread, whole wheat bread, sourdough, or even brioche all work well.
* **Butter:** For buttering the toast soldiers, of course! Use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the eggs and soldiers to taste.
* **Instant Pot:** Any size Instant Pot will work for this recipe. A 6-quart model is a good all-around size.
* **Trivet:** The trivet is essential for keeping the eggs elevated above the water inside the Instant Pot.
* **Egg Cups (optional):** For serving the soft-boiled eggs in a traditional style.
* **Toaster or Oven:** For toasting the bread.
* **Butter Knife:** For buttering the toast.

## Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Eggs and Soldiers

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Instant Pot eggs and soldiers:

**1. Prepare the Instant Pot:**

* Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot inner pot.
* Place the trivet inside the pot. Make sure it’s stable.

**2. Add the Eggs:**

* Gently place the eggs on top of the trivet. Avoid overcrowding the pot; a single layer is best. You can cook as many eggs as will comfortably fit without touching.

**3. Cook the Eggs:**

* Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the steam release valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position.
* Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and set the cooking time according to your desired doneness:
* **Soft-boiled:** 3-4 minutes (for runny yolks)
* **Medium-boiled:** 5 minutes (for slightly firmer yolks)
* **Hard-boiled:** 6-8 minutes (for fully cooked yolks)
* The Instant Pot will now begin to pressurize. This will take a few minutes.

**4. Release the Pressure:**

* Once the cooking time is complete, you have two options for releasing the pressure:
* **Quick Release:** Carefully move the steam release valve to the ‘Venting’ position to release the pressure quickly. Be cautious as hot steam will escape.
* **Natural Pressure Release (NPR):** Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5-10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. NPR can result in slightly more evenly cooked eggs and may make them easier to peel. For soft boiled eggs using a NPR of 2 minutes and quick release the remaining pressure yields excellent results.

**5. Ice Bath:**

* Immediately transfer the cooked eggs to a bowl filled with ice water. This stops the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel. Let them sit in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes.

**6. Prepare the Soldiers:**

* While the eggs are cooling, toast the bread to your desired level of crispness. You can use a toaster or bake the bread in the oven.
* Once toasted, butter the bread generously. Cut the toast into strips, about 1-inch wide. These are your soldiers!

**7. Peel the Eggs:**

* Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell. Start peeling from the larger end of the egg, working your way around.
* The shell should come off easily, especially if the eggs have been properly cooled in an ice bath.

**8. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Place the peeled eggs in egg cups (if using) or small bowls.
* Season the eggs with salt and pepper to taste.
* Serve immediately with the buttered toast soldiers for dipping.

## Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Eggs

* **Egg Size Matters:** Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your eggs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if using smaller or larger eggs.
* **Water Temperature:** Using cold water in the Instant Pot can help prevent the eggs from cracking. Some people add a splash of vinegar to the water, which is believed to further help with peeling.
* **Don’t Overcrowd:** Avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot with too many eggs. Cook them in a single layer for even cooking.
* **Experiment with Cooking Times:** Find the perfect cooking time for your desired doneness by experimenting with different durations. Keep a record of your results for future reference.
* **Altitude Adjustments:** If you live at a high altitude, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to compensate for the lower boiling point of water.
* **Freshness of Eggs:** While older eggs are often recommended for easier peeling, you can still use fresh eggs in the Instant Pot. Just be extra careful when peeling.
* **Preventing Cracks:** To minimize the risk of eggs cracking, gently place them in the Instant Pot and avoid sudden temperature changes.

## Variations and Additions

While classic eggs and soldiers are delicious on their own, here are some variations and additions to spice things up:

* **Flavored Butter:** Enhance the flavor of your toast soldiers by using flavored butter. Try garlic butter, herb butter, or even a spicy chili butter.
* **Spiced Eggs:** Add a dash of chili flakes, paprika, or cumin to the eggs for a flavorful kick.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve the eggs with a variety of dipping sauces, such as hollandaise sauce, pesto, or sriracha mayo.
* **Herbs and Garnishes:** Garnish the eggs with fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for added flavor and visual appeal.
* **Cheese Soldiers:** Sprinkle grated cheese on the toast soldiers before toasting for a cheesy twist.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on your toast soldiers for an extra burst of flavor.
* **Different Breads:** Experiment with different types of bread for making the soldiers. Croissants, bagels, or even pita bread can be used.
* **Avocado Toast Soldiers:** Mash avocado on your toast soldiers for a healthy and delicious variation.
* **Add some cheese:** Add a layer of cheese inside the Instant Pot, underneath the eggs, for a cheesy eggs and soldiers.

## Troubleshooting

* **Eggs are Overcooked:** Reduce the cooking time in the Instant Pot for the next batch.
* **Eggs are Undercooked:** Increase the cooking time slightly.
* **Eggs are Difficult to Peel:** Ensure the eggs are properly cooled in an ice bath. Older eggs tend to peel more easily.
* **Eggs are Cracking:** Gently place the eggs in the Instant Pot and avoid sudden temperature changes. Ensure you’re using the proper amount of water.
* **Instant Pot Not Coming to Pressure:** Make sure the steam release valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position and that the lid is properly sealed. Also, ensure that there is enough water in the pot.

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

(per serving, assuming 2 eggs and 2 slices of white bread):

* Calories: 300-350
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve Instant Pot eggs and soldiers as a quick and easy breakfast.
* Enjoy them as a light lunch or snack.
* Serve them alongside other breakfast items like bacon, sausage, or fruit.
* Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or juice.
* Make them for a special occasion, such as a weekend brunch.

## Storage Instructions

* Cooked eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store them in their shells to prevent them from drying out.
* To reheat cooked eggs, gently warm them in hot water for a few minutes or microwave them briefly. Be careful not to overcook them.
* Toast soldiers are best served fresh. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, but they may lose their crispness.

## Conclusion

Instant Pot eggs and soldiers are a delightful and convenient way to enjoy a classic breakfast. With the Instant Pot’s consistent results and speed, you can have perfectly cooked eggs and crispy toast soldiers ready in minutes. Experiment with different cooking times, flavors, and variations to create your own signature version of this comforting dish. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a breakfast staple in your household. So, grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the perfect eggs and soldiers every time!

Enjoy your perfectly cooked Instant Pot Eggs and Soldiers!

0 0 votes
Article Rating

Leave a Reply

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments