Shirred eggs are a favorite baked egg recipe and are brunch time's BFF. Creamy and custardy, these eggs are beyond simple to make, have almost infinite flavor variations and only take minutes to bake.
And isn't that something we all want for a morning meal?
Ingredients You will need:
- eggs
- cream
- butter
- parmesan cheese (optional)
- chives or other fresh herbs (optional)
- leeks, tomatoes, artichoke hearts (optional)
- salt, pepper and paprika
Baked egg recipes are among my favorite brunch dishes since they can (a) be made ahead, (b) feed a crowd and (c) there are so many different versions! But, they aren't always the most elegant looking right?
Which is where these little cups of eggs come in. They are just as easy (if not easier!) to make, have almost infinite flavor variations,
But what about this whole "shirred eggs" business?
FAQ's about Shirred Eggs:
Shirred eggs are just another name for baked eggs! The name comes from the flat bottomed dish eggs were originally cooked in.
The eggs are simply baked in the oven. No water bath needed!
Tips for making this baked egg recipe:
- One of the beauties of this baked egg recipe is that
you can jazz them up with just about anything - onions, mushrooms, leeks, tomatoes, spinach, peppers, chiles, pancetta, bacon, ham, prosciutto, etc., etc. - Think of your favorite
omelette or hashbrown recipe for inspiration and go from there!! - Although you can't bake shirred eggs ahead of time, if you are adding anything to the eggs you can cook that in advance as well as assemble the dishes in advance.
How to make Shirred Eggs: A Baked Egg Recipe:
- Step #1: Saute the vegetables if using.
- Step #2: Grease the ramekins and add the vegetables.
- Step #3: Add an egg to each ramekin.
- Step #4: Spoon the cream over and bake.
Other egg recipes you may like!
If you liked these shirred eggs, I would love for you to give it a 5 star rating!
Cheers! Nancy
📖Recipe
Shirred Eggs
Ingredients
- 1 large sliced Leek
- 2, seeded and diced tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup cream
- 2 Tbsp. minced chives
- salt and white pepper
- ¼ tsp. smoked paprika
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat 1 Tbsp. of butter in a medium saute pan. Add the leeks and the tomatoes and saute until leek is bright green and tender - about 3 minutes. Season with salt and white pepper.Use remaining Tbsp. of butter to grease 4 6 oz. ramekins. Divide leek mixture among the ramekins and using a spoon to spread the mixture in an even layer. Sprinkle the vegetables with the parmesan cheese. Carefully break an egg into each ramekin and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle 1 Tbsp. of cream over each egg. Place ramekins on a sheet pan and place in the oven.Bake the eggs for 9 to 12 minutes or until the whites are softly set.
- Remove ramekins from oven and dust tops with smoked paprika and chives. Serve
Daydreamer Desserts says
Have I been living under a rock? I'd never heard of Shirred eggs till just now, thanks for sharing this fab egg dish Nancy. I can't wait to make it for the boys!
My Man's Belly says
I haven't made these before. What's the egg consistency like when they're done?
Cathy/ShowFoodChef says
These are my Go-To brunch and weekend quickies, too. We often think alike and I love that. I use Clotilde Dusoulier's (Oeuf Cocote in Chocolate & Zucchini) idea of laying a slice of tomato in the bottom. Your pics are SO inviting and loved your cooking the leeks, etc.. first. Mmmm.
the urban baker says
these are one of my favorites and you make it just way i like to eat it. your photos, Nancy, are right on point!!!!! x
Lucy Lean says
Is there a difference between baked, shirred and coddled eggs? Curious! Love them! Sometimes make this with duck eggs - bigger yolk to white ratio so cooks but stays runny.
Allison [Haute Box] says
I love shirred eggs especially with some toast "soldiers" for dipping. Mmm...runny yolk is my fave!
marla {family fresh cooking} says
I must get on it and make some shirred eggs! These look amazing & so simple.
Kate says
I love the simplicity of this dish - perfect dinner for one or two light eaters !
Magic of Spice says
Your shirred eggs look wonderful and gorgeous photos.
Mary Ann says
Great brunch idea! putting it in my recipe file~
Damaris @Kitchen Corners says
I have neve heard of these before but they look wonderful.
Lynne @ CookandBeMerry says
I've never made shirred eggs, but now I see I need to give these a try. Your photo is just beautiful.
Nancy says
Thanks Lynne!! I think you'd like these - the fact that you can put pretty much whatever you like with them makes them a winner in my book!!
Barbara | VinoLuciStyle says
I love shirred eggs but haven't had them in years...now why is that? I am so in the habit for Easter of making creamed eggs on toast points as a way of using up all those hard boiled eggs but my children are grown and I can move on, right? 🙂
Beautiful pictures too and I haven't had breakfast yet...seriously thinking this might be brunch!
Nancy says
It is funny how we get stuck making many of the same dishes - and yes, you have my permission to move on!!! I struggled a bit with this photo but it is getting easier!!
lisaiscooking says
At the Gabrielle Hamilton class I attended a few weeks ago, she made a similar brunch dish. I love how versatile this is. It really can be suited to any taste. Your version sounds fantastic, and I love the paprika and chives on top!
Nancy says
I do too and the fact that they are so easy to make and look so pretty!! I want to try a version with chorizo and onions with a little chile pepper on top.. I've got to stop, I am making myself hungry!
Kim says
Anything with a runny yolk works for me. I'd have to make some toast on the side to mop up the goodness. 🙂 Perfect for brunch!
[K]
Traci says
Eggs are already such a comfort food, and shirred eggs are over-the-top scrumptious! I will love to eat these any season of the year. Great recipe, Nancy...and thanks for sharing mine too 🙂
Nancy says
Awww... thanks Traci! Love sharing your recipes - sooo good!!!
Jeani Featherngill says
Can you make this dish without ramekins? Say, in a pie plate?
Nancy says
Absolutely!!!