What are Shirred Eggs?

Shirred eggs are simply eggs that are either baked or broiled in a ramekin or other flat-bottomed dish. Often cream is added. Traditionally, they are cooked until the whites are set while the yolk is still runny. However, you can finish them to your liking. I’m not a fan of runny yolks, so I cook them longer.

What is the texture of baked eggs?

Not surprisingly, the texture of baked eggs depends on how long you cook them. If you prepare them following the traditional “shirred egg” approach, they will be similar to a poached egg - softer and smoother than a fried or hard-boiled egg. If you bake them so the yolks aren’t runny, then they will be closer to a hard-boiled egg.

How to Cook Eggs in the Oven (Shirred Eggs)

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
8 large eggs
1 cup canned chopped green chiles
1 cup sour cream
Kosher salt, to taste
Fresh ground pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Generously butter 8 large ramekins or other individual baking dishes.
Spread 1/4 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese on the bottom of each prepared ramekin. Make a well in the middle and crack an egg into the well.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of green chiles around the egg.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of sour cream on top of the green chiles. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Place on a cookie sheet and bake for around 10 to 12 minutes or until the eggs are cooked to desired doneness (less time if you like your eggs runny, more if you like them well done).
Let eggs sit for a minute or two before serving – note that they will keep cooking after removing from oven.

Notes

Make ahead: Eggs can be prepared but not baked, covered and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Variation: Spread the cheese evenly in a 7 by 11-inch baking dish. Make 8 wells in the cheese, spaced evenly. Place an egg in each well. Continue as above. Increase baking time by around 5 minutes.

Author: (From "A Well-Seasoned Kitchen®" by Sally Clayton and Lee Clayton Roper)
Category: quick and easy, make ahead
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American