We tried this incredibly easy microwave recipe as soon as we saw it — a classic bologna bowl cooked in the microwave that’s become a simple family favorite. Inspired by Matty Matheson and Rachel Ray, this tiny breakfast is fast, satisfying, and surprisingly delicious. You really should try it.
What is a Bologna Bowl?
A bologna bowl is a nostalgic, no-fuss dish many of us remember from childhood. It’s simply one or more slices of bologna arranged in a microwave-safe bowl, topped with a slice of cheese and a raw egg. Microwave briefly until the egg reaches your preferred doneness—the bologna crisps at the edges and the cheese melts underneath. Serve it on toast or dip a piece of toast into the bowl for a quick, comforting breakfast or snack.
Is it Bologna or Baloney?
The word bologna comes from the Italian city of Bologna and refers to a type of cooked, cured meat that’s usually sold as a loaf and sliced. In American English you’ll often see it written as bologna or baloney—both are widely understood. Call it what you like; the dish is the same.
Video: Watch Bologna Bowl in Microwave Recipe
If you prefer a visual guide, there’s a short video demonstration later in this post showing our version of the bologna bowl and timing tips to help you get the egg just right.
Tips on Getting the Egg to the Right Texture
This recipe is straightforward, but the main trick is cooking the egg to the texture you prefer. Use these tips to control the outcome:
- Most versions use 1–3 bologna slices to form the “bowl.” The more slices you stack, the longer it takes for the egg white to set because the meat insulates the egg.
- If you want a runny yolk, use a single bologna slice. With less insulation the white cooks faster without overcooking the yolk.
- If you prefer a fully set yolk, use multiple slices and cook the bowl until both whites and yolk are firm.
- The basic technique: place the bologna(s) in a microwave-safe bowl, add one slice of cheese, then crack one egg on top and season with salt and pepper.
- Microwave covered on High for about 1 minute, then let it sit, covered, for 1 minute. The residual heat will finish cooking the whites while limiting yolk overcooking. If it needs more time, microwave in 15–20 second bursts until it’s done to your liking.
- This simple timing approach makes it easy to fine-tune the texture for your preference.
Bologna Bowl in Microwave
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Ingredients
- 1–3 slices Bologna
- 1 slice American cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 1 slice Toast, for serving
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Equipment
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Microwave
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Microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl
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Silicone bowl cover, microwave-safe plate, or paper towel (optional)
Instructions
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Place 1 to 3 slices of bologna in a microwave-safe bowl, arranging them to form a shallow cup.
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Place a slice of cheese on top of the bologna.
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Crack an egg on top of the cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cover the bowl with a silicone lid, a microwave-safe plate, or a paper towel and place it in the microwave.
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Microwave on High for about 1 minute, then let the bowl sit covered for 1 minute. Check doneness and, if necessary, continue microwaving in 15–20 second intervals until the egg is cooked to your preference.
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Serve warm on or beside toast and enjoy.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
Who made this bologna bowl in microwave popular?
Chef Matty Matheson is often credited with popularizing the bologna bowl when he included it in his cookbook and showcased it on television appearances, which helped the simple breakfast gain wider attention.
Silicone Covers and Tools for Microwaving Eggs
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