Description

Shirred Eggs are a simple and elegant baked egg dish featuring eggs gently cooked in butter and heavy cream, resulting in silky-soft whites and creamy yolks. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, this recipe requires minimal prep and cookware, delivering rich, comforting flavors with customizable herbs, cheese, and vegetable options.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 fresh eggs
1 to 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the ramekin)
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or crème fraîche
Pinch of salt
Pinch of cracked black pepper

Optional Additions

Fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, basil, dill, or tarragon)
Cheese (Gruyère, Parmesan, feta, cheddar, etc.)
Sautéed vegetables (spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms)
Cooked proteins (bacon, smoked salmon, ham)
Dairy-free cream substitutes (coconut cream or plant-based cream)

Instructions

Prepare your ramekin: Generously butter the inside of a small ramekin, coating every inch to prevent sticking and add richness.
Add the cream: Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream evenly over the bottom of the buttered ramekin to create a silky base for baking.
Crack the eggs carefully: Gently crack 2 fresh eggs into the ramekin without breaking the yolks, ensuring they sit comfortably side by side.
Season the eggs: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper evenly over the eggs to enhance their natural flavor.
Bake until set: Place the ramekin inside a baking dish filled with hot water halfway up the ramekin sides. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the whites are set but yolks remain soft.
Garnish and serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh herbs or cheese if desired and serve immediately to enjoy the best creamy texture and warm comfort.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs to ensure even cooking and prevent cracking.
Maintain the water level in the baking dish halfway up the ramekin to promote gentle, even cooking.
Watch carefully and avoid overbaking so the yolks stay soft and creamy, not rubbery.
Customize seasoning with spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick without overpowering the eggs.
Prepare ramekins in advance by buttering and chilling to speed up assembly.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Western

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 230
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 370mg

Keywords: shirred eggs, baked eggs, creamy eggs, ramekin eggs, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, elegant eggs, baked egg dish, simple egg recipe