Fall

Scottish Farmhouse Eggs

by:
September 15, 2009
4
1 Ratings
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

This dish can be prepared in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. —Mike G

Test Kitchen Notes

Correction: Although this recipe became a finalist, we have since learned that it was published in Bon Appetit in 1993. It's a wonderful recipe, and here's the original source: http://bit.ly/3ibyAy This is the kind of brunch you might devour after working up an appetite traipsing about the Scottish Highlands all morning. Or, you could be decadent and whip up a batch of these cheesy, pillowy baked eggs for you and three friends, because…well, just because. Cowinmyundies employs fresh breadcrumbs -- along with shredded cheddar or Cheshire cheese, a generous sprinkling of chives and a river of half and half -- as a sort of edible insulation for the four whole eggs nestled within. Cayenne adds a bit of fire and distracts you from the incredible richness of the dish, allowing you to keep on eating. We recommend that you positions the eggs near the center of the dish (easier said than done), and that you check the eggs after 15 minutes to make sure the yolks stay nice and runny. – A&M —The Editors

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups fresh white breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
  • 3 ounces Dunlop, sharp cheddar or Cheshire cheese, grated
  • 4 Eggs
  • Cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup half and half
  • Fresh chive pieces
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F
  2. Butter 10-inch glass pie dish
  3. Sprinkle half of fresh white breadcrumbs over bottom of prepared pie dish
  4. Sprinkle with half of chopped chives or green onion and half of grated cheese
  5. Carefully break eggs into pie dish, spacing evenly
  6. Top with remaining half of breadcrumbs, chopped chives and grated cheese
  7. Season with cayenne pepper and salt
  8. Pour 1 cup half and half over
  9. Bake until eggs are almost set, about 20 minutes
  10. Garnish eggs with fresh chive pieces and serve immediately
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11 Reviews

SPark0101 January 16, 2017
I made this for brunch this morning with 2 adjustments that worked well: a mix of fresh baguette breadcrumbs and panko which helped combat potentially soggy bread, plus heavy cream instead of half and half and at a smaller volume than called for in the recipe. It was delicious and I will definitely make this again.
 
LeahS. June 16, 2013
I have been making this for years, found the recipe in a little booklet called "Favourite Dairy Recipes" that my mom brought home from a trip to England. It is very good, my kids love it and it's an easy way to cook a lot of eggs at one time.
 
Hooper's J. March 26, 2011
I made these for Christmas breakfast and they were fabulous. I've got a batch in the oven right now and my mouth is watering. I'm not kidding - they're THAT good! I use organic eggs as they are much healthier and have a superior flavor to regular eggs. I also use organic half and half for much the same reason.

This time around, I am using Ezekial Sesame Bread that I made into bread crumbs. I am very curious how this recipe will turn out with the substitution. This is a flourless sprouted grain bread and it is delicious. You can get it at Trader Joe's.
 
mrs.diggs January 22, 2011
I kind of botched the recipe by using challah instead (and not in bread crumb form). The flavors were really delicious. When I make it next time, I will take the time to use bread crumbs!
 
japanesecurry December 28, 2010
Made this for Christmas morning, but forgot to add the half and half. Worked beautifully anyway, though!
 
Queen O. December 18, 2010
Trying this tomorrow for a holiday brunch with friends & David Eyre's pancake. Can't wait!
 
mariaraynal September 29, 2009
So simple, yet so creative. Great for brunch or a weeknight dinner.
 
LizBChicago September 29, 2009
Wow - I actually made ths Scottish Farmhouse Eggs for dinner last night, with a little salad on the side. Tremendous! What a great dish. You're so right about how the cayenne cuts the richness a bit. Immediately started thinking of other things to add, i.e. asparagus, spinach, chopped prosciutto, etc. Thank you! This could be a new go-to and not just for brunch, either!
 
maryvelasquez September 27, 2009
I made this recipe and the savory bread pudding and my guests liked the Scottish Farmhouse Eggs best. I liked how simple the recipe was, and the hint of spice. Yum.
 
lastnightsdinner September 27, 2009
This is one of the most simple, delicious and inspired things I have eaten in recent memory.
 
PhoebeLapine September 25, 2009
this looks absolutely wonderful. I might have to go back to bed after eating though,