Description
Cloud Eggs are a light and airy breakfast treat featuring whipped egg whites baked to fluffy perfection, crowned with a creamy yolk center and customizable with savory add-ins like cheese, ham, or herbs. This recipe elevates a simple egg with texture and flavor in just 15 minutes, ideal for a quick yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Ham & Swiss Variation
- ¼ cup diced deli ham
- ½ cup grated Swiss cheese
Garlic & Parmesan Variation
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Bacon & Cheddar Variation
- ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
Gruyere & Chives Variation
- ½ cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Separate Eggs: Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks, placing the whites in a large mixing bowl and setting the yolks aside in small individual bowls to keep them intact.
- Whip Egg Whites: Using a hand mixer, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy base for your cloud eggs.
- Fold in Seasonings and Toppings: Gently fold in the sea salt, black pepper, and your choice of flavor variation ingredients such as cheeses or meats without deflating the whipped whites.
- Create Clouds: Spoon the whipped egg white mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping four mounds with small wells in the centers to hold the yolks later on.
- Bake Egg Whites: Bake the egg white mounds for 3 minutes until they begin to set and gain a slight golden color.
- Add Yolks and Finish Baking: Carefully place one yolk into each well of the partially baked egg whites and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the yolks are set to your preferred consistency.
Notes
- Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form for best texture; underwhipping may cause collapse.
- Handle yolks gently to avoid breaking when placing on whites.
- Customize with any cheese or seasoning combinations not listed for variety.
- For a runnier yolk, reduce the final baking time slightly.
- Icing parchment paper on the baking sheet prevents sticking and eases cleanup.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
