Oeufs cocotte, or French baked eggs, is an easy, elegant dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. This recipe combines creamy eggs with ham and Gruyère cheese, baked to perfection in a water bath. Serve with toasted bread to dip into the soft, runny yolks for a truly authentic French experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
- ½ cup finely chopped ham
- 2 tbsp grated Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ tsp chopped fresh chives
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small lidded casserole dish with olive oil. Boil water in a kettle to prepare for the water bath.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Spread the chopped ham evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Gruyère cheese over the ham. Pour in the cream and season with black pepper. Gently crack the eggs one at a time over the mixture, ensuring the yolks remain whole. Sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère and chives. Add salt and more pepper to taste.
Step 3: Water Bath Setup
Place the casserole dish into a roasting pan. Carefully pour the boiled water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the dish. This water bath helps the eggs cook evenly.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the dish with its lid and bake for 9 minutes. Then, uncover and continue baking for another 3-6 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
Cook’s Tips:
- For the best results, crack the eggs into a small cup first, then transfer them to the dish to avoid breaking the yolks.
- Try swapping out Gruyère for Comté cheese for a different flavor twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 447
- Total Fat: 42g (54% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 20g (99% DV)
- Cholesterol: 294mg (98% DV)
- Sodium: 626mg (27% DV)
- Carbohydrates: 2g (1% DV)
- Protein: 16g (32% DV)
This classic French Oeufs Cocotte recipe is a simple, indulgent way to enjoy eggs with creamy cheese and ham. Perfect for a quick, elegant breakfast or brunch!