Indulge in the simplicity and elegance of baked eggs, a delightful dish that combines creamy textures with rich flavors. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this recipe is a quick and satisfying way to enjoy eggs with a touch of sophistication. The combination of heavy cream and grated cheese creates a luscious base, while a sprinkle of chives adds a fresh, aromatic finish. Whether you're hosting a gathering or treating yourself to a cozy morning, these baked eggs are sure to impress.
When preparing this recipe, you might find that heavy cream and certain types of grated cheese, such as gruyere, are not always staples in every household. Heavy cream is essential for achieving the creamy texture of the dish, so be sure to pick some up at the supermarket. As for the cheese, feel free to choose your favorite variety, but if you're looking for a more gourmet touch, gruyere is a fantastic option to consider.
Ingredients For Baked Eggs Recipe
Eggs: The main component of the dish, providing protein and a rich flavor.
Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and a luxurious texture to the baked eggs.
Grated cheese: Offers a savory, melted topping; choose from cheddar, gruyere, or your preferred type.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor profile.
Chives: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, onion-like flavor and a pop of color.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve perfectly set egg whites while keeping the yolks slightly runny, consider using a water bath. Place the ramekins in a larger baking dish and pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This gentle cooking method helps distribute heat evenly, preventing the eggs from overcooking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
eggs - Substitute with tofu: Silken tofu can mimic the texture of baked eggs and is a great option for vegans or those with egg allergies.
eggs - Substitute with chia seeds: When mixed with water, chia seeds form a gel-like consistency that can act as a binding agent similar to eggs.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness, making it a good dairy-free alternative.
heavy cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture with added protein and a slight tang, suitable for a healthier option.
cheddar - Substitute with mozzarella: Mozzarella melts well and provides a mild flavor, making it a versatile cheese substitute.
gruyere - Substitute with emmental: Emmental has a similar nutty flavor profile and melts well, making it a suitable alternative to gruyere.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, providing depth to the dish without using salt.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick and can enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish for added freshness.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the baked eggs to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dish soggy.
Transfer the baked eggs to an airtight container. If you used ramekins, you can cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store the baked eggs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, consume them within this timeframe.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked eggs in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
If you prefer using a microwave, place the baked eggs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until heated through.
For freezing, allow the baked eggs to cool completely. Wrap each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Label the wrapped baked eggs with the date of freezing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To thaw, transfer the baked eggs from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight.
Reheat using the oven method for the best texture. Avoid using the microwave for reheating frozen baked eggs as it may alter the texture of the eggs.
Garnish with fresh chopped chives after reheating to refresh the flavors and add a touch of color.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked eggs in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Use a microwave for a quick fix. Place the baked eggs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until hot. Be cautious not to overcook the yolks.
If you have a toaster oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked eggs in a small oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
For a stovetop method, place the baked eggs in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and gently heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
If you prefer a steam method, place the baked eggs in a heatproof dish and set it over a pot of simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes or until heated through, ensuring the yolks remain soft.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the eggs at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C) to achieve the desired texture.
Ramekins: Small dishes used to hold the eggs, cream, and cheese while baking.
Butter knife or pastry brush: Used to grease the ramekins with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the heavy cream accurately.
Grater: Used to grate the cheese for even distribution over the eggs.
Spoon: Used to pour the heavy cream over the eggs in each ramekin.
Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot ramekins when removing them from the oven.
Knife: Used to chop the chives for garnish.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the chives.
Salt and pepper shakers: Used to season the eggs to taste.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-grease ramekins: Prepare your ramekins in advance by greasing them with butter or oil. This saves time when you're ready to assemble the baked eggs.
Pre-grate cheese: Grate your choice of cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly sprinkle it over the eggs when needed.
Batch crack eggs: Crack all eggs into a bowl first, then pour them into the ramekins. This reduces the chance of shell fragments and speeds up the process.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin assembling the ingredients to ensure it reaches the desired temperature on time.
Baked Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated cheese (cheddar, gruyere, or your choice)
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease the ramekins with butter or oil.
- Crack 2 eggs into each ramekin.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of heavy cream over the eggs in each ramekin.
- Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the eggs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny.
- Garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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