Description
Baked French Eggs, also known as Oeufs en Cocotte, are delicate and creamy eggs baked in a muffin tin with Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. This easy and elegant dish can be customized with various seasonings, cheeses, and vegetables for a perfect breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggs and Dairy
- 12 large eggs or desired amount
- 8 oz grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (more or less depending on how many eggs are being prepared)
- Butter flavored cooking spray for greasing
Seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a muffin tin by spritzing each cup with butter flavored cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Crack the Eggs: Crack an egg into each muffin cup carefully ensuring the yolk remains intact.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of heavy cream over each egg. Alternatively, a drizzle of melted butter can be used. Season each egg with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese on top of each egg for a rich, savory flavor.
- Bake Eggs: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 7-8 minutes for soft, runny yolks; 9-10 minutes for semi-soft centers; and 11-12 minutes for fully firm yolks. Adjust baking time based on egg size and desired doneness.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, you may garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can line muffin cups with slices of ham or Canadian bacon for added protein, or use spinach to keep the dish vegetarian.
- Add sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, shallots, garlic, mushrooms, or bell peppers before cracking the egg for extra flavor and texture.
- For a bit of heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or add dashes of hot sauce. Garlic salt or minced garlic can be mixed into the cream for extra aroma.
- Adjust baking times if using medium or extra-large eggs; smaller eggs cook faster and larger eggs take longer.
- Butter can be substituted for heavy cream, with unsalted butter recommended.
- Other cheese options such as Gruyere, sharp cheddar, Swiss, Asiago, feta, or goat cheese can be used instead of Parmesan for varied flavors.
- Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme make excellent garnishes to enhance the visual appeal and aromatics.
- Note the baking times carefully and adjust to your oven’s performance to achieve your preferred yolk consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
