Baked eggs, also known as “oeufs en cocotte” in French cuisine, are a simple yet elegant way to enjoy eggs. This method of cooking involves baking eggs in individual ramekins, creating a dish that is both visually appealing and delicious. Whether you’re preparing a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner, individual baked eggs are a versatile and healthy option that can be customized to suit any taste.
Ingredients
To make individual baked eggs, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, or dill) for garnish
- Additional ingredients for variations (e.g., spinach, ham, tomatoes, mushrooms)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ramekins
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butter the Ramekins: Using the softened butter, grease the insides of four ramekins to prevent the eggs from sticking.
Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients
- Add the Cream: Pour one tablespoon of heavy cream into each ramekin. This helps keep the eggs moist and adds a rich flavor.
- Crack the Eggs: Carefully crack one egg into each ramekin, making sure not to break the yolk.
- Season the Eggs: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over each egg. If you like, you can also add a little grated cheese on top for extra flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Eggs
- Prepare a Water Bath: Place the ramekins in a baking dish. Pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath will help cook the eggs evenly and gently.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your liking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish: Remove the ramekins from the oven and carefully take them out of the water bath. Garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve: Serve the baked eggs hot, directly in the ramekins, with toast or crusty bread on the side.
Tips and Variations
- How to Bake Eggs Instead of Frying: Baked eggs are a healthier alternative to fried eggs, as they require less oil and can be cooked with added vegetables or lean proteins.
- Do Baked Eggs Taste Good? Yes! Baked eggs have a creamy texture and can be customized with various toppings to suit your taste.
- What is Oven Egg? Oven eggs are simply eggs cooked in the oven, either baked in ramekins or as part of a larger dish.
- Are Baked Eggs Healthy? Baked eggs are a nutritious option, providing high-quality protein and essential vitamins with minimal added fat.
- What Happens if I Bake an Egg? Baking eggs results in a tender and creamy texture, different from fried or scrambled eggs.
- How to Cook Eggs Without Frying: Baking is an excellent method for cooking eggs without the need for frying. You can also poach or boil eggs for other healthy options.
- Individual Baked Eggs Healthy: When made with minimal added fats and lots of vegetables, individual baked eggs are a healthy and balanced meal.
- Oven Baked Eggs Recipe: This recipe for individual baked eggs is a simple and delicious way to enjoy oven-cooked eggs.
- Baked Eggs Ramekin: Using ramekins allows for perfect portion control and a beautiful presentation.
- Simple Baked Eggs Recipe: This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients.
- Baking Scrambled Eggs in Oven: You can also bake scrambled eggs in the oven by whisking them with milk and baking in a greased dish.
- Baked Eggs Shakshuka: For a twist, try baking eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, known as shakshuka.
- French Baked Eggs: The French method, “oeufs en cocotte,” involves baking eggs with cream and seasoning for a rich and elegant dish.
- Baked Eggs in Ramekins Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, you can also bake eggs in ramekins at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
Individual baked eggs are a delightful and nutritious option for any meal. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy perfectly cooked eggs every time. The versatility of baked eggs allows you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors, making it a favorite for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Try this recipe today and experience the simplicity and elegance of individual baked eggs. Don’t forget to leave a comment below to share your experience, and be sure to tag us on social media with your creations. For more delicious and easy recipes, subscribe to our newsletter at easycrispyrecipes.com and never miss an update