Once you try Soft-Boiled Eggs And Soldiers, you’ll understand why the dish is a classic British breakfast!
I must admit that various scenarios ran through my mind when I first heard the term “soft-boiled eggs and soldiers.” Knowing that soft-boiled eggs are served in their shells, I couldn’t fathom how they would have any connection to something resembling soldiers. Little green plastic army men came to mind. The only sane thing to do was search online for the answer.
While there are various anecdotes about where the dish originates from, it turns out that the term “soldiers” comes from the little slices of bread standing straight and tall, like soldiers at attention. I also learned that the eggs are called “dippy” because the yolks are soft, and you dip the soldiers (bread slices) in them. The dish is a popular children’s breakfast in Britain, and it’s beloved as a comfort food for many well into adulthood.
Are Soft-Boiled Eggs And Soldiers Healthy?
Soft-boiled eggs are a healthy, high-quality protein option for breakfast. They also provide vitamin A, B vitamins, folate, and choline. Serving your eggs with whole-grain bread provides additional fiber and nutrients, too.
The butter, of course, is optional, so if you’re looking to cut down on fat intake, you could dip the toasts into the egg yolks plain.
The Art Of Making A Soft-Boiled Egg
Soft-boiled eggs take about six to seven minutes to cook, depending on how runny you want the yolks to be. Cooking them for six minutes results in a runnier, more liquid yolk, while simmering them for seven minutes yields a thicker, more viscous yolk.
Once the egg is done, you’ll want to put it in ice water to immediately stop the cooking. Then, place the egg into an egg cup and tap around the top with a knife. You can then peel away the top of the egg or cut it off. I recommend using teaspoons or smaller spoons for eating, as you want a small spoon to reach deep into the eggshell once you are done dipping the bread.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Soft-boiled eggs should ideally be consumed as soon as they’re done cooking. This is not a great make-ahead dish, and leftovers are difficult to reheat without overcooking the yolk. I recommend only making the number of eggs people will eat once cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Along with the toast slices (soldiers), you can enjoy your soft-boiled egg with a side of English Roast Potatoes and Air-Fryer Breakfast Sausages. Additionally, a Fruit Soup will add a refreshing touch to your breakfast. I recommend rounding out a lovely “British breakfast” with some scones, too. Try these Gluten-Free Scones With Blueberries for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 slice whole-wheat bread
- Butter to taste
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a small saucepan with enough water to cover the egg. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Gently lower the egg into the boiling water using a spoon. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 6 minutes for a soft yolk.
- Remove the egg from the water and immediately run it under cold water for about 30 seconds to stop the cooking process.
- Toast the bread until golden brown, spread with butter, and cut into thin strips suitable for dipping.
- Place the egg in an egg cup. Use a teaspoon or knife to gently break open the top, sprinkle over the salt and black pepper, and serve with the bread soldiers.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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