What Are Shirred Eggs (And How Do You Make Them)?

There might only be one perfect way to crack an egg (ideally, all in the same place), but there sure are lots of ways to cook them. There are seemingly endless secrets for making the best scrambled eggs alone, not to mention all of the possible fried, boiled, and poached egg preparations one can whip up. Shirred eggs are a little less commonly found in American home kitchens or even at neighborhood diners, but they can actually be easier to put together.

If you've ever simmered a batch of elegant coddled eggs for breakfast, brunch, or whenever, you can probably make the shirred variety without even trying. The latter is, happily, even more hands-off. While coddled eggs set under your watchful eye on the stovetop, shirred eggs are cracked right into a small baking dish (historically called a shirrer, which is where the dish gets its name), joined by a few other common complementary ingredients, and baked in the oven. Meanwhile, you can toast some bread, squeeze some orange juice, or simply sip your coffee while they cook. And like pretty much all eggs, the shirred kind are highly adaptable depending on your palate.

You can crack a couple of eggs into a butter-brushed ramekin or similarly petite vessel, pour in a splash of heavy cream, top with a bit of whatever leftover cheese you're looking to finish, season with salt and pepper to taste, and end up enjoying one fine dish after around 10 minutes in the oven. It all makes for a pretty fancy-seeming preparation without dirtying a single pan or even a whisk. But you can also build even more elaborate shirred egg plates with just a little extra effort.

Cheddar cheese specifically, a pinch of cooked, crumbled bacon, and some freshly chopped chives to sprinkle before serving, combine to make shirred eggs an even more complete meal. Chorizo, Monterey Jack, and sliced jalapeños are also a wonderful combination with just a kiss of heat. Or, you can keep it completely meat-free with Gruyère, some cherry tomatoes, and a gentle shower of savory thyme or vibrant dill. No matter how you prepare your shirred eggs, though, you'll be treating yourself to a breakfast that's as special as it is simple.