Creamy Shirred Eggs (Breakfast Favorite!)

The quicker and easier breakfast is, the better. Eggs are our go-to breakfast since they’re an inexpensive and healthy protein source that can be cooked quickly. It doesn’t take long though until we get tired of the typical fried or scrambled approach.

Shirred eggs are a new (and kind of fancy) spin on breakfast eggs. If you haven’t heard of them, you’re going to love this new take on a classic staple!

What Are Shirred Eggs?

Shirred eggs are a simple baked egg dish that is delicious for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and sometimes even dinner. Traditionally, they are cooked in a flat bottomed dish called a shirrer (hence the name). They are now more commonly cooked in any of several different types of dishes from ramekins to gratin dishes, but the name has stuck.

Many people mistake shirred eggs for a similar dish, eggs en cocotte, which are baked in a ramekin that is placed in a water bath (also called a bain-marie). Who knew there were so many ways to make eggs!

How to Make the Perfect Shirred Egg

This dish is incredibly simple, but at the same time feels very fancy. Here’s how it’s made:

1. Butter ramekins.
2. Crack two eggs into each ramekin.
3. Add cream, chives, spices, and Parmesan.
4. Bake.
5. Add cheese and bake to melt.

That’s it! I told you it was simple.

These are almost always served in the dish that they are cooked in, which is why I like to use ramekins. If you don’t have them, any dish that is oven-safe and about 6 ounces will work… even small mason jars! However, I do recommend investing in some ramekins at some point. They’re fairly inexpensive and perfect for other dishes like panna cotta or mini-quiche.

p.s. If you’re wondering about the fat content in this recipe, our family doesn’t shy away from healthy fats from pastured eggs and grass-fed dairy for these reasons.

Shirred Eggs Recipe

Katie Wells

Make this simple, but elegant breakfast by cooking eggs with cream, chives, and cheese in a ramekin in the oven.

3.88 from 25 votes

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine English

Servings 4 servings

Calories 321 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 TBSP butter (softened)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or canned coconut milk)
• 8 eggs
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 TBSP fresh chives (minced)
• 2 TBSP Parmesan cheese (grated, optional)
• ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded, optional)

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Using your hands, lightly coat the insides of four 6-ounce ramekins with the softened butter.
• Crack 2 eggs into each ramekin.
• Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to each dish.
• Sprinkle each with salt, pepper, chives, and Parmesan cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes until the yolks are still soft, but set.
• Add the cheddar cheese evenly among dishes and return to oven until just melted.
• Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Try adding a slice of ham to the bottom of the dish before adding the eggs!

Nutrition

Serving: 1ramekinCalories: 321kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 16gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 392mgSodium: 434mgPotassium: 158mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1226IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Recipes Using Eggs

If you eat eggs as frequently as my family does, you might enjoy some more egg-based recipe ideas:

• Broccoli Quiche with Bacon – This crustless quiche is packed with healthy protein, fat, and antioxidants from vegetables. It’s easy to make and holds together well enough to bring to school or work.
• Sous Vide Egg Bites – I created this Starbucks copycat recipe and love the results. These egg bites are delicious and because I made them at home, they’re inexpensive and healthy.
• Breakfast Casserole – This endlessly versatile breakfast casserole is a great choice when you need to cook for a crowd. It’s simple to throw together and can even be made ahead.
• Easy Vegetable Frittata – Egg dishes are easy to make and work for more than breakfast. This frittata is no exception. I love that the kids can help make this dish as well.
• Zucchini Fritters – When I have extra zucchini in the garden I like to make these fritters. They’re made with zucchini, eggs, and almond flour making them a healthy breakfast (or anytime!) food.
• Avocado Breakfast Bake – If you like avocado, you’ll enjoy this simple breakfast. It’s a great choice for a quick win (protein from the egg plus fat from the avocado equals super filling meal).
• Ham and Egg Cups – Another simple recipe, this one was created because I ran out of bacon! It turned out to be a hit and is one of our regular breakfasts now.
• Huevos Rancheros – I’m originally from Texas, so when I had the chance to try this Tex-Mex meal I jumped. Since my family doesn’t eat grains anymore, I created a grain-free version that doesn’t disappoint.
• Pizza Egg Bites – If you’re looking for something that can be eaten any time of day, these pizza bites are for you. They have all the flavor of pizza but no grains.
• Grain-Free Pancakes and Waffles – These make the list since they use a lot of eggs as well.

Have you tried shirred eggs before? What is your go-to simple breakfast recipe?