Description

Baked Eggs with Mushrooms, also known as Shirred Eggs, is a simple and elegant dish featuring sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and thyme, combined with wilted spinach and creamy baked eggs topped with parmesan and optional smoked paprika. Perfect as a comforting breakfast or brunch, this recipe delivers rich, savory flavors with a luscious, runny egg yolk center.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Herbs

200g / 7oz mushrooms, sliced thinly (0.3cm / 1/8″)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
4 cups baby spinach
2 tsp chives, finely chopped (optional)

Dairy & Eggs

30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 large eggs, fridge cold
1/4 cup thickened cream (heavy cream)
4 tbsp parmesan, freshly grated

Seasonings

1/4 tsp cooking / kosher salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Pinch salt and pepper for eggs
1/8 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C / 390°F (180°C fan). Lightly oil or butter four 300ml / 10oz (1 1/4 cups) ramekins to prepare them for baking.
Cook mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes until they start to turn golden on the edges. Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another minute until the mushrooms and garlic are nicely golden and fragrant.
Wilt spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds, just until the spinach is wilted but still bright and tender.
Fill ramekins: Evenly divide the mushroom and spinach mixture among the prepared ramekins. Make a slight indentation in the center of each mixture and crack an egg into it, ensuring the yolk sits centered. Sprinkle each egg with a pinch of salt and pepper, drizzle with thickened cream, and top generously with freshly grated parmesan.
Bake: Place the ramekins in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The egg whites should be just set while the yolks remain cooked to your preferred doneness (runny yolks recommended). Check at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking; remember the eggs will continue cooking slightly after removal.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle smoked paprika and finely chopped chives over the baked eggs if using. Serve immediately, ideally with warm bread for dipping and enjoying the creamy yolk and savory mushroom mixture.

Notes

For the best texture, use cold eggs straight from the fridge to help them stay intact while baking.
Ramekin size and oven temperature can affect cooking time; monitor eggs closely from 12 minutes onward.
Smoked paprika and chives add extra flavor and color but are optional.
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: International

Keywords: baked eggs, shirred eggs, mushrooms, breakfast recipe, brunch, creamy eggs, spinach, parmesan