My grandma made this every spring when the pantry was running low. It sounds almost too simple to actually work. The rich savory flavor makes it a comforting meal you never forget.

This 4-ingredient creamed eggs on toast is one of those humble, end-of-the-month pantry meals my grandma used to make every spring when the cupboards were looking a little bare but we still needed something warm and filling. It sounds almost too simple to actually work—just eggs, milk, butter, and a bit of flour over toasted bread—but the rich, savory cream sauce and tender chunks of hard-boiled egg turn into a comforting meal you never forget. It’s the kind of recipe you can pull together on a busy weeknight or a slow Sunday morning with what you already have on hand.

Serve the creamed eggs hot over toasted bread on a simple white plate, with plenty of sauce spooned over the top so it soaks into the toast. A side of sliced fresh fruit or a small green salad helps balance the richness, and a little black pepper on top is lovely if your family likes it. This works for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner; I often pair it with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of cold milk for the kids. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out extra toast pieces and let everyone ladle the creamy eggs themselves.

Servings: 4

6 large eggs

Place the eggs in a medium saucepan and cover them with cold water by about 1 inch. Set the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a full rolling boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10–12 minutes.

While the eggs sit, toast the bread until nicely browned. You can use a toaster or lay the slices on a baking sheet under the broiler, watching closely so they don’t burn. Cut the toast into large bite-size pieces and arrange them on a white plate or in shallow bowls so they’re ready for the sauce.

When the eggs are done, drain off the hot water and run cold water over the eggs until they’re cool enough to handle. Peel the eggs, then chop them into rough chunks about 1/2 inch in size. Set aside.

In a clean medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk or stir constantly for 1–2 minutes, until the mixture looks smooth and slightly bubbly. This cooks out the raw flour taste, which is important for good flavor.

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking, breaking up any lumps as you go. Keep cooking and stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens and gently bubbles, 5–7 minutes. You’re looking for a thick, creamy consistency that will coat the back of a spoon.

Season the cream sauce with a good pinch of salt and a little black pepper if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning; this simple dish relies on enough salt to bring out its rich, savory flavor.

Gently fold the chopped hard-boiled eggs into the hot cream sauce, stirring just until the eggs are evenly distributed and warmed through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, let it simmer a minute longer, stirring, until it thickens.

Spoon the hot creamed eggs generously over the browned toast pieces, letting the thick white sauce with chunks of egg cover the toast. Serve right away while everything is warm and comforting.

For picky eaters, you can serve the creamed eggs and toast separately so kids can decide how much sauce they want on top, or even let them dip the toast into the sauce. If your family likes a little extra richness, stir in a small handful of shredded cheese right at the end until melted. To stretch the meal, add another slice or two of toast and thin the sauce slightly with a bit more milk. If you’re trying to use up odds and ends, a spoonful of leftover ham, cooked bacon, or peas can be folded into the cream sauce along with the eggs. For a lighter take, use 2% milk and serve the creamed eggs over whole-grain toast. A sprinkle of paprika or chopped fresh chives on top can make it feel a little special without adding much work or cost.