Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cooking time of just 20 minutes, this dish is ideal for those busy mornings or when you need a fast meal option.
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Flavorful Combination: The spicy marinara sauce paired with creamy eggs and tangy Parmigiano-Reggiano creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Versatile Meal: While traditionally served for breakfast or brunch, this baked egg dish is hearty enough to be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1½ teaspoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 slices toast
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Spoon the marinara sauce into the bottom of a small baking dish, ensuring it covers about ¼ inch of the base. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Create a small well in the center of the sauce for each egg.
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Add the Eggs: Crack each egg into a separate ramekin, then gently pour them into the prepared wells in the baking dish.
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Add Toppings: Sprinkle the eggs with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, drizzle with olive oil and cream, and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
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Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the egg yolks are just set, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
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Serve: Once done, serve immediately with slices of toast for dipping.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields 1 serving.
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Cheese Options: Substitute Parmigiano-Reggiano with other cheeses like feta, cheddar, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
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Herb Enhancements: Incorporate fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or chives to add a fresh twist to the dish.
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Vegetarian Delight: Include sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms in the sauce to boost the nutritional value and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 1 day.
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Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked eggs in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Note that reheating may cause the eggs to become firmer.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works well. Choose a high-quality sauce for the best flavor.
2. How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to decrease the heat level.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the marinara base ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the eggs and bake just before serving.
4. What type of baking dish should I use?
A small, oven-safe dish or individual ramekins work well for this recipe.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger baking dish.
6. Is there a dairy-free version?
Substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely.
7. How do I know when the eggs are done?
The eggs are ready when the whites are set, and the yolks are cooked to your preference.
8. Can I add other seasonings?
Feel free to add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
9. What can I serve alongside this dish?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
10. Can I use egg substitutes?
While fresh eggs are recommended, you can try using egg substitutes, but the texture and flavor may differ.
Conclusion
Chef John's Baked Eggs offer a delightful and versatile meal option that's both flavorful and easy to prepare. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast or a satisfying dinner, this dish is sure to please. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, it's a recipe you'll find yourself returning to time and again.
Chef John's Baked Eggs
Chef John's Baked Eggs is a quick and flavorful dish featuring eggs baked in a spicy marinara sauce with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and cream. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, this easy recipe is ready in just 20 minutes. Serve with toast for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ teaspoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 slices toast
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish – Spread marinara sauce at the bottom of a small oven-safe dish, about ¼ inch thick. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Make two small wells in the sauce.
- Add the Eggs – Crack each egg into a ramekin, then gently pour them into the prepared wells.
- Top and Season – Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the eggs, drizzle with olive oil and cream, and season with additional salt and pepper.
- Bake – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until egg yolks are set to your preference.
- Serve – Enjoy immediately with toast for dipping.
Notes
- Cheese Options: Swap Parmigiano-Reggiano for feta, cheddar, or mozzarella.
- Herb Variations: Add basil, chives, or cilantro for extra freshness.
- Vegetarian Boost: Mix in sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
