Creamy Herb-Baked Eggs with Custom Additions
Elevate your breakfast with these creamy herb-baked eggs, perfect for family gatherings or special brunch occasions. Inspired by Deborah Madisonโs original recipe, this dish allows for endless customization with your favorite ingredients like fresh herbs, crispy bacon, or sautรฉed vegetables. Each ramekin delivers a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures, making it a simple yet sophisticated option for any egg lover. Serve these individually baked eggs alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 tablespoon (Softened for greasing)
large eggs
6 (Cracked into ramekins)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
whipping cream
2 tablespoons (Drizzled over eggs)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
2
Prepare six 6-ounce ramekins by greasing them with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of butter each, ensuring the insides are well coated.
3
Carefully crack one egg into each ramekin.
4
Sprinkle the eggs evenly with fresh ground black pepper and salt, enhancing their natural flavor.
5
Drizzle 1 teaspoon of whipping cream over each egg to add richness and creaminess.
6
Arrange the prepared ramekins in a large 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
7
Pour hot water into the baking dish around the ramekins until the water reaches a depth of about 1 1/4 inches. This water bath will gently cook the eggs for a tender texture.
8
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the eggs have set to your liking. They should be just firm but still have a bit of softness in the center.
9
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy your gourmet baked eggs straight from the ramekins!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Herb-Baked Eggs with Custom Additions?
This is a sophisticated breakfast dish where eggs are baked in individual ramekins with whipping cream and seasonings for a rich, tender texture.
Who inspired this baked egg recipe?
This dish is inspired by a recipe from culinary author Deborah Madison.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 6 individual servings.
What oven temperature is required for baking the eggs?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size ramekins should I use?
You should use six 6-ounce ramekins for this recipe.
How do I prepare the ramekins?
Grease each ramekin with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of softened butter to ensure the eggs do not stick.
How many eggs are placed in each ramekin?
Carefully crack one large egg into each prepared ramekin.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The eggs are seasoned with fresh ground black pepper and salt to enhance their flavor.
Why is whipping cream added to the eggs?
Drizzling whipping cream over the eggs adds richness and creates a creamy, gourmet texture.
How much whipping cream is used per egg?
Drizzle exactly 1 teaspoon of whipping cream over each individual egg.
What is the purpose of the water bath?
The water bath, or bain-marie, allows the eggs to cook gently and evenly for a tender result.
How much water should be added to the baking dish?
Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches a depth of about 1 1/4 inches around the ramekins.
What size baking dish is needed to hold the ramekins?
A large 13 x 9-inch baking dish is recommended to hold all six ramekins.
How long do the eggs need to bake?
Bake the eggs for about 25 minutes, or until they have set to your personal preference.
How can I tell when the baked eggs are finished?
The eggs are ready when they are just firm but still retain a bit of softness in the center.
Can I add fresh herbs to this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the dish by adding your favorite fresh herbs before or after baking.
What vegetables work well as additions?
Sautยยed vegetables such as spinach, onions, or mushrooms make excellent additions to the ramekins.
Can I add meat like bacon to the dish?
Yes, crispy bacon is a popular addition that adds a savory crunch to the creamy eggs.
What should I serve alongside these baked eggs?
These eggs are best served with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch gathering?
Yes, the individual servings and sophisticated presentation make it ideal for special brunch occasions.
Can I substitute heavy cream for whipping cream?
Yes, heavy cream can be used as a substitute for whipping cream in this recipe.
Do I need to let the eggs cool before eating?
Yes, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying them straight from the ramekins.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is a simple yet elegant recipe that uses basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Are these baked eggs gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the optional additions are gluten-free, the base recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I scale the recipe down?
Yes, you can easily prepare fewer ramekins if you are cooking for a smaller number of people.
What kind of salt is recommended?
Standard table salt or sea salt works perfectly for seasoning these eggs.
Can I use a different type of butter?
You can use salted or unsalted butter, but softened butter is necessary for proper greasing.
Can I add cheese to the ramekins?
Yes, adding a sprinkle of cheese like gruyยยre or cheddar can further enhance the flavor.
Why is it called 'Custom Additions'?
It is called 'Custom Additions' because the base recipe is a blank canvas for your favorite ingredients like herbs or meats.
Do I need to cover the baking dish?
No, the baking dish remains uncovered during the cooking process in the oven.