Shirred Eggs with Parmesan, Bacon, and Chives Recipe

Introduction

Shirred eggs are a simple yet elegant baked egg dish that’s creamy and packed with flavor. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this recipe combines Parmesan, cream, crispy bacon, and fresh chives for a delicious start to your day.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, softened
• 2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 6 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons heavy cream (or half & half)
• 2 pieces crisp bacon, crumbled
• Fresh chives, chopped
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter the insides of three 4-ounce ramekins and place them inside a baking dish.
2. Step 2: Evenly divide 2-3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan between the ramekins. Crack two eggs into each ramekin carefully.
3. Step 3: Top each ramekin with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches about two-thirds the height of the ramekins to create a water bath.
5. Step 5: Bake for 12-14 minutes until the egg whites are opaque but the yolks still have a slight jiggle. The eggs will continue to cook slightly after removal.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven and sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped fresh chives over the top. Serve warm with toast or crostini.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting Parmesan with Gruyère or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
• Use smoked bacon for a richer, smoky taste.
• If you prefer, swap heavy cream with half & half for a lighter dish.
• For an herb twist, add tarragon or thyme alongside chives.

Storage

Store leftover shirred eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven at low temperature to avoid overcooking the eggs.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare shirred eggs without a water bath?

The water bath helps cook the eggs gently and evenly, preventing them from becoming rubbery. While you can bake them without it, the texture may be less tender.

Can I make shirred eggs ahead of time?

You can assemble the eggs in ramekins and refrigerate them a few hours before baking. Just add the water bath and bake just before serving for best results.

Shirred Eggs with Parmesan, Bacon, and Chives Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 63 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Shirred Eggs are a simple and elegant baked egg dish where eggs are gently cooked in buttered ramekins with cream, parmesan cheese, and topped with crispy bacon and fresh chives. This delicious breakfast or brunch recipe uses a water bath to ensure perfectly tender eggs with a creamy texture.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Egg Mixture

• 2–3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for buttering ramekins)
• 2–3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons heavy cream (or half & half)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Toppings

• 2 pieces crisp bacon, crumbled
• Fresh chives, chopped

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and ramekins: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter the insides of three 4-ounce ramekins thoroughly with softened unsalted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor. Place these ramekins inside a larger baking dish.
2. Add parmesan and eggs: Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese evenly among the three ramekins. Crack two eggs into each ramekin carefully to keep yolks intact.
3. Add cream and seasoning: Spoon 2 tablespoons of heavy cream over the eggs in each ramekin. Season each with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Create a water bath and bake: Pour enough hot water into the baking dish to come up about two-thirds of the way up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath gently cooks the eggs to a silky texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the egg whites are opaque but yolks remain slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking as eggs continue to cook after removal from the oven.
5. Garnish and serve: Once baked, top each ramekin with crumbled crispy bacon and chopped fresh chives for added flavor and texture. Serve warm alongside toast or crostini for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Use fresh eggs for the best texture and flavor.
• If you prefer, substitute half & half for heavy cream for a lighter option.
• The water bath is crucial for gentle cooking and preventing overcooked eggs.
• Adjust baking time slightly if using larger or smaller ramekins.
• Serve immediately for the best creaminess, as the eggs can continue to cook in their own heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: shirred eggs, baked eggs, breakfast recipe, baked egg ramekins, creamy eggs, bacon eggs, brunch recipe