Shirred Eggs | The Modern Proper (2024)

February 26, 2023

Upgrade your eggs with this simple yet sophisticated take on shirred eggs.

Photography by Gayle McLeod

An Easy Shirred Eggs Recipe

We love eggs because they can be simple or intricate - here, in the best shirred eggs recipe, we’re giving you both! Whether you’re making these for yourself or friends and family, shirred eggs will be sure to impress. Rich, decadent cream envelopes two perfectly cooked eggs, and then is topped with grated parmesan and chives. What we love best is you can devour them at any time of day and you’ll only need a few ingredients likely to have on hand. If you end up loving them as much as we do, you can also try your hand at shirred eggs variations, like Shirred Eggs With Leeks.

What are Shirred Eggs?

And why is it called shirred eggs?! In their most simple and delicious form, shirred eggs are a reliable custard, which bakes humble eggs in a bath of cream to thicken the whites and yolks. What is the cooking method used in making shirred eggs? This french technique of slow baking fresh cracked eggs in a cream (without a Bain-Maire!) gets its name from the traditional, flat-bottom dish it was baked in! Here, we opt for perfectly-sized 6 oz ramekins. These adorable and enticing easy, shirred eggs are cousins to frittatas, such as the Spring Asparagus Frittata With Crème Fraîche, and quiches, such as Quiche Lorraine. If you’re looking for something just as elegant and striking, we also suggest the French Omelette.

What Is The Difference Between Shirred Eggs and Scrambled Eggs?

Eggs are budget friendly and versatile: the same few ingredients can make completely different but equally mouthwatering dishes. Scrambled eggs, although delicious, are not exactly what we’d call elegant, nor easy to make for a crowd – that is, unless you’re making Soft-Scrambled Eggs (and once you try it, you’ll know why we love them so much.) Scrambled eggs are usually made by whisking eggs, sometimes with a little cream or water and black pepper then sautéing them in a pan until soft curds form. Shirred eggs are cracked into ramekins, topped with a little cream, baked, and then commonly topped with chives, parm, and sometimes, bacon!

How to Make Shirred Eggs

Although shirring eggs may seem impossible, we promise they’re not: this dish is elegant yet super simple. Follow these few steps to make the best shirred eggs:

1. Prepare the Ramekins: Always use butter! Make sure to coat the bottoms and the sides for easy-to-release egg custards!

2. Prepare the Eggs! Our secret is cracking the eggs and drizzling the cream around them to envelope them. Crack fresh pepper over the top and a sprinkling of parmesan. Bake until still runny - and don’t worry - the eggs will firm up and bake a little bit longer after they’re removed from the oven!

3. Garnish! The fun part - make it your own by topping the shirred eggs with chives (or other herbs on hand like basil or green onions!) garlic breadcrumbs, or wilted leafy greens.

What to Serve with Easy Shirred Eggs

This baked shirred eggs recipe is good enough on its own (treat yourself!) but we could also envision a complete brunch spread to wow your guests! Pair it with Turkey Breakfast Patties, Coffee Cinnamon Rolls, Crispy Smashed Potatoes and a Fruit Salad for an elegant Sunday brunch. If you’re more of an “eggs-for-dinner” type person (us, too!), fire up the oven and make a delicious Baked Salmon to complement the rich custards. For a quick lunch, a side of Classic Potato Salad or The Kale Salad is filling, yet still light.

Tools You’ll Need for Baked Shirred Eggs

• (1) 6-Ounce Ramekin. Or more if you are making additional servings.

• Rimmed Baking Sheet

• Knife

• Grater

Eggs Galore: Our Favorite Recipes!

When looking for an easy and inexpensive yet protein-packed meal, we can always count on eggs! They’re great for almost any time of day and you can dress em’ up or keep it simple:

• Poached Eggs

• Deviled Eggs

• Eggs Benedict

• Breakfast Egg Muffins

Were They Eggcellent?

We want to know how they came out! Snap a picture of your Shirred Eggs or send us a video of the beautiful people you made them for! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!