Baked Eggs: The simple breakfast that feels like a luxurious brunch! Have you ever craved a dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and utterly satisfying? Look no further. These aren’t just any eggs; they’re a culinary hug in a ramekin, perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a quick and impressive weekday breakfast.

While the exact origins of baked eggs are a bit hazy, similar preparations have graced tables across Europe for centuries. Think of the French “oeufs en cocotte” or the Italian baked eggs with tomato sauce. Each variation tells a story of resourcefulness and a love for simple, flavorful ingredients. Its a testament to how a humble egg can be transformed into something truly special.

So, what makes this dish so universally loved? It’s the delightful combination of textures the creamy, perfectly cooked egg whites, the runny, golden yolk just begging to be dipped into with a crusty piece of bread, and the endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re a fan of savory herbs, spicy chorizo, or creamy cheese, baked eggs are a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Plus, the individual servings make them ideal for entertaining or portion control. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy eggs!

Ingredients:

6 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella)
6 ramekins (oven-safe)

Preparing the Ramekins and Egg Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for even cooking. Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you even think about putting the ramekins in.
Prepare the ramekins. Lightly grease each ramekin with a bit of the melted butter. This will prevent the eggs from sticking and make them easier to remove later. You can use a pastry brush or even just your fingers to spread the butter evenly.
Whisk the eggs. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and milk until well combined. You want a smooth, homogenous mixture. Don’t over-whisk, just enough to blend everything together.
Add seasonings and cheese. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, chives, salt, and pepper. Be generous with the pepper! Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that the flavors will mellow out a bit during baking.

Assembling and Baking the Baked Eggs

Pour the egg mixture into the ramekins. Divide the egg mixture evenly among the prepared ramekins. Fill them about three-quarters full, leaving some room at the top for expansion during baking.
Add your desired toppings (optional). Now’s the time to get creative! Sprinkle your favorite toppings over the egg mixture in each ramekin. Some great options include cooked bacon crumbles, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or shredded cheese. Don’t overload them, though, or they might overflow during baking.
Bake in a water bath (bain-marie). This is the secret to perfectly creamy baked eggs. Place the ramekins in a baking dish (like a 9×13 inch pan). Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the ramekins. The water bath helps to regulate the temperature and prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly and becoming rubbery.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The baking time will vary depending on your oven and the size of your ramekins. Keep a close eye on them!
Check for doneness. To check if the eggs are done, gently shake one of the ramekins. The eggs should be mostly set but still have a slight jiggle in the center. If they are still too runny, bake for a few more minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let the ramekins cool in the water bath for a few minutes. This will help them to set up a bit more and prevent them from cracking.
Remove ramekins from water bath. Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm. Baked eggs are best served warm, straight from the oven.
Garnish (optional). Garnish with fresh herbs, such as chives, parsley, or dill, for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve with sides. Serve with toast, English muffins, croissants, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Add a sauce. A drizzle of hollandaise sauce, pesto, or hot sauce can add an extra layer of flavor.

Tips and Variations

Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the final product. Use fresh eggs, good quality cream, and flavorful cheese.
Adjust the baking time. The baking time will vary depending on your oven and the size of your ramekins. Keep a close eye on the eggs and adjust the baking time as needed.
Experiment with different toppings. Get creative and experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination. Some other great options include roasted vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, or feta cheese.
Make it ahead of time. You can prepare the egg mixture and assemble the ramekins ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Add a protein boost. For a heartier meal, add cooked sausage, chorizo, or bacon to the egg mixture.
Make it vegetarian. Omit the meat and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Spice it up. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little kick.
Use different cheeses. Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese.
Make it dairy-free. Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Individualize the ramekins. Let each person customize their own ramekin with their favorite toppings. This is a great way to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Troubleshooting

Eggs are overcooked and rubbery. This usually happens when the eggs are baked for too long or at too high of a temperature. Make sure to use a water bath and keep a close eye on the eggs while they are baking.
Eggs are undercooked and runny. This usually happens when the eggs are not baked for long enough. Add a few more minutes to the baking time and check for doneness again.
Eggs are sticking to the ramekins. Make sure to grease the ramekins well with butter before adding the egg mixture.
The water bath is overflowing. Don’t fill the baking dish too full with water. It should only come about halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
The eggs are cracking. This can happen if the eggs are exposed to a sudden temperature change. Let the ramekins cool slightly in the water bath before removing them.

Detailed Ingredient Notes

Eggs:

Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best flavor and texture. Large eggs are the standard size for most recipes, but you can use medium eggs if that’s what you have on hand. If you’re using extra-large eggs, you might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.

Heavy Cream:

Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the baked eggs. You can substitute it with half-and-half or milk, but the texture will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk.

Milk:

Milk helps to thin out the egg mixture and create a lighter texture. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or skim milk. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.

Parmesan Cheese:

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor to the baked eggs. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. You can substitute it with other hard cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

Chives:

Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the baked eggs. You can substitute them with other fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, or thyme.

Butter:

Butter is used to grease the ramekins and prevent the eggs from sticking. You can use salted or unsalted butter. You can also use cooking spray or olive oil.

Salt and Pepper:

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the baked eggs. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste.

Optional Toppings:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings for baked eggs. Some popular options include:

Cooked bacon crumbles
Diced ham
Sautéed mushrooms
Spinach
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella)
Roasted vegetables
Sun-dried tomatoes
Goat

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These baked eggs are truly a game-changer for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Eggs? Baked? What’s the big deal?” But trust me on this one. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, requires minimal cleanup, and the flavor combinations are endless.

What makes this recipe a must-try? First and foremost, it’s the texture. Baking the eggs creates a wonderfully creamy, almost custard-like consistency that’s unlike anything you’ll get from frying or scrambling. The whites are perfectly set, while the yolks remain delightfully runny, just begging to be scooped up with a piece of crusty bread. Secondly, it’s the sheer adaptability. You can customize these baked eggs to suit your own personal tastes and dietary needs. Add your favorite cheeses, vegetables, meats, or herbs to create a truly unique and satisfying dish.

Looking for serving suggestions? I love serving these baked eggs with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a lovely accompaniment. For a more substantial meal, try serving them over a bed of roasted vegetables or alongside a slice of toasted sourdough bread.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are truly endless! For a Mediterranean twist, try adding crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. If you’re a fan of spice, a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce will add a welcome kick. For a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and caramelized onions. You could even create a Mexican-inspired version with chorizo, black beans, and salsa. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative!

Here are a few more ideas to get your culinary juices flowing:

* Baked Eggs Florentine: Add a layer of wilted spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking.
* Baked Eggs with Smoked Salmon: Top the baked eggs with smoked salmon and a dollop of crème fraîche after baking.
* Baked Eggs with Chorizo and Peppers: Sauté chorizo and bell peppers and add them to the ramekins before adding the eggs.
* Baked Eggs with Asparagus and Gruyere: Add chopped asparagus and Gruyere cheese to the ramekins before baking.

I truly believe that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekend brunches, or even a quick and easy snack. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables or meats you have in the fridge.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ramekins, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of baked eggs! I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What variations did you make? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking! I am sure you will love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple, elegant, and delicious way to enjoy eggs, and I know you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Don’t forget to tag me in your photos on social media I can’t wait to see your creations!
Baked Eggs: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious & Easy Recipes

Creamy baked eggs in ramekins, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Customize with your favorite toppings!

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time35 minutes

Category: Breakfast

Yield: 6 servings

Save This Recipe

Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella)
- 6 ramekins (oven-safe)
Instructions
1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Ramekins: Lightly grease each ramekin with melted butter.
3. Whisk Eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and milk until well combined.
4. Add Seasonings: Stir in Parmesan cheese, chives, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
5. Pour into Ramekins: Divide egg mixture evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full.
6. Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle your favorite toppings over the egg mixture in each ramekin.
7. Bake in Water Bath: Place the ramekins in a baking dish. Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
9. Check for Doneness: Gently shake one of the ramekins. The eggs should be mostly set but still have a slight jiggle in the center. If they are still too runny, bake for a few more minutes.
10. Cool Slightly: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let the ramekins cool in the water bath for a few minutes.
11. Remove from Water Bath: Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
12. Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with toast, English muffins, croissants, or a side salad.
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven and ramekin size.
- Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combinations.
- You can prepare the egg mixture and assemble the ramekins ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- For a heartier meal, add cooked sausage, chorizo, or bacon to the egg mixture.
- Omit the meat and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little kick.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese.
- Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
- Let each person customize their own ramekin with their favorite toppings. This is a great way to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Baked Eggs: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious & Easy Recipes