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Shirred Eggs

Shirred Eggs
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Shirred Eggs is a classic baked egg dish featuring creamy, custardy whites and luscious yolk centers, baked gently in individual ramekins. This simple yet elegant breakfast recipe requires minimal prep and delivers a perfectly creamy texture with customizable flavors, ideal for a quick, sophisticated morning meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Fresh large eggs (room temperature) – 1 per ramekin
  • Butter – enough to lightly butter each ramekin
  • Heavy cream or crème fraîche – 1 to 2 tablespoons per ramekin
  • Salt – to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper – to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme, dill, tarragon) – for garnish or mixing in
  • Grated cheese (Parmesan, Gruyère, cheddar, feta, mozzarella) – sprinkled on top
  • Sautéed vegetables (mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes) – for variation
  • Diced smoked salmon or crispy bacon – for added flavor
  • Red pepper flakes or hot sauce – for a spicy kick

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ramekins: Lightly butter each ramekin to prevent sticking and add savory richness, helping to create crispy edges.
  2. Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) for gentle, even cooking without drying out the yolks.
  3. Add Cream and Crack the Eggs: Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or crème fraîche into each ramekin. Carefully crack one egg into each dish, keeping the yolk whole and centered.
  4. Season the Eggs: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the eggs. Add grated cheese or fresh herbs now if desired.
  5. Bake in a Water Bath: Place the ramekins in a baking dish and pour hot water halfway up their sides to create a steam bath that gently cooks the eggs.
  6. Bake Until Just Set: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes depending on yolk preference; the whites should be fully set and slightly puffed, yolks creamy and runny.
  7. Serve Immediately: Carefully remove ramekins, garnish with fresh herbs if you like, and enjoy your perfectly baked Shirred Eggs right away.

Notes

  • Use fresh, large eggs at room temperature for best texture and even cooking.
  • Do not skip the water bath to prevent tough whites and rubbery yolks.
  • Keep a close eye on baking time to achieve preferred runniness of yolk.
  • Butter generously to enhance flavor and help form slightly crispy edges.
  • Experiment with crème fraîche or heavy cream for different levels of richness and tang.
  • Reheat leftovers gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes; avoid microwaving to keep texture intact.
  • Shirred Eggs are best served fresh; avoid freezing as texture deteriorates.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shirred Eggs, baked eggs, creamy eggs, elegant breakfast, easy breakfast, custardy eggs, ramekin eggs

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/shirred-eggs/