I’m crazy about eggs. They’re a self-contained breakfast (or breakfast for dinner) packed with health benefits. Plus, they’re so easy to put together in a 13×9 dish for an easy, cheesy family brunch. (Here’s a bunch of our go-to recipes.)
I always buy organic eggs at the grocery store without thinking too much about it, but lately, I’ve wondered: Is that extra $4 worth spending? I taste tested organic eggs and conventional (non-organic) eggs to find out!
About the Eggs
I bought two dozen eggs at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, our local grocery store. For the test, I picked up the cheapest dozen in the cooler (which happened to be a store brand), plus a carton of Organic Valley eggs. Both were Grade A Large eggs.
- Fresh Thyme Farmers Market Eggs (Non-Organic): $1.69
- Organic Valley Eggs (Organic): $5.99
I noticed a difference as soon as I opened the box—the organic eggs had a brown shell, while the non-organic eggs had a white shell. When I cracked ‘em open, the Fresh Thyme eggs, my non-organic contender, had a beautiful orange-yellow yolk! I loved the deep color, which held up even when eggs were scrambled or cooked over easy. I was surprised to see that the organic eggs had a yolk that was a much paler yellow. Here’s the real reason why egg yolks are different colors.
The Taste Test
To test the eggs, I prepared them scrambled with a splash of whole milk and over easy. Here’s what I discovered…
Non-Organic Eggs
- Scrambled: They scrambled up flat and somewhat rubbery, though they definitely had a brighter yellow color.
- Over Easy: Super yolk-y, which is perfect for anyone who dunks a piece of toast in their runny yolk. The only downside—a white that was somewhat rubbery.
Organic Eggs
- Scrambled: The scrambled eggs were light, fluffy and so easy to eat. The egg-y flavor was good, but not overpowering. I could still taste the ½ tablespoon of butter I cooked the eggs in.
- Over Easy: The yolk taste was bland in comparison to the non-organic egg! But the white was smooth, not chewy at all.
Do Organic Eggs Taste Better?
Not always. It turns out organic eggs don’t automatically taste better than their non-organic competitors simply because they’re organic. But flavor and texture aren’t the only factors to consider when you make a purchase. Lots of people prefer to buy organic eggs simply because the hens aren’t confined to cages, have access to the outdoors and are fed organic feed. It’s a personal decision.
For any dish that needs an extra-fluffy texture, though, I would splurge on the organic dozen. You can check out our complete egg guide to buying eggs, here.
Get Crackin’ with Our Best Egg Recipes
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BLT Egg Bake
BLTs are a favorite at my house, so I created this recipe to combine those flavors into a warm, cozy casserole. It was such a hit, I served it to my church ladies group at a brunch I hosted. —Priscilla Detrick, Catoosa, Oklahoma
Zucchini Egg Skillet
My neighbor shared more zucchini from his garden than I knew what to do with. He loved this recipe—it's great for brunch or a special breakfast. —Darcy Kennedy, Hendersonvlle, North Carolina
Ham & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
Easy and cheesy, my go-to casserole for action-packed mornings has made many appearances at holiday breakfasts, potlucks and even my daughter's college apartment to feed her hungry roommates. —Patty Bernhard, Greenville, Ohio
Yankee Rancheros
After my in-laws began affectionately referring to me as a "Yankee," I decided I needed to learn to make a few Mexican dishes. These rancheros are super easy and make my Tex-Mex-loving family happy—even if they do come from a Northerner. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Breakfast Burger
My husband is big on eggs and bacon, so I wanted to merge his breakfast favorites with a grilled burger for an over-the-top treat. Topping it with my homemade blackberry jam sealed the deal. —Tina Janssen, Walworth, Wisconsin
Sausage Tortilla Breakfast Bake
This casserole is perfect for a special brunch. It combines the spices of the Southwest with the comfort of a hearty breakfast. You can spice it up by adding cayenne and hot peppers, or mellow it by replacing the tomatoes and green chilies with mild salsa. It’s versatile and easy—no wonder it’s a longtime family favorite. —Darlene Buerger, Peoria, Arizona
Italian Cloud Eggs
Drop egg yolks on nests of whipped Italian-seasoned egg whites, then bake in a cast-iron skillet. Dreamy!—Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Italian Eggs Benedict with Pesto Hollandaise
My husband and I have a standing breakfast date on Saturday mornings. When we want something fancy, we make Italian-inspired eggs Benedict with pesto and prosciutto. —Jackie Dodd, Los Angeles, California
Breakfast Spuds
Here's a dish that has it all—sweet potatoes, eggs, ham and cheese—for a powerful start to the day. —Annie Rundle, Muskego, Wisconsin
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
Flaky salmon and creamy sauce go so well over hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle the sauce or serve it on the side; it's great either way. —Marinela Dragan, Portland, Oregon
Creamy Eggs & Mushrooms Au Gratin
When I want a brunch recipe that has the crowd appeal of scrambled eggs but is a little more special, I turn to this dish. The Parmesan sauce is simple but rich and delicious.—Deb Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Breakfast Bread Bowls
The best part about these creative and convenient bread bowls is that you can fill them with whatever you want. This is one of our favorite breakfasts. —Patrick Lavin, Jr., Birdsboro, Pennsylvania
Italian Brunch Torte
We always serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Southwestern Hash with Eggs
Before I retired, this all-in-one skillet dish was constantly requested at office brunches. I'd leave out the eggs, double or triple the recipe and wrap servings of the zippy pork mixture in warm corn tortillas. —Barbara Beasley, Beaumont, Texas
Eggsquisite Breakfast Casserole
I developed this recipe over 20 years ago. The rich warm sauce tastes especially great on cold winter mornings. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine! — Bee Fischer, Jefferson, Wisconsin
Veggie Sausage Strata
As a retired home economics teacher, I've made quite a few recipes through the years. This hearty casserole is a favorite in my family. —Dorothy Erickson, Blue Eye, Missouri
Creamy Egg Salad
I love the versatility of egg salad, especially with this recipe. You can serve it on a nest of mixed greens, tucked into a sandwich or with your favorite crisp crackers. —Cynthia Kohlberg, Syracuse, Indiana
Turkey & Stuffing Eggs Benedict
This is a fun way to enjoy holiday leftovers as if presenting them for the first time. Serve for brunch, with champagne and cranberry juice. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Bacon & Mushroom Omelets
I had grown tired of the same breakfast meals, so I wanted to make something more interesting. These fresh and flavorful omelets come with a versatile sauce that can also be used as a nacho dip. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
Cheesy Ham & Egg Sandwiches
I turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier you could have for dinner, too. We pile toppings like salsa, avocado—even mayo and ketchup—onto my homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Brunch Pizza
Whenever I entertain guests, this zippy pizza is a definite crowd-pleaser. It also makes a great late-night snack for any time of the year! —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Mushroom-Avocado Eggs on Toast
Two of my favorites – mushroom and avocado – make a stacked sandwich fancy enough for company or a weekend breakfast with the family. —Carol McLaughlin, Papillion, Nebraska
Overnight Asparagus Strata
I've made this tasty egg dish for breakfast, brunch, even dinner as a side dish. This is not your run-of-the-mill strata. —Lynn Licata, Sylvania, Ohio
Mini Ham & Cheese Quiches
We bake mini quiches for breakfast or brunch with ham and cheddar in muffin pans. Salad croutons replace the need for a crust. —Lois Enger, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Eggs Benedict with Homemade Hollandaise
Legend has it that poached eggs on an English muffin started at Delmonico’s in New York. Here’s my take on this brunch classic, and don’t spare the hollandaise. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia
Ham & Brie Strata
There's nothing quite like my comfy strata made with Brie, ham and mushrooms. Put it together and bake it now, or hold it overnight to pop into the oven tomorrow. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Cheesy Zucchini Quiche
A few years ago, I found this zucchini brunch recipe that's quick to prepare and freezes well, too. Just put it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight and pop it into the oven when you wake up! —Karen Howard, Lakeville, Massachusetts
Ham 'n' Cheese Omelet Roll
This brunch dish has easy ingredients and an impressive look all rolled into one! I love hosting brunch, and this special omelet roll is one of my very favorite items to prepare and share. A platter of these pretty swirled slices disappears fast. —Nancy Daugherty, Portland, Ohio
Secret-Ingredient Stuffed Eggs
My take on deviled eggs is full of surprises. The down-home appetizer Mom used to make gets an upscale touch from mango, goat cheese and pecans. People love these tempting treats. —Beth Satterfield, Dover, Delaware
Sheepherder's Breakfast
My sister-in-law always made this delicious breakfast dish when we were camping. Served with toast, juice and milk or coffee, it's a sure hit with the breakfast crowd! One-dish casseroles like this were a big help while I was raising my nine children. Now I've passed this recipe on to them. —Pauletta Bushnell, Albany, Oregon
Cheesy Vegetable Egg Dish
I'm a cook at a Bible camp, and this is one of my most popular recipes. Everyone who tries it raves about it. The one that touched me the most was when a 10-year-old boy asked me for the recipe so he could have his mom make it at home. —Elsie Campbell, Dulzura, California
Makeover Deviled Eggs
This updated version of a classic appetizer uses only half the egg yolks of the original recipe and calls for soft bread crumbs to help firm up the filling. We replaced the mayo with fat-free mayonnaise and reduced-fat sour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mediterranean Broccoli & Cheese Omelet
My Italian mother-in-law taught me to make this omelet years ago—she would make it for breakfast, lunch or dinner and eat it on Italian bread. This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover broccoli. —Mary Licata, Pembroke Pines, Florida
Prosciutto-Pesto Breakfast Strata
I'd never tried prosciutto before this recipe, and it instantly made me a die-hard fan! The layers of flavor in this dish are brilliant, making it well worth the time and a must for your recipe box. —Vicki Anderson, Farmington, Minnesota
Corned Beef Hash and Eggs
Sunday breakfasts have always been special in our house. It's fun to get in the kitchen and cook with the kids. No matter how many new recipes we try, they always rate this corned beef hash recipe No. 1! —Rick Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Stir-Fry Rice Bowl
My meatless version of Korean bibimbap is tasty, pretty and easy to tweak for different spice levels. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Sausage and Egg Casserole
For the perfect combination of eggs, sausage, bread and cheese, this is the dish to try. My mom and I like this sausage breakfast casserole because it bakes up tender and golden, slices beautifully and goes over well whenever we serve it. —Gayle Grigg, Phoenix, Arizona
Baked Cheddar Eggs & Potatoes
I love making breakfast recipes with eggs for dinner, especially this combo with potatoes and cheese that's started in a skillet on the stovetop and then popped into the oven to bake. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona
Curried Egg Salad
A curry kick gives this egg salad big appeal. We love it when the weather gets warm. —Joyce McDowell, West Union, Ohio
Amish Breakfast Casserole
We've enjoyed a few hearty breakfast casseroles while visiting an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the ladies told me the ingredients right off the top of her head. I modified it to create this quick and easy breakfast casserole my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana
Mushroom Sausage Strata
This flavorful casserole is a hearty mainstay for our family's Christmas Day brunch menu. Being able to assemble the recipe ahead of time is a real plus! —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Italian Garden Frittata
I like to serve this pretty frittata with melon wedges for a delicious breakfast or brunch. —Sally Maloney, Dallas, Georgia
Eggs in Muffin Cups
My mother used to make these all the time for my family, so I'm just carrying on the tradition. They're quick to put together, and while they're in the oven I go get ready for the day. My children loved them, even when they were toddlers. —Lisa Walder, Urbana, Illinois
Italian Sausage Egg Bake
This hearty entree warms up any breakfast or brunch menu with its herb-seasoned flavor. —Darlene Markham, Rochester, New York
Calico Scrambled Eggs
When you're short on time and scrambling to get a meal on the table, this recipe is "eggs-actly" what you need. There's a short ingredient list, and cooking is kept to a minimum. Plus, with green pepper and tomato, it's colorful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Eggs Benedict Burgers
To feed my daughter’s hungry cowboy friends after a rodeo, I created these with leftover burgers, hollandaise and bacon. They were a huge hit! —Bonnie Geavaras-Bootz, Scottsdale, Arizona
Salsa & Scrambled Egg Sandwiches
Power up with a breakfast that keeps you going all morning long. In my humble opinion, this sandwich tastes so much better than anything that comes from a drive-thru! —Marcia Conlon, Traverse City, Michigan
Frittata Florentine
My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Horseradish Deviled Eggs
People say, "Wow!" when they taste these flavorful tangy deviled eggs. The bold combination of ground mustard, dill and horseradish is so appealing. The plate is always emptied whenever I serve these eggs. —Ruth Roth, Linville, North Carolina
Brunch Burritos
I like to use a second slow cooker to keep the tortillas warm and pliable when I serve these hearty burritos. Just place a clean wet cloth in the bottom, then cover it with foil and add your tortillas.—Beth Osburn, Levelland, Texas
Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a dish of poached eggs with tomatoes, onion and cumin. I learned it while traveling through Southeast Asia, and it's been my favorite way to eat eggs since. —Ezra Weeks, Calgary, Alberta
Fluffy Scrambled Eggs
When our son, Chris, wants something other than cold cereal in the morning, he whips up these eggs. Cheese and evaporated milk make them especially good. They're easy to make when you're camping, too. —Chris Pfleghaar, Elk River, Minnesota
Bistro Breakfast Panini
I tried an omelet that contained brie, bacon and apples and thought it would be tasty as a breakfast panini—so I created this recipe! —Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri
Bacon 'n' Egg Lasagna
My sister-in-law served this special dish for Easter breakfast one year, and our whole family loved the mix of bacon, eggs, noodles and cheese. Now I sometimes assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for a terrific hassle-free brunch entree. -Dianne Meyer, Graniteville, Vermont
Brunch Strata
Ham, zucchini, mushrooms and cheese flavor this rich, hearty egg dish. It looks irresistible on a breakfast or lunch buffet, and it’s easy to cut into neat squares. Make sure you bring the recipe—everyone will want it! —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
Asparagus Cream Cheese Omelet
When asparagus is in season, it makes an appearance at almost all of my meals. It tastes fantastic in this cheese omelette, and it looks pretty, too. —Jane Cain, Junction City, Ohio
Canadian Bacon Onion Quiche
For more than 20 years, we sold our homegrown specialty onions at the farmers market. I handed out this favorite recipe for a classic quiche to all our customers. —Janice Redford, Cambridge, Wisconsin
What's in the Fridge Frittata
What's a frittata? Why it's a delicious dish that's great for brunches and last-minute get togethers—and you can stuff it with just about any ingredients you have in the fridge! Though I have received rave reviews on many combinations, my favorite is onion, red pepper, mushroom and crab.
Brunch Hash & Egg Bake
When my kids were growing up, I was cooking for eight. I couldn't conveniently fry eggs for eight, so I devised this recipe that became a family favorite. Mild and salty feta cheese is my favorite for the dish, but shredded cheddar or Parmesan work, too. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Pesto Egg Salad Sandwiches
For a casual springtime meal with a twist, boil up some eggs and dinner will be done presto. —Tenley Haraldson, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
The post I Cooked Regular and Organic Eggs Side by Side and the Results Were Surprising appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lara Eucalano