Sunny Side Up Eggs vs. Over Easy: How to Make Them Perfectly (2024)

You've probably heard of sunny side up eggs and over easy eggs, but can you tell the difference between the two? They're both variations on fried eggs, which have had something of a ren-eggs-ance over the past few years, appearing atop salads, burgers, pizzas, waffles—and pretty much everything but cake.

Learn what the difference is between the sunny side up eggs and over easy eggs, how to make them perfectly—and where you can use your new fried egg prowess.

What's the Difference Between Sunny Side Up Eggs Vs. Over Easy Eggs?

Sunny side up eggs and over easy eggs are simply two different ways to prepare fried eggs.

For a sunny side up egg, the egg is cracked in the pan and cooked simply—no flipping required. That results in a golden, runnier yolk and a perfectly cooked white.

For over easy eggs, you'll flip the egg partway through cooking, which results in a more even cook for the egg overall. Over easy eggs still have a runny yolk like a sunny side up egg. If you want the yolk more cooked, you'd need to order your egg over medium or over well.

How to Make Sunny Side Up Eggs

Two tricks to cooking a sunny side up egg: Use a glass lid and a nonstick or cast iron pan to make it easy to remove it and to watch it cook, and use medium-low heat to avoid making your whites too crispy (unless, of course, that's how you like them!).

Set the pan with a tablespoon of oil or butter over medium low heat, and let it melt and warm. Break the eggs into the pan, and cover with a glass lid. (That lets you keep track of its progress without releasing the steam.) When the whites are just set, remove the lid and let the egg cook until the whites are fully set. (That usually takes another two minutes.)

How to Make Over Easy Eggs

Over easy eggs follow similar steps as sunny side up eggs. Set your nonstick or cast iron pan over medium-low heat, and melt or warm a tablespoon of butter or oil in the pan. Crack your egg into it, and let it cook until the whites are just set, about two minutes. Flip the egg using a spatula, and cook for about 20 to 30 seconds on the other side. (If you leave it longer on the other side, you can end up with eggs over medium or eggs over well.)

Recipes That Call for Sunny Side Up Eggs or Over Easy Eggs

Fried eggs are delicious on their own, or topping a toast, waffles, or veggies. Check out these different ways to use sunny side up eggs or over easy eggs.

Crunchy Skillet Eggs With Herbs

Panko breadcrumbs and fresh herbs elevate a plate of fried eggs for this simple dish. Here, eggs are served sunny side up.

Black Bean and Eggs-Over-Easy Tostadas

Eggs over easy make these tasty tostadas a perfect addition to brunch—or a gorgeous lunch or dinner, too.

Sunny Side Up Sheet Pan Breakfast

Whether you serve this as breakfast, or breakfast-for-dinner, this all-in-one sheet pan recipe isn't short on deliciousness. Potatoes, spinach, onions, and proscuitto make a perfect nest for sunny side up eggs.

Feta Fried Egg Recipe

This TikTok trendy recipe uses two favorite TikTok ingredients: feta cheese and eggs. And it couldn't be simpler to make!

Spring Greens Tartine With Prosciutto, Fontina, and Fried Egg

These pretty toasts are full of flavor, thanks to the prosciutto and fontina cheese. While the recipe calls for sunny side up eggs, sub in over easy (or medium, or well!), depending on the preferences of you and your family.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Pancetta and Fried Egg

A sprinkling of pancetta and a fried egg boost the protein count for this tasty winter salad.

Cheesy Chive Waffles With Fried Eggs

Yes, waffles can be savory, too. Here, Gruyere cheese and chives give this waffle savory flair—and a topping of peppery watercress or arugula, a well-fried egg, and a tasty lemon mayo make this a treat for brunch or dinner. Again, this recipe calls for sunny side up eggs, but you can always opt to make them over easy instead.