If you are searching for a breakfast that’s both elegant and incredibly satisfying, look no further than Classic Shirred Eggs (Baked Eggs in Ramekin) – Creamy, Easy 20-Minute Breakfast. This dish combines the richness of creamy eggs baked gently in a ramekin with just the right sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs. It’s a simple yet delightful way to start your day with a touch of French-inspired comfort that feels special without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever did breakfast without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the ingredients; each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Classic Shirred Eggs (Baked Eggs in Ramekin) – Creamy, Easy 20-Minute Breakfast. From the silky butter to the fresh chives, every element enhances the final dish.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 teaspoon): Vital for greasing the ramekin to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness.
- Heavy cream (2 teaspoons): Creates that luscious, creamy texture that makes the eggs indulgent and smooth.
- Large eggs (2): The star of the show, fresh eggs with intact yolks are key for that delicate bake.
- Salt to taste: Enhances the natural egg flavor without overpowering.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Adds a gentle hint of spice and complexity.
- Minced fresh chives (1 teaspoon): Brings a light oniony freshness and a pop of color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 tablespoon): Offers a savory, slightly nutty topping that melts beautifully during baking.
How to Make Classic Shirred Eggs (Baked Eggs in Ramekin) – Creamy, Easy 20-Minute Breakfast
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Ramekin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven warms up, generously grease a 6-ounce ramekin with the unsalted butter, making sure you coat the bottom and sides well. This step ensures that the eggs won’t stick and also adds a subtle buttery flavor that complements the creaminess perfectly.
Step 2: Add Cream and Crack the Eggs
Pour the heavy cream into the bottom of the ramekin—it’s the secret to that velvety texture everyone loves. Carefully crack two large eggs on top of the cream, trying not to break the yolks since they provide that lovely, runny center after baking.
Step 3: Season and Sprinkle Toppings
Now it’s time to bring it all to life with seasoning. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Then sprinkle on the minced fresh chives, which brighten up the dish, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese that will melt into a golden, savory crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the ramekin on a baking sheet to catch any drips and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, just until the whites are set and the yolks remain deliciously runny. Keep an eye on it—this timing is crucial to nail that creamy texture.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove your ramekin from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This brief pause allows the dish to settle and ensures you don’t burn your mouth when digging in. Now your Classic Shirred Eggs (Baked Eggs in Ramekin) – Creamy, Easy 20-Minute Breakfast is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Classic Shirred Eggs (Baked Eggs in Ramekin) – Creamy, Easy 20-Minute Breakfast
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or dill. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a gorgeous touch and a subtle complexity, making this dish feel even more special on your breakfast table.
Side Dishes
Classic Shirred Eggs pair beautifully with crisp toasted sourdough or a buttery croissant for dipping into those creamy yolks. A side of sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes adds earthy and sweet notes, rounding out the meal perfectly without overpowering the eggs.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your baked eggs nestled on a bed of lightly sautéed spinach for a nutrient boost. You could also transform this into a brunch centerpiece by arranging several ramekins together, each garnished differently, to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The creamy texture remains surprisingly intact, making it a convenient and quick breakfast or snack later on.
Freezing
Freezing baked shirred eggs isn’t recommended since the delicate texture of the egg yolks can become grainy and watery upon thawing, affecting the overall deliciousness of the dish.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in a low-temperature oven or microwave at short intervals to avoid overcooking. Keeping the yolks soft is key to preserving that signature creaminess of Classic Shirred Eggs (Baked Eggs in Ramekin) – Creamy, Easy 20-Minute Breakfast.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese besides Parmesan?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a lovely nutty flavor and browns nicely, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, cheddar, or even feta for a different twist. Just keep in mind the saltiness and melting qualities of your chosen cheese.
What if I prefer fully cooked yolks?
No problem. Simply extend the baking time by a few minutes until the yolks reach your preferred level of doneness. Just be careful not to overbake, or the eggs might dry out and lose their creaminess.
Can this recipe be doubled for more servings?
Yes! Use multiple ramekins or a larger baking dish, adjusting the cooking time slightly depending on the size. Just keep an eye on the eggs to ensure they don’t overcook.
Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with milk?
You can, but heavy cream really makes a difference in texture and richness. Using milk will yield a lighter bake, which is nice but slightly less creamy and indulgent.
What type of ramekin is best to use?
A 6-ounce ramekin is ideal for this recipe. Ceramic or porcelain ramekins are preferred since they distribute heat evenly and give the eggs that perfect tender bake.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely encourage you to give this Classic Shirred Eggs (Baked Eggs in Ramekin) – Creamy, Easy 20-Minute Breakfast a try. Its effortless elegance and comforting creaminess make it a standout anytime you want to treat yourself to a breakfast that feels a little more special. Once you master this recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
PrintClassic Shirred Eggs (Baked Eggs in Ramekin) – Creamy, Easy 20-Minute Breakfast
Shirred Eggs are a classic French breakfast dish featuring eggs baked gently in a buttered ramekin with cream, herbs, and cheese, resulting in a comforting and elegant meal that’s quick to prepare and deliciously rich.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the eggs evenly.
- Prepare the ramekin: Grease a 6-ounce ramekin thoroughly with unsalted butter, coating both the bottom and sides to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Add cream and eggs: Pour 2 teaspoons of heavy cream into the buttered ramekin, then carefully crack two large eggs on top, being cautious not to break the yolks for the perfect texture.
- Season the eggs: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the eggs to taste, followed by minced fresh chives and grated Parmesan cheese to add freshness and a savory note.
- Bake: Place the ramekin on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny, for that classic shirred egg consistency.
- Rest and serve: Remove the ramekin from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the eggs to settle and slightly cool for safe and enjoyable eating.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust baking time if you prefer firmer yolks.
- You can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Gruyère or Pecorino.
- Serve with toasted bread for a complete breakfast.
- Ramekins of different sizes may alter cooking time slightly.