Classic Baked Eggs

Skip the scrambled. Forget the fried. Wake up with Baked Eggs garnished any way you like them. This sophisticated dish (also known as Oeufs Cocotte) originated in France, and though it may look fancy, it’s actually quite simple to execute. All it really takes is a carton of eggs and a few tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to whip up this elegant breakfast. We love to enjoy these Baked Eggs for a special breakfast-in-bed or when we want to impress the ladies at brunch. Since the eggs cook in personal-sized ramekins, it’s easy to customize toppings and add-ons, making this the ideal dish for a build-your-own brunch bar.

In addition to our basic recipe for Baked Eggs, we’ve included 3 regional variations. Put a Mediterranean spin on breakfast with marinara, feta, and parsley. Head to the Italian countryside from the comfort of your kitchen by adding aromatic herbs and Parmesan to your baked eggs. Or keep things close to home with an American version of this French classic, topped with bacon, cheddar, and chives. Once you’ve nailed the core recipe, feel free to come up with your own variations—this dish is highly riffable.