If you’re craving a cozy, elegant breakfast that feels like a special treat without any fuss, this Shirred Eggs Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender whites set just right, golden, runny yolks, and a delicate creamy texture elevated by fresh chives and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This classic French-inspired dish is comfort on a plate, perfect for mornings when you want to impress yourself or a loved one with something truly delicious yet incredibly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for balancing the richness, creaminess, and fresh notes of the dish. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the silky texture and bright flavors that make this Shirred Eggs Recipe so unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon: Perfect for greasing the ramekin, ensuring the eggs don’t stick and lending a subtle buttery aroma to every bite.
- Heavy cream, 2 teaspoons: Adds a luxurious creaminess that mingles beautifully with the eggs for that soft, velvety finish.
- Large eggs, 2: The star of the show—fresh eggs will give you tender whites and rich, runny yolks.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the eggs and balancing the richness.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Minced fresh chives, 1 teaspoon: Offers a bright, onion-like essence that livens up the dish with fresh color and taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon: Introduces a nutty, salty note and a delicious golden crust that makes these eggs irresistible.
How to Make Shirred Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature creates the perfect environment to gently cook the eggs without overdoing the yolks. While the oven warms, grease a 6-ounce ramekin thoroughly with the unsalted butter—cover the bottom and sides well to keep everything from sticking and add a touch of buttery flavor.
Step 2: Add Cream and Crack Eggs
Pour the heavy cream into the base of the buttered ramekin. Then carefully crack the eggs on top, making sure to keep the yolks intact because they will provide that silky, runny richness you’re aiming for. Every step here is about treating your eggs with tender care to achieve that luxurious texture.
Step 3: Season and Sprinkle Cheese
Season the eggs lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out their natural flavors. Next, add the minced chives for a burst of freshness and texture, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This cheese will melt delightfully as it bakes, forming a savory, golden crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your ramekin on a baking sheet to make handling easier, then pop it into the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the whites are just set but the yolks remain beautifully runny. It’s this balance that makes the Shirred Eggs Recipe so enchanting—firm whites that nestle the creamy yolk like a little treasure.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, take the ramekin out of the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes. This resting time lets everything settle so you won’t lose a drop of that golden yolk when you dig in. Trust me, the anticipation makes it taste even sweeter.
How to Serve Shirred Eggs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like a sprinkle of chives or finely chopped parsley add vibrant color and a mild oniony aroma that complements the richness so well. A light dusting of extra Parmesan can also bring an appealing nuttiness and texture, giving each spoonful another layer of flavor delight.
Side Dishes
Shirred eggs shine brightest alongside crusty, warm toast or a buttery croissant that’s perfect for dipping into those velvety yolks. Pair them with a simple green salad, roasted tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to round out the meal—each side dish adds a touch of freshness or earthiness to balance the creamy eggs.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your shirred eggs in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. For a fancy brunch, place them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by mini herb bouquets and thin slices of toasted baguette. You could even experiment with toppings like smoked salmon, crispy bacon, or caramelized onions to make every bite a delightful surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, cover the ramekin tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the eggs to an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll keep well for up to two days but are best enjoyed fresh to savor the creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing shirred eggs is not recommended because the delicate texture of the cooked eggs tends to suffer, becoming rubbery and watery upon thawing. This dish is really best enjoyed freshly baked and warm.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated shirred eggs, gently warm them in a low oven at about 300 degrees Fahrenheit or microwave briefly at medium power. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking the yolks—you want to reheat just enough to enjoy that silky consistency again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Shirred Eggs Recipe?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a lovely nutty flavor, you can experiment with Gruyère, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of feta for a different twist on this classic. Each cheese changes the character subtly but deliciously.
Is it possible to add vegetables to the dish?
Yes! Adding finely chopped spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms before baking can introduce extra nutrients and flavor, making your Shirred Eggs Recipe even more satisfying and colorful.
How do I know when the eggs are perfectly cooked?
The clue lies in the whites being fully set and opaque while the yolks should remain soft and jiggly when you gently shake the ramekin. This perfect balance creates that indulgent creamy texture the dish is famous for.
Can I make Shirred Eggs Recipe for more than one person?
Definitely. Simply multiply the ingredients and use individual ramekins or a larger baking dish. Just adjust the baking time slightly if using a bigger dish so the eggs cook evenly.
What if I don’t have ramekins?
If ramekins aren’t on hand, small oven-safe dishes or even a muffin tin can work as alternatives. Just be sure they’re well-greased and heat-proof for the oven process.
Final Thoughts
This Shirred Eggs Recipe is a delightful way to transform humble eggs into a cozy, elegant meal that feels special any day of the week. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your list of favorite dishes to share with friends and family.
Print
Shirred Eggs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Shirred Eggs is a classic French breakfast dish featuring eggs baked gently in a buttered ramekin with cream, topped with fresh chives and Parmesan cheese. The result is a creamy, rich egg dish with softly set whites and runny yolks, perfect for a comforting morning meal.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the eggs.
- Prepare Ramekin: Grease a 6-ounce ramekin thoroughly with unsalted butter, covering both the bottom and sides to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Add Cream and Eggs: Pour the heavy cream into the ramekin, then gently crack the two large eggs on top, ensuring the yolks remain intact for a perfect runny center.
- Season and Top: Season the eggs with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle the minced fresh chives and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for added flavor and aroma.
- Bake the Eggs: Place the ramekin on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the ramekin from the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before serving to let the dish settle slightly and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Check eggs frequently starting at 12 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain runny yolks.
- Use a 6-ounce ramekin for the best portion and even cooking.
- Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor; substitute with green onions if preferred.
- Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth; try other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano for variation.
- Serve with toasted bread or a light salad for a complete breakfast.
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