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Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick, high-protein, low-carb breakfast that’s big on flavor and short on prep time, Salami Egg Cups are going to be your new morning obsession. These little savory bites are everything a keto-friendly breakfast should be—crispy around the edges, creamy in the center, and loaded with satisfying flavor. I first made these on a whim during a busy week, and now they’ve become a weekly meal prep staple in my kitchen. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to customize, and best of all, ready in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just love a protein-packed breakfast, these egg cups check all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Benefits
- Quick prep and cook time—just 20 minutes from start to finish
- Great for meal prep and on-the-go breakfasts
- Perfectly portioned and easy to store
- Only 1.2g carbs per cup—keto dream come true
- No need for flour or special flours—just everyday ingredients
Taste & Texture
Salty, savory salami crisps up in the oven to form the perfect “cup,” holding a rich, creamy egg topped with melted cheddar. Each bite is a contrast of textures—the crunch of salami, the gooey cheese, the tender egg center. With hints of paprika and oregano, these cups bring a smoky, herb-kissed flavor that feels gourmet without any fuss.
Dietary Attributes
- Gluten-free
- Keto-friendly
- High-protein (17g per cup)
- Low-carb (only 1.2g per serving)
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ingredient List
- 6 large eggs
- 24 regular-sized salami slices
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon oregano
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Notes on Quality
Use good quality deli salami—something with a little fat content so it crisps nicely. Thin slices work best as they shape well into muffin tins and develop that wonderful edge crunch. For cheese, a sharp cheddar will give the best depth of flavor, but you can also try a smoky gouda or Monterey Jack for a twist.
Possible Substitutions
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack if you like some spice
- For a milder option, try turkey salami or chicken slices
- Use Italian seasoning in place of oregano for a more robust flavor profile
Step-by-Step Instruction

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Line each muffin cup with 4 slices of salami, overlapping slightly to create a cup shape. This forms your base.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese to each cup—roughly 1 tablespoon per cup.
- Crack an egg into each salami cup, trying to keep the yolk centered.
- Sprinkle with seasonings—a dash of paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper on top of each egg.
- Bake for 12 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but yolks are still a bit soft (for runny centers). Bake 2-3 minutes longer if you prefer fully cooked yolks.
- Let the egg cups cool for a few minutes before removing from the muffin tin. They’ll firm up slightly as they rest.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Best Practices
- Press the salami firmly into the muffin tin to prevent the egg from leaking underneath
- Use a spoon to help gently lift the egg cups out after baking
- If you’re making a big batch, let the muffin tin cool between rounds so the next batch cooks evenly
Common Mistakes
- Using too little salami—use the full 4 slices to ensure full cup coverage
- Overbaking can dry out the egg yolks, so keep an eye on the timer
- Forgetting to grease the muffin tin can lead to sticking
Time-Saving Tips
- Pre-line your muffin tin and refrigerate until morning for a grab-and-bake option
- Crack your eggs into a small bowl first if you’re worried about shell pieces or yolk placement
- Shred your cheese in advance and keep it in a container for quick use
Serving Suggestions
Pairings
These egg cups go great with:
- A small side salad of arugula and lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach
- Sliced avocado with a sprinkle of chili flakes
Presentation Ideas
Serve them on a white platter with a garnish of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley. For brunch gatherings, place each cup in a mini muffin liner and stack them high on a tiered tray.
Beverage Pairings
- Black coffee or a bulletproof coffee for fellow keto lovers
- A sparkling water with lemon or lime
- If you’re not strict keto, a green smoothie with spinach and coconut milk makes a great contrast
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Storage
Keep your cooked salami egg cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well—just wrap individually in parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Methods
- Microwave: Reheat on a microwave-safe plate for 30–45 seconds
- Oven: Warm in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes
- Air fryer: Crisp them back up at 350°F for 3 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Substitutions & Adjustments
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes—just leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Just use two muffin tins or bake in batches.
Troubleshooting
Eggs are too runny? Just add 2-3 minutes to your bake time.
Salami got too crispy? Try thicker slices or bake for 10 minutes instead.
Cheese overflowed? Reduce the cheese to 2 teaspoons per cup to avoid spillover.
Variations & Customizations
Dietary Adaptations
To make these Whole30 compliant, omit cheese and use compliant meat like prosciutto or sugar-free bacon. For paleo, skip the cheese and go with nitrate-free deli meats.
Flavor Twists
- Add a spoonful of pesto under the egg for extra herby richness
- Try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat
- Mix in diced bell peppers or spinach for a veggie boost
Seasonal/Holiday Versions
For Easter brunch, add asparagus tips or peas. Around the holidays, swap cheddar for gruyere and sprinkle with a little fresh thyme for a festive twist.
Conclusion
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up something quick before your morning meeting, these Salami Egg Cups are a flavorful, filling, and fuss-free solution. With minimal prep, tons of customization options, and a taste that keeps you coming back, they’re a recipe worth bookmarking. Try them out and let me know how you like to customize yours. I love hearing from readers—drop your version in the comments or tag me on Pinterest at RecipesCookingWithCallie.
And if you loved this recipe, check out a few more easy, flavor-packed ideas from the blog:
- Creamy Chicken Marsala – Perfect for Date Night
- Sheet Pan Gnocchi – A 30-Minute Weeknight Winner
- More Cozy Recipes Here
Happy cooking!



Easy Keto Salami Egg Cups
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 egg cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Salami Egg Cups are a quick and satisfying keto breakfast packed with protein and flavor. Crispy salami forms the perfect cup for creamy eggs and melted cheddar, with a sprinkle of spices to elevate every bite. Great for meal prep, gluten-free, and perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
6 large eggs
24 slices of regular-size salami
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
⅛ tsp paprika
⅛ tsp oregano
A pinch of salt
A pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a muffin tin with olive oil or cooking spray
Line each muffin cup with 4 slices of salami, slightly overlapping to create a cup shape
Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar into each cup
Crack one egg into each cup
Season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper
Bake for 12 minutes or until eggs are set to your preference
Cool for a few minutes before serving or storing
Notes
For fully cooked yolks, bake for 14-15 minutes
Swap cheddar with mozzarella or gouda for different flavor profiles
These cups store well in the fridge for 4 days or freeze beautifully for longer storage
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg cup (about 3 oz)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 934 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 239 mg