Eggs In Purgatory (Italian Eggs)

June 2024 · 7 minute read
two image collage showing a top down view of eggs in purgatory plated with slices of toasted bread and bottom image shows a piece of toast being dipped into the yolk. Center color block with text overlay.

Eggs in Purgatory is a classic Southern Italian dish that is perfect for brunch, lunch or even dinner! It’s quick and easy and uses pantry staples. Eggs are perfectly poached in a hearty tomato sauce and served with crusty bread or even Naan. Delish!

More tasty brunch recipes that we love: Buttermilk Pancakes, Biscuit Recipe and Lemon Blueberry Scones!

Eggs In Purgatory vs Shakshuka

While incredibly similar, Eggs In Purgatory is a popular southern Italian dish whereas Shakshuka is a middle Eastern and North African dish (the origins are somewhat unclear). Both recipes feature eggs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce and the seasonings are somewhat similar as well. At first glance, they appear almost identical but Shakshuka recipes most often have bell peppers included in the recipe as well as paprika for seasoning.

What Does “Purgatory” Refer To In This Dish?

It kind of has a double meaning in this Eggs In Purgatory recipe. Not only does the tomato sauce have spicy red pepper flakes in it, the bubbling tomato sauce also lends to a “purgatory” feel.

These Italian eggs are a great addition to your breakfast repertoire. Eggs in Purgatory is easy, delicious, and something the whole family will love.

More Brunch Recipes

I love this recipe for a tasty brunch. It’s hearty, filling and skims the line perfectly between breakfast and lunch. Brunch is where it’s at, especially for holidays and weekends. Here are a few more of our favorite brunch dishes:

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5 SECRETS TO GETTING DINNER ON THE TABLE...FAST!

  • Waffle Recipe
  • Sausage Gravy
  • Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
  • Stuffed French Toast
  • Air Fryer Bacon or Baked Bacon
  • What You’ll Need

    This easy Eggs In Purgatory recipe calls for pantry staples and is made in just minutes. You’ll likely have most if not all of these ingredients on hand. You can find the full, printable recipe in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

    For Serving

    Shortcut Option: Replace the tomato sauce with a jar of pasta sauce (grab one with garlic and herbs) and reduce the seasonings to 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder plus salt and pepper to taste.

    How To Make Eggs In Purgatory

  • Sauté garlic in the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper and crushed red paper flakes.
  • Simmer together, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
  • Make six divots or wells in the sauce.
  • Gently crack each egg into each hole.
  • Cover and cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny (or to your desired of doneness.)
  • Sprinkle with fresh minced parsley.
  • Serve warm with toasted bread or Naan.
  • Storage Information

    Eggs In Purgatory don’t store very well because when you reheat the eggs, you will cook them more, which means you won’t get the runny yolk that you want in this recipe. However, if you do want to keep any leftovers they will last in the refrigerator for a couple of days. I do not recommend freezing this meal. 

    What To Serve With Eggs In Purgatory

    For breakfast, add some Air Fryer Bacon or try Baking Bacon for the perfect addition to this recipe. It really rounds out the meal perfectly.

    While this is typically a breakfast meal, you can really eat it with any meal of the day. For example, add it to some white rice for a fantastic, rich meal. You could also serve it with a side of Italian sausage, steak, or even chicken. Or, if you make it for breakfast, you can use your favorite slice of toasted bread to mop up every last delicious bite. If all else fails, just eat it by itself. Make those “sunny side up eggs” a thing of the past. 

    Recipe Variations

    More Egg Recipes

  • Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
  • Sausage and Egg Hash Brown Cups
  • Spinach Quiche
  • Eggs Benedict
  • Slow Cooker Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
  • How To Make Eggs In Purgatory

    Eggs In Purgatory

    Eggs In Purgatory is a classic Southern Italian dish that is perfect for brunch, lunch or even dinner! It’s quick and easy and uses pantry staples. Eggs are perfectly poached in a hearty tomato sauce and served with crusty bread or even Naan. Delish!

    Course Breakfast, Main Course, Main Dish Cuisine American, Italian Keyword eggs in purgatory, eggs in purgatory recipe Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes Servings 6 Calories 134kcal Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

    Ingredients

    For Serving

    Instructions

    Notes

    Storage Information Eggs In Purgatory don’t store very well because when you reheat the eggs, you will cook them more, which means you won’t get the runny yolk that you want in this recipe. However, if you do want to keep any leftovers they will last in the refrigerator for a couple of days. I do not recommend freezing this meal. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 773mg | Potassium: 398mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 742IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg

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