Lightened Up Brunch...Featuring Classic Shirred Eggs with Gruyere and #eggs #healthy2022 #eatsmarter

I absolutely love cooking with eggs! This versatile ingredient is an economical ingredient...and eggs are an excellent source of protein. Today, I'm sharing a lightened-up version of Classic Shirred Eggs with Gruyere and Ham. This classic French dish is perfect for a lazy weekend brunch -- or a quick weeknight Brinner. If you've never had shirred eggs, you're in for a special treat! This dish typically features eggs baked in a shallow dish with a bit of cream. My version uses half and half, and is flavored with thyme, prosciutto, and a reduced amount of flavorful, nutty Gruyere cheese. This recipe's a keeper folks...one of my favorite ways to enjoy eggs!

Classic Shirred Eggs with Gruyere and Ham
adapted from The Kitchen

Ingredients (makes tw0 servings):

• 1 tsp. softened salted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped prosciutto
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 4 TBS half and half
• 1 TBS finely minced shallot
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400℉. Place two shallow ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Butter each ramekin with half of the softened butter. Add half of the chopped proscuitto to the bottom of each ramekin.

Step 2:  Break two eggs into each ramekin. Top the eggs in each ramekin with 2 tbs. of half and half, 1.5 tsp. minced shallot, 1/8 cup shredded Gruyere, the leaves from one sprig of thyme, and salt & pepper to taste.

Step 3: Bake the eggs for 7-10 minutes, turning the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. The longer you bake, the more the yolks will cook. For semi-runny yolks, I cook my shirred eggs for approximately 8 minutes. Keep in mind that the eggs will continue to cook after you remove them from the oven.

Step 4: If you're not watching your carb intake, shirred eggs can be served with buttered toast. You can also serve with crusty baguette or croissants for an oh-so-French dining experience. If you're like me and limiting carbs? No worries! The shirred eggs are totally delicious on their own...

Mercy...is this dish GOOD! Creamy baked eggs with slightly runny yolks, earthy thyme, savory shallot, smoky ham, and nutty Gruyere combine to make one delicious dish. Because this dish contains just a few simple ingredients, be sure to buy the best-quality ingredients you can afford. Now that you know how amazing these healthy shirred eggs are, I hope you'll add them to your menu very soon.