Grease the coddling dish or cups lightly with the butter and set aside. Fill a saucepan with enough water to reach about halfway up the sides of the coddling dish. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over MEDIUM heat.
Carefully crack an egg into each cup. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Place the cups into the saucepan of water and cover with a lid. Simmer for about 8 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
Turn off the heat and carefully remove the cups with tongs. Serve them immediately with buttered toast.