Cheesy Broiled Eggs

These cheesy broiled eggs bring a little something different to every bite, with soft-boiled eggs, creamy sauce, tender greens and plenty of melty cheese all tucked into one baking dish and broiled until they’re bubbly and golden. They’re elegant enough for a brunch spread and simple enough for a cozy meatless dinner. Serve them with toast points for dipping and a fresh side or two to make a satisfying meal any time of day.

Ingredients for Cheesy Broiled Eggs

• Eggs: Stick to a six-minute simmer for soft-boiled eggs with jammy centers and just-set yolks. They’ll get a little more cooking time under the broiler, so there’s no need to boil them longer.
• Leeks: Give those leeks a good cleaning after slicing—dirt and sand love to hide between the layers. Soak them in a bowl of cool water, separating the layers to loosen anything that’s hiding.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach is great, but frozen works, too. Just thaw it and squeeze it until it’s really dry before adding it to the skillet.
• Butter: Start with unsalted butter to better control the seasoning of the sauce.
• Flour: You’ll add just enough all-purpose flour to make a simple roux that thickens the sauce.
• Half-and-half cream: Half-and-half gives you a creamy sauce that’s not too heavy. Use whole milk or 2% milk to lighten things up, or heavy cream to make the sauce even richer.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of ground nutmeg adds a little warmth to the sauce and helps tie all the savory flavors together.
• Cheese: Gruyere cheese brings a nutty, savory flavor that pairs especially well with the creamy sauce and eggs. Finish the eggs with Parmesan for a salty, golden layer on top.
• Tarragon: Fresh tarragon gives the dish the brightest flavor, but dried tarragon works in a pinch. Not a tarragon fan? Try fresh chives, thyme or parsley instead.

Directions

Step 1: Soft-boil the eggs

Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the eggs and simmer them for six minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, peel them and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the vegetables

While the eggs cook, add the leeks to a skillet and cook them until they’re tender, three to four minutes. Add the spinach and cook until it’s wilted. Set the vegetables aside.

Step 3: Make the sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper and nutmeg until they’re smooth. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir the sauce until it’s thickened, about two to three minutes. Remove from the heat.

Step 3: Assemble and broil

Preheat the broiler to high. Spread the leek and spinach mixture in a greased 1-quart baking dish. Arrange the eggs on top and sprinkle them with Gruyere. Pour the sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle it with Parmesan.

Broil the eggs until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Garnish them with fresh tarragon and serve them with toasted bread.

Recipe Variations

• Switch up the cheese: Gruyere brings a nutty flavor and melts beautifully, but sharp white cheddar, fontina or Swiss cheese are all good choices if you want to change things up.
• Change the greens: Spinach isn’t your only leafy green option. Replace it with chopped kale or Swiss chard. Since these greens are sturdier, cook them a few extra minutes in the skillet so they have time to soften.
• Make it meaty: For an even heartier dish, stir crisp cooked bacon, diced ham or crumbled breakfast sausage in with the leeks and spinach before assembling.
• Add heat: Stir a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the creamy sauce for a little spice.

Can you store cheesy broiled eggs?

Cheesy broiled eggs are best enjoyed hot out of the oven while the eggs are still soft and jammy. If you have leftovers, let them cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to four days.

How do you reheat cheesy broiled eggs?

Reheat leftover cheesy broiled eggs in the microwave in short bursts until they’re warmed through and the cheese is melty. The eggs will cook a little more as they reheat, so the yolks won’t be quite as jammy as they are when the dish is freshly made.

Cheesy Broiled Eggs Tips

How do I keep the eggs from overcooking?

To keep the eggs from overcooking, don’t boil them for more than six minutes, and keep a close eye on them while they’re under the broiler. Since they’re soft-boiled before they go into the baking dish, a few minutes is all that’s needed to warm the eggs through and get the cheese bubbly and golden. Once the cheese is nicely browned, pull the broiled eggs from the oven.

What can you serve with cheesy broiled eggs?

Cheesy broiled eggs make a hearty breakfast or brunch centerpiece, and pair perfectly with simple, fresh sides like fruit salad, sliced heirloom tomatoes or crisp green salad. For a bigger brunch spread, add roasted potatoes or crispy bacon to the menu. And definitely include a side of toast for dunking into the jammy yolks and creamy sauce.