Save to Pinterest One Sunday morning, I was scrolling through food photos and landed on this egg flight concept—three different preparations on a single slice of toast. It seemed almost too clever, like someone had solved a puzzle I didn't know I had. The real test came when I tried it: the runny yolk bleeding into the scrambled curds, the soft-boiled half offering its own buttery center, and suddenly breakfast felt less like fuel and more like an experience. Now it's become my favorite way to use up eggs when I can't decide how I want them.
I made this for a friend who'd been working night shifts and looked absolutely exhausted when she arrived for brunch. Watching her face light up when she saw three different egg preparations lined up on that golden toast was worth every minute. She ate slowly, savoring each section like she was tasting them separately, and by the end she asked for the recipe before even finishing her coffee.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or country-style bread: One thick, sturdy slice is the foundation here—it needs enough body to hold three different eggs without getting soggy, and the slight tang of sourdough plays beautifully against the richness of the yolks.
- Eggs (three large): Choose the freshest eggs you can find, especially for the soft-boiled and fried versions where the yolk quality really matters.
- Unsalted butter: One tablespoon total gives you enough fat to cook with without overwhelming the delicate eggs; I use it split between the scrambled and fried preparations.
- Olive oil: A teaspoon adds a subtle richness to the fried egg and helps prevent sticking better than butter alone.
- Salt and black pepper: Season each egg preparation separately so the flavors build rather than getting lost in one big seasoning.
- Fresh chives, chili flakes, and microgreens (optional): These aren't just decoration—the chives add a whisper of sharpness, the chili flakes bring heat, and the greens provide a peppery freshness that balances the richness.
Instructions
- Toast the bread until golden:
- Slide your slice onto a baking sheet and into a 180°C oven for 5 to 7 minutes, watching until the edges turn a deep golden brown and the interior becomes crisp. This step matters more than it sounds—a soggy base will collapse under the weight of three eggs.
- Start the soft-boiled egg:
- Bring water to a rolling boil in a small pot, gently lower in your first egg, and set a timer for exactly 6½ minutes. This timing gives you a just-set white with a warm, jammy center that's almost runny.
- Make the scrambled portion:
- While that egg boils, melt half a tablespoon of butter in your nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk your second egg with salt and pepper, pour it in, and stir gently with a spatula until the curds are just set but still creamy—this takes patience, but it's worth it.
- Fry the third egg:
- Once the scrambled egg is done, give the skillet a quick wipe, add the remaining butter and olive oil over medium heat, then crack in your final egg. You want the whites to turn opaque and set while the yolk stays runny and jiggles when you shake the pan, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Assemble while everything is warm:
- Place your toasted bread on a plate, and divide it into thirds—one for scrambled, one for soft-boiled (halved), one for fried. Working quickly, arrange each egg on its section so everything stays warm.
- Finish with what calls to you:
- Scatter chives across the scrambled section, dust the fried egg with chili flakes if you like heat, and top the soft-boiled half with microgreens for crunch and color.
Save to Pinterest There was a moment last month when my partner took a bite and said, "This is what breakfast should taste like—like someone actually tried." I realized then that it wasn't the eggs or the technique, it was that each component had its own integrity but came together with purpose. That's when breakfast stops being routine.
Why This Breakfast Works as a Flight
The term "flight" usually lives in wine bars and craft breweries, but it belongs on your breakfast plate too. What makes this work is contrast—the creamy scrambled eggs against the slightly rubbery white of the fried egg, the soft-boiled yolk's delicate creaminess, the bread's crunch holding it all together. When you eat all three bites in sequence, your palate gets a complete story, which is exactly why restaurants charge money for this concept.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how much room it leaves for your preferences and what you have on hand. If you're not a fan of runny yolks, cook the fried egg longer or go with a fully hard-boiled egg for the third section instead. If chili flakes are too much for you, swap them for smoked paprika or fresh herbs like dill.
Small Changes That Matter
I've learned that tiny adjustments here completely change the experience—using really fresh eggs makes the difference between a good yolk and one that tastes like it actually came from a chicken. The bread choice matters too; a delicate white bread will fall apart, but something with structure, like sourdough or a good country loaf, holds up beautifully. If you're using butter, make sure it's unsalted so you can control the salt level yourself.
- Add avocado slices or smoked salmon for protein and richness that plays well with all three egg preparations.
- Try sautéed spinach or asparagus on the side to add vegetables without crowding the toast itself.
- Swap the bread for a gluten-free option or a thick slice of toasted brioche if you want to go richer.
Save to Pinterest This breakfast is proof that the simplest meals, when treated with intention, become the ones you remember. Make it for yourself on a quiet morning, or make it for someone who needs to know you're thinking of them.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of eggs are used for the toast?
Three egg preparations are used: scrambled, soft-boiled, and fried, combining different flavors and textures.
- → How is the soft-boiled egg cooked for the egg flight?
The egg is boiled in water for about 6½ minutes, then cooled in ice water to achieve a tender yolk.
- → Can I use other bread types for this dish?
Yes, sourdough or country-style bread works best, but gluten-free alternatives can be used as needed.
- → What garnishes complement the toast?
Chopped fresh chives, chili flakes, and microgreens enhance both flavor and appearance.
- → How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with 15 minutes cooking time, totaling around 25 minutes.
- → What cooking fats are recommended?
Unsalted butter and olive oil are used to cook the eggs, providing richness and preventing sticking.