Description
Shirred Eggs are a classic French dish featuring eggs baked gently in a buttered ramekin with cream, Parmesan, and fresh chives, resulting in a rich, creamy texture perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch. Served with crusty bread, this elegant yet simple recipe highlights the delicate balance of creamy yolks and savory cheese.
Ingredients
Eggs and Cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salted butter, for greasing
- Pinch of sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon minced chives
Serving
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the center. Grease a 6-ounce ramekin thoroughly with salted butter to prevent sticking and place it on a rimmed baking sheet for stability and catching any spills.
- Assemble Eggs: Crack the two large eggs gently into the buttered ramekin. Pour the heavy cream carefully around the yolks to avoid breaking them, then gently nudge the yolks toward the center with a spoon. Season the eggs with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake the eggs in the oven for about 11 to 12 minutes, or until the whites are set and no longer transparent but still slightly jiggly in the center, maintaining a creamy texture without being fully firm.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the eggs to rest for 3 to 4 minutes to finish cooking gently and set. Garnish with 1 teaspoon of freshly minced chives for a mild onion flavor and a burst of color.
- Serve: Serve the shirred eggs warm alongside crusty bread to enjoy the creamy eggs with a satisfying crunch for dipping.
Notes
- Use a ramekin size of about 6 ounces to ensure proper cooking and texture.
- Heavy cream adds richness; you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option but results may be slightly less creamy.
- If desired, try adding herbs like thyme or tarragon for additional flavor variations.
- Do not overbake; aim for the whites to be set but the yolks still soft to keep the dish creamy.
- Serve immediately after resting to enjoy the best texture and warmth.
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French