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This recipe for shirred eggs is a simple and tasty way to start the morning, and it takes very little hands-on time. The eggs are baked in individual ramekins with a little butter, cream, and your choice of cheese. Just pop them in the oven and let them cook while you get ready for your day!
The directions below are for 1 serving, but the recipe can easily be scaled up for more. For several, arrange the ramekins on a large baking sheet.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Quick and easy. Minimal prep and hands-off baking make this a perfect weekday breakfast.
Rich and satisfying. Cream, butter, and cheese give the eggs a luscious texture and flavor.
Customizable. Add herbs, vegetables, or meats to tailor each ramekin to your taste.
Ingredient Notes
- Butter: A little melted butter coats the ramekin and adds richness.
- Eggs: Use large eggs. The fresher, the better for appearance and texture.
- Heavy cream: Adds a velvety texture and helps the eggs bake gently.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Cheese: Use your favorite melting cheese—cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or fontina all work well.
Steps to Make Easy Shirred Eggs
- Grease a ramekin with melted butter.
- Crack two eggs into the ramekin.
- Pour cream over the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake until the eggs are nearly set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Top with cheese and return to the oven just until melted.
- Serve hot straight from the ramekin.
Tips for Perfect Shirred Eggs
- Use room temperature eggs for more even baking.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet for easy handling in and out of the oven.
- Bake just until the whites are set and yolks are still soft for the best texture.
- For firmer yolks, add an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Recipe Variations
- Mexican: Mix in some black beans, diced bell pepper, and top with pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle with a bit of chili powder and serve with salsa and avocado slices.
- Italian: Add a dash of Italian seasoning or dried leaf basil, and use mozzarella cheese. After baking, garnish with fresh basil and drizzle a little marinara over the top.
- Mushroom and Spinach: Place some sautéed mushrooms and spinach in the ramekin before adding the eggs, cream, and seasonings. Use fontina, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese.
- Smoked Salmon: Omit the cheese. Place some smoked salmon slices in the bottom of the ramekin. Add the eggs, cream, and seasonings with a dash of fresh dill.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with toast or English muffins for dipping.
- Add a side of breakfast potatoes or roasted tomatoes.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a light brunch.
- Include fresh fruit or juice to round out the plate.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftover baked eggs in the ramekin or transfer to an airtight container. Use within 2 days.
Freeze: Not recommended, as the texture of baked eggs becomes watery when thawed.
To reheat: Cover the ramekin loosely with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or microwave on 50% power in short increments until heated through.
Easy Shirred Eggs – Baked Eggs with Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 tsp butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 to 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, Gruyère, or cheddar cheese
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Butter the ramekin and heat the oven to 350°F.1 tsp butter
- Break the eggs into the ramekin, then top with the cream and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.2 large eggs | 2 tbsp heavy cream | salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your liking. Top with the cheese and continue baking for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.1 to 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, Gruyère, or cheddar cheese
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
