Shirred Eggs|A Baked Egg Recipe (2024)

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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, and, if you've got enough ramekins, can also feed a crowd!

But what about this whole "shirred eggs" business?

FAQ's about Shirred Eggs:

What are shirred eggs?

Shirred eggs are just another name for baked eggs! The name comes from the flat bottomed dish eggs were originally cooked in.

What is the cooking method used in making shirred eggs?

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.
Shirred Eggs|A Baked Egg Recipe (2)

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|A Baked Egg Recipe (3)

Shirred Eggs

Shirred Eggs -easy to make, have endless varieties and are beautiful to serve.

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Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 205kcal

Author: Nancy Buchanan

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

Recipe Notes

I used leeks and tomatoes, but you could use any combination of ingredients that you like - vegetables, cheese, bacon, pancetta or ham... the list is really endless!

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 204mg | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 145mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1120IU | Vitamin C: 4.5mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 1mg

YOU KNOW I WANT TO SEE IT!Mention @Acommunaltable or tag #acommunaltable!

More Simple Egg Recipes

  • Leek, Mushroom and Yogurt Frittata
  • Baked Orzo with Bacon, Spinach and Feta
  • Chile Cheese Casserole
  • Eggs in Nests

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. 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!

    Reply

  2. My Man's Belly says

    I haven't made these before. What's the egg consistency like when they're done?

    Reply

  3. 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.

    Reply

  4. 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

    Reply

  5. 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.

    Reply

  6. Allison [Haute Box] says

    I love shirred eggs especially with some toast "soldiers" for dipping. Mmm...runny yolk is my fave!

    Reply

  7. Kate says

    I love the simplicity of this dish - perfect dinner for one or two light eaters !

    Reply

  8. Magic of Spice says

    Your shirred eggs look wonderful and gorgeous photos.

    Reply

  9. Mary Ann says

    Great brunch idea! putting it in my recipe file~

    Reply

  10. Damaris @Kitchen Corners says

    I have neve heard of these before but they look wonderful.

    Reply

  11. 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.

    Reply

    • 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!!

      Reply

  12. 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!

    Reply

    • 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!!

      Reply

  13. 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!

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  14. 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]

    Reply

  15. Traci says

    Shirred Eggs|A Baked Egg Recipe (6)
    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 🙂

    Reply

    • Nancy says

      Awww... thanks Traci! Love sharing your recipes - sooo good!!!

      Reply

  16. Jeani Featherngill says

    Can you make this dish without ramekins? Say, in a pie plate?

    Reply

    • Nancy says

      Absolutely!!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Shirred Eggs|A Baked Egg Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between shirred eggs and baked eggs? ›

Shirred Eggs are a type of baked eggs, and are a super-simple way to turn the humble egg into an enticing meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Eggs are cracked over a bed of garlicky mushroom and spinach in small dishes, topped with a dash cream and parmesan then baked until just-set.

How long to bake eggs at 350 degrees? ›

Bake eggs at 350ºF for 10-15 minutes or until the yolk reaches your desired doneness. If your eggs don't come right out, run a knife around the edges to help them loosen.

How do you make baked eggs not rubbery? ›

The best way to make sure your eggs don't turn dry and rubbery is to not overcook them. When less heat is applied, there isn't time to squeeze out all the moisture. So your eggs stay tender, not chewy.

What is the cooking method in making shirred? ›

Brush 4 ovenproof ramekins with melted butter. Crack one egg into each ramekin; top evenly with cream, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in 350°F (180°C) oven or until egg whites are just set and yolks are still slightly runny (or cook to desired doneness).

What is the difference between shirred and coddled eggs? ›

Coddled eggs are more similar to a shirred egg, but instead of being baked in the oven in a water bath, they are cooked on the stovetop in a water bath.

Are baked eggs better than fried? ›

Research has shown that when eggs are baked for 40 minutes, they may lose up to 61% of their vitamin D, compared to up to 18% when they're fried or boiled for a shorter period of time ( 11 ). However, even though cooking eggs reduces these nutrients, eggs are still a very rich source of vitamins and antioxidants ( 5 ).

What is the rule of eggs in baking? ›

Egg white has the capability to gel and is frequently used as a binding agent in many different prepared foods. Using more whites in a cake mixture will help create a fluffy, light baked product with good volume and texture; while using more yolks will create a denser baked good with a deeper, richer flavour.

How do you tell if baked eggs are done? ›

Cook or bake until a thermometer inserted at the center shows 160° F or a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Is it better to bake with fresh eggs or older eggs? ›

The fresher the egg, the better the flavor. Your omelets, scrambled eggs, and egg sandwiches will be noticeably more robust in flavor if you use the freshest eggs possible. But when it comes to baking, the freshness of the egg doesn't have a big impact on the taste of your baked goods.

Why are my baked eggs runny? ›

Remember, the eggs will continue to cook and set after they are removed from the oven. So, it's important to keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking and achieve the beautiful runny yolk. If, however, you prefer yolks on the firmer side, leave them in the oven for a minute or two longer.

How do you keep egg bake from deflating? ›

Flour. A little bit of flour in your egg bake casseroles gives them great structure. This makes it easier to slice and prettier to present on a plate once it's baked. It also helps the casserole keep its shape and avoid deflating or shrinking.

What are other names for shirred eggs? ›

Shirred eggs, also known as baked eggs, are eggs that have been baked in a flat-bottomed dish; the name originates from the type of dish in which it was traditionally baked.

What is a coddled egg yolk? ›

Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images. A coddled egg is an egg that is gently cooked whole in a small dish that's placed in a hot water bath. When this culinary technique is done properly the yolk should be slightly runny while remaining unbroken. It's similar to a poached egg.

Why is a ramekin called a ramekin? ›

The term is derived from the French ramequin, a cheese- or meat-based dish baked in a small mould. The French term is in turn derived from early modern Dutch rammeken, which translated to 'toast' or 'roasted minced meat', itself apparently from ram 'battering ram' + -kin 'diminutive', but it is unclear why.

What is another name for a baked egg? ›

Shirred eggs, also known as baked eggs, are eggs that have been baked in a flat-bottomed dish; the name originates from the type of dish in which it was traditionally baked. Shirred eggs are considered a simple and reliable dish that can be easily varied and expanded upon.

What is the difference between shirred eggs and scrambled eggs? ›

Scrambled eggs are usually made by whisking eggs, sometimes with a little cream or water and black pepper then sautéing them in a pan until soft curds form. Shirred eggs are cracked into ramekins, topped with a little cream, baked, and then commonly topped with chives, parm, and sometimes, bacon!

What are the 4 types of cooking eggs? ›

From boiling, scrambling and poaching, to answers to the most popular egg preparation questions.
  • Boiled. ...
  • Fried. ...
  • General tips. ...
  • Microwave. ...
  • Omelettes tortillas and frittatas. ...
  • Poached. ...
  • Scrambled.

What is it called when you cook eggs without flipping them? ›

Sunny Side Up Eggs: An egg is fried only on one side and never flipped for completely liquid yolk and barely set whites.

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