Shirred eggs are simple to prepare for a quick breakfast, elegant enough for informal entertaining, and satisfying enough for a big dinner. Trying new egg recipes like shirred eggs is entertaining and adds diversity to meal preparation for those who are blessed with fresh eggs every day.
Cooking for a crowd can be difficult, especially when using something as popular as eggs, because everyone enjoys them differently. But don’t panic; our shirred eggs dish is a simple and popular option. You can make a basis for the dish using your favorite vegetables, then top it with an egg and cheese. Then place it in the oven and wait for the magic to happen. After 10 minutes in the oven, the dish has a beautiful custard-like consistency that is creamy and delicious. The beauty of shirred eggs is that you can make them using any leftovers in the fridge. The only limit is your imagination for this tasty method of using leftovers.
What is Shirred Egg?
Shirred eggs, also called baked eggs, are baked in a flat-bottomed dish; the term comes from the style of the dish in which they were historically baked. Shirred eggs are a basic and dependable recipe that may easily be changed and expanded. A different technique to prepare the eggs is to crack them into individual ramekins and cook them in a water bath, like in the French meal oeufs en cocotte.
Shirred eggs are eggs that have been baked in a flat-bottomed gratin dish. They were traditionally baked in a dish called a stirrer, from which the meal got its name, but the name today applies to any dish they are baked. Ufs en cocotte, on the other hand, are baked in a ramekin in a bain-marie, or water bath.
How to Make Shirred Eggs?
Something magical happens when you bake eggs with cream, turning them into a dense, silky custard, becoming much more than the sum of their parts.
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon butter
- Two teaspoons of heavy whipping cream
- Two eggs
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- One teaspoon of minced chives
- One tablespoon of grated hard cheese, such as parmesan
How Long do Shirred Eggs Last?
At room temperature, fresh shirred eggs can last up to 2 hours. Place the eggs in airtight containers or zip-lock bags to keep them fresh in the fridge. This method allows the meal to last up to three days. Except for a frittata or quiche, most egg dishes are best eaten when prepared and do not reheat well. Refrigerate for up to a day, then reheat gently and briefly in the microwave or oven, or serve cold.
Can you Freeze Shirred Eggs?
You certainly can. Allow your shirred eggs to cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap. The eggs should then be placed in a zip-top bag or an airtight container. Shirred eggs will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheat them in the oven or microwave and serve with bread whenever you want a nice, substantial breakfast. Other ways to prepare eggs include this easy egg drop soup and our nutritious egg muffins. Alternatively, try our minimalist options: an egg salad recipe and the best method to cook sunny-side-up eggs.
Toppings for Baked or Shirred Eggs
Like a frittata or an omelet, Shirred eggs can be customized to your taste preferences simply by changing the toppings.
- Greek-style ingredients: Top eggs with feta cheese, spinach, and olives for Greek salad-style baked eggs.
- Parmesan and black pepper: For a creamy and spicy dish reminiscent of cacio e Pepe pasta, sprinkle the eggs with Parmesan cheese and a generous pinch of black pepper.
- Ham and cheese: For a low-carb meal, place a slice of ham in the bottom of the muffin tray and form a cup shape. Crack the egg into the ham cup, top with Gruyere cheese, and bake for a portable snack.
- Diced veggies: Top each egg with chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
Tips for Cooking and Serving Baked Eggs
Here are five tips for cooking and serving the dish:
- Use cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spray the baking dish or muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or drizzle olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. This ensures the eggs will slide out of the pan easily.
- Remove eggs from the oven a minute early. An egg can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in a minute or two. Remove the eggs from the oven just before the timer goes off and set them on a cooling rack. The hot baking dish will cook the eggs as they cool on the counter.
- Make eggs ahead of time for meal prep. Bake individual eggs in a muffin pan or small ramekins and store them in the refrigerator for three to four days. To reheat them, place them in the microwave medium-high for 50–60 seconds.
- Use egg whites for a lean protein snack. Instead of cracking the whole egg in the cupcake pan, separate the egg whites from the yolks, then whisk the egg whites with salt and pepper before pouring them into the oiled pan to bake. These eggs are low in carbohydrates and gluten-free.
- Feed a crowd with a one-pan breakfast casserole. Scramble 12 eggs, mix in spices and desired toppings, and pour the eggs into a greased casserole dish. Bake for about 30 minutes or as long as it takes for the eggs to set.
Conclusion
Shirred Eggs are baked eggs and are a super-simple way to turn the humble egg into an enticing meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These simple shirred eggs are baked in separate dishes with cream, butter, and cheddar cheese. The name may sound elegant (after all, it’s a French meal), but it’s nothing more than eggs baked in a flat-bottomed casserole.
The eggs are not scrambled; instead, they are covered with cream, cheese, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. This shirred egg recipe provides a simple breakfast with only two eggs per person. Top with crumbled sausage or bacon, sliced ham, or serve with tomato slices or fruit. They go well with baked beans, potatoes, or even a green salad as a side dish.
These eggs are perfect for a weekend breakfast, Sunday brunch, or a different take on breakfast for dinner. This simple yet gorgeous egg recipe will most certainly become a household favorite.
