Description
Birds' Nests is an elegant and airy egg dish featuring whipped egg whites baked until light and fluffy with a rich yolk nestled in the center. Finished with butter and simple seasonings, this beautiful presentation makes a delightful breakfast, brunch, or special occasion meal.
Equipment Needed
Electric mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Individual ramekins or oven-safe dishes
Baking pan
Measuring spoons
Oven mitts
Ingredients
6 large eggs, separated
2 tbsps unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Separate the eggs, placing the whites in a large mixing bowl and reserving each yolk intact.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Divide the whipped egg whites evenly among six individual oven-safe dishes, mounding them slightly.
- Using the back of a spoon, create a shallow well in the center of each mound.
- Carefully place one egg yolk into the center of each well.
- Arrange the dishes in a baking pan and carefully pour hot water into the pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the dishes.
- Cover the baking pan loosely with foil or an oven-safe lid.
- Bake for 3 to 5 mins, or until the egg whites are lightly set and the yolks remain soft.
- Remove the dishes from the oven.
- Place a small piece of butter in the center of each yolk.
- Season lightly with the salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Heat Adjustment Suggestions
Avoid overbaking, as the whipped egg whites can quickly lose their light texture. Begin checking after 3 mins. For firmer yolks, bake for an additional 1 to 2 mins.
Make-Ahead Tips
Separate the eggs up to several hours in advance and refrigerate them separately. Beat the egg whites and assemble the nests immediately before baking to achieve the greatest volume.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with buttered toast, English muffins, roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, grilled tomatoes, or fresh fruit. Garnish with chopped chives, parsley, or a light sprinkle of paprika for added color.
Birds' Nests (Fluffy Baked Egg Whites with Golden Yolks Nestled in the Center)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Separate the eggs, placing the whites in a large mixing bowl and reserving each yolk intact.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Divide the whipped egg whites evenly among six individual oven-safe dishes, mounding them slightly.
- Using the back of a spoon, create a shallow well in the center of each mound.
- Carefully place one egg yolk into the center of each well.
- Arrange the dishes in a baking pan and carefully pour hot water into the pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the dishes.
- Cover the baking pan loosely with foil or an oven-safe lid.
- Bake for 3 to 5 mins, or until the egg whites are lightly set and the yolks remain soft.
- Remove the dishes from the oven.
- Place a small piece of butter in the center of each yolk.
- Season lightly with the salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Avoid overbaking, as the whipped egg whites can quickly lose their light texture. Begin checking after 3 mins. For firmer yolks, bake for an additional 1 to 2 mins.
Make-Ahead Tips
Separate the eggs up to several hours in advance and refrigerate them separately. Beat the egg whites and assemble the nests immediately before baking to achieve the greatest volume.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with buttered toast, English muffins, roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, grilled tomatoes, or fresh fruit. Garnish with chopped chives, parsley, or a light sprinkle of paprika for added color.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition Information
Calories: 105
Protein: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 190 mg
Sodium: 240 mg
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 0 g
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (4 bird's nests)
Difficulty: Easy
