Eggs Provençal with Heirloom Tomatoes and Parmesan

Eggs Provençal is a classic French-inspired dish that celebrates the best of summer: ripe heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil and pesto, and tender poached eggs. Topped with a little Parmesan, it’s a light, elegant meal you can make in just 15 minutes.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love this Recipe
• The Provençal Style of Cooking
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• Step-by-Step: How to Make Eggs Provençal
• Tips & Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Serving Suggestions
• More Egg Recipes to Try
• Eggs Provençal with Heirloom Tomatoes and Parmesan

Why You'll Love this Recipe

This dish is all about seasonal produce. When heirloom tomatoes are at their peak, their rich, sweet flavor makes this simple recipe shine. Garden or farmers market tomatoes also work beautifully — just be sure they’re fresh and in season.

• Quick & easy: Ready in about 15 minutes.
• Seasonal & fresh: A showcase for summer heirloom tomatoes.
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or a light Meatless Monday dinner.
• Simple ingredients: Just a handful of staples, no fuss.

The Provençal Style of Cooking

Provence, in the south of France, is known for its sunny Mediterranean flavors: tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs are essentials. Eggs Provençal brings those ingredients together in the simplest way — highlighting ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs with eggs for a beautiful, flavor-packed meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Heirloom tomatoes: Thick slices of Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, Beefsteak, or any meaty heirloom variety. Slice at least ½-inch thick so they hold up under broiling.
• Eggs: Fresh eggs poach best — the whites stay compact and the yolks sit high.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated from a wedge - pre-grated parm loses its delicate edge as it it dries. (Romano or Asiago are great swaps.)
• Pesto: Basil-garlic pesto adds depth and fragrance. Sun-dried tomato pesto is also delicious.
• Fresh basil: Essential — don’t substitute dried here.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Eggs Provençal

1. Poach the Eggs

Fill a skillet with a few inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add a splash of vinegar (this helps the whites set neatly).

Crack each egg into a small sieve to drain excess watery white, then slide the egg into the simmering water.

Cook until the yolk is set to your liking, 3–4 minutes for soft centers. Remove with a slotted spoon.

For more egg-poaching tips, visit How to Make Perfectly Poached Eggs.

2. Broil the Tomatoes

Arrange thick slices of heirloom tomato on a baking sheet. Spread each slice with pesto and broil for 4–5 minutes until bubbling.

3. Assemble & Finish

Top each broiled tomato slice with a poached egg and sprinkle generously with Parmesan. Return briefly to the broiler (about 1 minute) to melt the cheese.

Garnish with fresh basil ribbons, a sprinkle of paprika, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Best tomatoes: Use heirlooms in peak summer for unmatched flavor. Out of season, stick to garden or farmers market tomatoes — skip hot-house varieties if you can.
• Cheese swaps: Romano, Asiago, or even creamy goat cheese work beautifully.
• Egg options: Not a poached egg fan? Any fried egg will work - even scrambled!
• Flavor boost: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or flavored olive oil before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

Eggs Provençal isn’t just for breakfast! Try it:

• With crusty bread and coffee for brunch.
• As a light summer dinner alongside Garlic-Almond Spaghetti Squash or a crisp green salad.
• On Meatless Monday when you want something simple, healthy, and flavorful.

More Egg Recipes to Try

If you love how simple and flavorful Eggs Provençal is, you’ll want to try more of our favorite egg dishes. From breakfast basics to brunch-worthy plates and fun party bites, these recipes show off just how versatile eggs can be:

• Master the technique with our guide to perfectly poached eggs — the foundation for so many breakfast recipes.
• Treat yourself to smoked salmon eggs Benedict with silky hollandaise for an elegant brunch.
• Meal-prep friendly homemade egg bites are perfect for quick, grab-and-go mornings.
• Roll up something comforting and fun with our easy egg & cheese rolls.
• Try air fryer Scotch eggs for a crispy, protein-packed snack or appetizer.
• Make a platter of party-ready deviled eggs — a timeless favorite at any gathering.
• Spice things up with Huevos Rancheros (Mexican rancher’s eggs) topped with salsa and beans.

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