50 Ways To Cook An Egg
50 Ways To Cook An Egg is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 140 calories per serving. Recipe by Nick DiGiovanni on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 18 min
Cost: $0.82 total, $0.41 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 Large Egg (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (softened, for greasing ramekins)
- 1 pinch Salt (fine sea salt)
- 1 pinch Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Herbs (optional) (chopped chives or parsley for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 177°C (350°F) and let it fully preheat while you prepare the ramekins.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 177°C
Grease Ramekins
Using a small spoon or butter knife, spread the softened butter evenly inside each ramekin, covering the bottom and sides.
Time: PT1M
Crack Eggs
Crack one egg into each greased ramekin, being careful not to break the yolk.
Time: PT1M
Season
Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to each egg. Sprinkle chopped herbs if using.
Time: PT1M
Bake
Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake for 7‑8 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolk remains slightly runny.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 177°C
Serve
Remove the ramekins with oven mitts, let cool for 30 seconds, then serve immediately with toast or a side of fresh fruit.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 140
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 1 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Egg: Free-range egg, Organic egg
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Olive oil spray, Margarine
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt, Himalayan pink salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper, Paprika
- Instead of Fresh Herbs (optional): Dried herbs (use less)
Equipment Needed
- Ramekin
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Small Spoon or Butter Knife
- Timer
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat the oven to the exact temperature (177°C).
- Grease the ramekins thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Do not over‑bake; the yolk should stay soft.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra richness, add a small dollop of crème fraîche on top before baking.
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or cheddar melts beautifully and adds umami.
- Serve over toasted sourdough or English muffins for a complete bite.
Troubleshooting
Egg white is still runny after 8 minutes.
Continue baking in 30‑second increments until the whites are fully set; avoid exceeding 10 minutes total to keep the yolk soft.
Yolk becomes hard and fully set.
Reduce baking time by 1‑2 minutes and ensure the oven temperature is accurate; consider using a lower rack for gentler heat.
Egg sticks to the ramekin.
Add a little extra butter when greasing or use a non‑stick spray; ensure the butter coats the entire interior surface.
Storage
Refrigerator: Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours; reheat gently in the microwave (30 seconds).
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Grease the ramekins and crack the eggs up to 2 hours ahead; keep refrigerated and bake when ready.
- Season after baking if you prefer a hotter pepper flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of baked eggs in American breakfast cuisine?
Baked eggs have been a staple of American home cooking since the early 20th century, offering a hands‑off alternative to fried eggs. They were popularized in diners and brunch spots for their ease of preparation and elegant presentation in individual ramekins.
What are the traditional regional variations of baked eggs in the United States?
In the Southern U.S., baked eggs are often topped with cheese and served over biscuits. In the Pacific Northwest, they may be paired with smoked salmon and fresh herbs. Each region adds its own local ingredients while keeping the basic baking method.
How is baked egg traditionally served in American brunch culture?
Baked eggs are typically served in small ramekins alongside toasted bread, fresh fruit, or a light salad. They are often garnished with herbs, cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.
What occasions or celebrations is baked egg traditionally associated with in American cuisine?
Baked eggs are a popular brunch dish for holidays like Easter and Mother's Day, as well as casual weekend gatherings because they can be prepared ahead and baked quickly for a crowd.
What makes baked egg special or unique in American breakfast cuisine?
Baked egg offers a gentle, even cooking method that yields a tender white and a silky yolk without the need for flipping. This simplicity and the ability to customize toppings make it a versatile centerpiece for breakfast tables.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making baked egg?
Common errors include over‑baking, which hardens the yolk, and under‑greasing the ramekin, which causes the egg to stick. Also, using an inaccurate oven temperature can lead to uneven cooking.
Why does this baked egg recipe use 177°C (350°F) instead of a higher temperature?
A moderate temperature of 177°C gently sets the egg whites while keeping the yolk creamy. Higher heat would cook the yolk too quickly, resulting in a hard center.
Can I make baked egg ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can crack the eggs into greased ramekins, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. After baking, store in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 hours and reheat briefly in the microwave.
What texture and appearance should I look for when baking eggs?
The whites should be fully set and opaque, while the yolk remains slightly glossy and wobbly when gently shaken. The surface may have a thin film of butter and a light puff from the steam.
How do I know when baked egg is done cooking?
Check that the egg white is no longer translucent and the edges are firm. Gently tap the ramekin; the yolk should jiggle lightly but not spill.
What does the YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni specialize in?
The YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni specializes in creative, science‑based cooking tutorials, often exploring unconventional techniques and presenting fun culinary challenges for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni's approach to egg cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Nick DiGiovanni combines culinary fundamentals with experimental methods—like cooking eggs with flamethrowers or dishwashers—while still providing clear, step‑by‑step guidance, making his egg videos both entertaining and educational.
Last updated: August 12, 2026
