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We are excited to share one of our favorite brunch recipes with you: Eggs en Cocotte. Also known as oeufs en cocotte in French. If you’re not familiar with this French dish, it’s essentially eggs baked in a ramekin with cream and your choice of toppings.

Eggs en Cocotte in white ramekins made with mushrooms and green onions.

Eggs en cocotte is the perfect brunch dish because it’s elegant, yet easy to make. Plus, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings, so you can get creative with what you have in your fridge.

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my go-to recipe for eggs en cocotte, along with some tips for making the perfect dish every time.

Easter Egger Chicken Blue Eggs on a white cloth.

What is Eggs en Cocotte? 

Eggs en Cocotte is a French dish made by baking eggs in individual ramekins with cream and various toppings of your choice. It’s a versatile and easy-to-make brunch dish that can be customized to your liking. Preheat your oven, grease your ramekins, add your toppings, and bake until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny.

Origins of Oeufs Cocotte

Eggs en Cocotte baked in a blue ramekin with a slice of baguette on the side. Egg is topped with chives.

Eggs en Cocotte, which means “eggs in pots,” is a French dish that originated in the early 20th century. It was a popular dish in the Parisian bistros and cafés. The dish is believed to have been inspired by the Turkish dish called “çilbir,” which consists of poached eggs with yogurt and chili butter. Eggs en Cocotte has evolved over time, with chefs adding various toppings such as cheese, bacon, and vegetables to create different variations of the dish.

Similar Egg Recipes 

An overhead photo of 5 eggs cooked in a tomato sauce garnished with cilantro. This is a traditional Italian baked eggs dish called Eggs in Purgatory.

While Eggs en Cocotte is a unique and delicious dish, there are many other similar egg recipes that are worth exploring. Here are three popular egg dishes that are similar to Eggs en Cocotte:

  1. Baked Eggs: Baked eggs such as egg casseroles are another popular egg dish that can be cooked in individual ramekins. The eggs are baked with a variety of toppings such as vegetables, cheese, and herbs. Baked eggs can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and are easy to make.
  2. Shakshuka: Shakshuka is a Middle Eastern dish that is made by poaching eggs in a spiced tomato sauce. The dish is typically served with bread and is popular for breakfast or brunch. Shakshuka can be customized with various toppings such as feta cheese, olives, and herbs.
  3. Huevos Rancheros: Huevos Rancheros is a Mexican breakfast dish that consists of fried eggs served on a tortilla with salsa and beans. The dish is typically topped with cheese, avocado, and sour cream. Huevos Rancheros can be spicy or mild, depending on the type of salsa used.
  4. Eggs in Purgatory: Eggs in Purgatory is a classic Italian dish that typically consists of eggs baked in a spicy tomato sauce. The dish gets its name from the fiery heat of the sauce, which is said to represent the flames of purgatory.

Serving Suggestions 

Eggs en Cocotte is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most out of this delicious brunch dish:

  1. Sides that Pair Well: A classic side for Eggs en Cocotte is a crusty baguette or toast to soak up the creamy egg mixture. You can also serve the dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or cherry tomatoes. For a heartier brunch, you can serve the dish with crispy bacon or sausage.
  2. Beverages that Complement the Dish: Eggs en Cocotte pairs well with a variety of beverages. A classic mimosa or Bloody Mary is a popular brunch drink that goes well with this dish. You can also serve the dish with a cup of coffee or tea, or a refreshing fruit juice such as orange or grapefruit juice.
  3. Presentation: Eggs en Cocotte can be presented in a variety of ways. You can serve the dish in the ramekins that it was baked in, or you can transfer it to a plate for a more elegant presentation. Garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as chives or parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some added heat.

How to Make Eggs en Cocotte 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variations 

Different Toppings:
Eggs en cocotte is a versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of toppings. For a truly decadent dish, try topping your eggs with shaved truffles or a dollop of caviar. Other great toppings include sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon or sausage, diced tomatoes, or chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like gruyere, cheddar, or feta.

Cheese Varieties:
Cheese is a great way to add flavor and richness to eggs en cocotte. Try using different varieties of cheese to create unique flavor combinations. Gruyere, cheddar, and parmesan are all popular choices, but you can also try using softer cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a creamier texture. For a more complex flavor, mix different types of cheese together, like gouda and blue cheese.

Spices and Herbs:
Adding spices and herbs is another great way to add flavor to eggs en cocotte. Try using smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder for a smoky, spicy flavor, or use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a more herbaceous taste. You can also experiment with different types of salts, like smoked sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, to add a subtle but distinct flavor to the dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your perfect flavor profile.

Yield: 4 Servings

Eggs en Cocotte

A classic French dish consisting of eggs baked in a creamy sauce, served in individual ramekins. The dish is versatile and can be customized with a variety of toppings and flavorings.

Two ramekins filled with Eggs en Cocotte. French baked eggs with cream.

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: grated cheese, sautéed mushrooms, chopped herbs (such as chives or parsley)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Grease four 4-ounce ramekins with butter or cooking spray. Add any sauteed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
  3. Crack one egg into each ramekin.
  4. Pour 1 tablespoon of heavy cream over each egg.
  5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add any optional toppings to the ramekins.
  7. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and pour enough hot water into the dish to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
  9. Remove the ramekins from the baking dish and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make sure to use a hot water bath to cook the eggs evenly.
  • Use a timer to avoid overcooking the eggs. Keep in mind that the eggs will continue to cook slightly after they are removed from the oven.
  • Don't be afraid to get creative with toppings! Try adding different combinations of cheese, vegetables, or meats to customize the dish to your liking.
  • To prevent the eggs from sticking to the ramekins, make sure to grease them well before adding the eggs and cream.
  • If you don't have ramekins, you can use small oven-safe bowls or even muffin tins to make this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Serve the dish immediately after baking to ensure that the eggs are warm and runny.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 171Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 211mgSodium: 225mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Nutritionix. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your favorite calculator.

© Marina Delio
Cuisine: French / Category: Breakfast