Herbed Egg Casserole
Indulge in a delightful brunch experience with our Herbed Egg Casserole, a quintessentially French dish that combines fresh herbs, rich flavors, and a beautiful presentation. This baked egg creation is perfect for leisurely luncheons, allowing you to spend quality time with your guests while the oven does all the work. With a blend of aromatic herbs and creamy Parmesan cheese, each bite is a savory escape. Serve it alongside toasted French or brioche bread to soak up every delicious morsel. Not only is this dish visually appealing, but its simplicity and adaptability make it suitable for any gathering, no matter the season.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
minced fresh garlic
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
minced fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
minced fresh rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
extra large eggs
12 (whole)
heavy cream
1/4 cup (liquid)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (cubed)
salt
to taste (as needed)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (as needed)
toasted French bread or brioche bread
for serving (toasted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler for 5 minutes, positioning the oven rack 6 inches below the heat source.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Carefully crack three eggs into each of four small bowls or teacups, ensuring the yolks remain intact; this step is crucial for the presentation.
4
On a baking sheet, place four individual gratin dishes, ready for the broiling step.
5
Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and 1/2 tablespoon of unsalted butter into each of the gratin dishes. Place them under the broiler for approximately 3 minutes, or until hot and bubbling.
6
With precision, pour three eggs from each bowl into the prepared gratin dishes. Generously sprinkle the herb mixture on top of the eggs, followed by a liberal dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
7
Return the baking sheet to the broiler and allow the eggs to cook for 5 to 6 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through for even cooking, until the egg whites are nearly set.
8
After removing from the oven, remember that the eggs will continue to cook from residual heat. Let them rest for 60 seconds.
9
Serve the Herbed Egg Casserole hot, paired with toasted French or brioche bread for an irresistible brunch treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Herbed Egg Casserole?
The Herbed Egg Casserole is a delightful French-inspired brunch dish featuring eggs baked with fresh herbs, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
What type of cuisine is this dish?
This recipe is considered a quintessentially French dish.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need 12 extra large eggs in total for this casserole.
What specific herbs are used in the herb mixture?
The herb mixture consists of minced fresh garlic, fresh thyme leaves, fresh rosemary leaves, and fresh parsley.
What type of cheese is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the recommended bread to serve with the casserole?
It is best served alongside toasted French bread or brioche bread.
How should the oven be prepared?
Preheat your broiler for 5 minutes with the oven rack positioned 6 inches below the heat source.
Why should I crack the eggs into small bowls first?
Cracking eggs into small bowls first ensures the yolks remain intact, which is crucial for the dish's presentation.
How many eggs go into each gratin dish?
Each of the four gratin dishes should contain three eggs.
What ingredients are placed in the gratin dishes before adding the eggs?
Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and 1/2 tablespoon of unsalted butter to each dish before heating them.
How long do the cream and butter heat in the broiler?
Place them under the broiler for approximately 3 minutes until they are hot and bubbling.
When should the herb mixture be added?
The herb mixture should be sprinkled over the eggs after they have been poured into the hot gratin dishes.
What is the total cooking time for the eggs under the broiler?
The eggs should cook for 5 to 6 minutes under the broiler.
Should I rotate the baking sheet during cooking?
Yes, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the 5 to 6 minute cooking time to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the eggs are ready to come out of the oven?
Remove the eggs when the egg whites are nearly set; they will continue to cook from residual heat.
How long should the dish rest after baking?
The casserole should rest for 60 seconds before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
What seasoning is suggested?
The recipe calls for a liberal dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but salted can be used if you adjust the additional salt accordingly.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced fresh.
How much heavy cream is used in total?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of heavy cream in total, divided among the dishes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 4 gratin dishes, suggesting 4 individual servings.
Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan is recommended for its rich flavor, you could experiment with other hard cheeses like Gruyere.
What is the texture of the finished eggs?
The whites should be set while the yolks remain creamy, perfect for dipping toast.
Can I prepare the herb mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the recipe suggests combining the herbs and cheese and setting them aside to allow flavors to meld.
What makes this dish good for entertaining?
Its simplicity and the fact that the oven does most of the work allow you to spend more time with guests.
Is this dish only for breakfast?
While great for breakfast, its rich flavors and presentation make it ideal for brunch or luncheons.
What size of eggs are best?
The recipe specifically calls for extra large eggs.
Can I use a single large casserole dish?
The recipe is designed for individual gratin dishes for presentation and even broiling, but a large dish could be used with adjusted timing.
Are the herbs dried or fresh?
The recipe emphasizes using fresh minced herbs for the best aromatic flavor.