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Shirred Eggs with Cream, Cheese, and Chives Recipe

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4 from 69 reviews

Shirred Eggs are a simple and elegant baked egg dish where eggs are gently cooked in a buttered ramekin with cream and cheese, resulting in a rich, creamy texture perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • Butter or olive oil (for greasing the dish)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons grated or crumbled cheese (like gruyere, herbed goat cheese, Emmental, or Boursin)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon finely sliced chives (or other tender herbs)

Instructions

  1. Grease the ramekin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-ounce ramekin with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Bake the eggs: Crack two large eggs into the prepared ramekin. Pour the heavy cream evenly around the yolks to add richness. Sprinkle the grated or crumbled cheese over the eggs, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Place the ramekin in the oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes. Start checking at around 10 minutes to avoid overcooking; the eggs should look slightly undercooked as they will finish cooking outside the oven.
  3. Garnish and serve: Remove the ramekin from the oven and sprinkle the finely sliced chives on top for freshness and a mild onion flavor. Serve the shirred eggs warm for the best texture and taste.

Notes

  • Different ramekin shapes and sizes can affect cooking times; adjust accordingly.
  • For a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but this will change the texture.
  • Try various cheeses like feta, cheddar, or parmesan for different flavor profiles.
  • To make this dish dairy-free, use a suitable cheese substitute and olive oil for greasing.
  • The eggs will continue cooking a bit once removed from the oven, so slightly underbaking ensures perfect softness.