12 Fried Egg Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner

breakfast turkey tacos — Photo: Julia Gartland

Fried eggs make everything taste better. Of course, they are the perfect partner for toast—but don't limit them to just breakfast. You can enjoy them morning, noon, or night. Their runny yolks create a rich, golden sauce for everything from tacos and salad to grits and fried rice. Get cracking with these 12 fried egg recipes and explore the delicious possibilities of topping a dish with these protein-packed flavor boosters.

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Creamy Parmesan Oats with Fried Egg

creamy parmesan oats with watercress — Ngoc Minh Ngo

Two classic breakfasts—fried eggs and steel-cut oats—come together to make one satisfying meal. Pickled peppadew peppers contrast with the rich, savory oats and creamy eggs.

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Parmesan Fried Eggs with Bitter Greens

Sure, fried eggs are delicious on their own, but they're really, really good when served with a thin, crispy cracker of grated Parmesan and a side of baby greens, such as kale.

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Shrimp and Sausage with Cheesy Grits

For dinner tonight, try this indulgent twist on shrimp and grits. Cherry tomatoes and spicy poblano peppers add a pop of color that contrasts with the monochromatic grits and creamy fried eggs served atop of each bowl.

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Leek-and-Asparagus Crispy Rice

Come spring, celebrate the abundance of fresh leeks and asparagus with this rice-based dinner. A fried egg is the perfect topping for each portion—the soft yolk creates a silky sauce for the rice and vegetables.

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Turkey Breakfast Tacos

If you have leftover cooked turkey (or chicken) and mashed potatoes, make these easy tacos. Fill soft corn tortillas with the leftovers, plus pre-made salsa, grated cheese, and fried eggs for a great start to the day.

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Fried-Egg-Topped Sandwiches

These decadent open-faced sandwiches start with bread rounds you've stuffed with cheese, battered, and fried. What better way to top them off than with a fried egg? Serve with a salad, for balance!

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Fried Eggs with Greens and Mushrooms

For a light lunch or dinner, serve sauteed greens and mushrooms with fried eggs on top. A sage-chile butter adds deep flavor with a kick.

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Very Veggie Fried Rice with Eggs

Fried rice is a great anytime meal, and you can make it with whatever vegetables you have on hand. The thing that takes it from good to great: a cooked just-to-your-liking fried egg.

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