Delicious Welsh Baked Eggs Recipe for Breakfast
Welcome to my recipe for Welsh Baked Eggs! This dish comes from the beautiful island of Anglesey, also known as Ynys Môn, in North Wales. If you love eggs as much as I do, then this dish is a must-try for you.
Not only is it a resourceful dish that uses ingredients commonly found in households, but this cheesy baked eggs recipe is also simple yet hearty. It’s a vegetarian recipe that can be enjoyed as breakfast or brunch, and if you add a side of buttery toast, it becomes even more indulgent.
This recipe holds a special place in the hearts of the Welsh people, and even the British royalty. It’s said that Prince Charles enjoys a similar dish called “Anglesey Eggs,” which is made with hard-boiled eggs and served on top of mashed potatoes and leeks.
So why not try your hand at making this classic Welsh recipe? It’s perfect for those lazy weekend mornings when you want something delicious without putting too much effort into it. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are a fan of breakfast food, then the Welsh Baked Eggs Recipe is a must-try. This classic Welsh recipe is a resourceful dish that is simple yet hearty, making it perfect for any time of the day. Not only is it a vegetarian recipe, but it is also made with a combination of eggs, leeks, potatoes, and parsley sprigs.
There are so many things to love about this dish. For starters, the baked eggs are cheesy and gooey, making for the perfect texture that everyone will adore. Additionally, the dish itself is super easy to make in just a few simple steps. You can even make most of the ingredients ahead of time if you need to.
Another thing that makes this recipe great is its versatility. Instead of just having it for breakfast, you can enjoy these eggs as part of a delicious lunch or dinner as well. Also, if you want to mix it up even more, you can substitute some of the ingredients to create different variations of the dish.
Notably, this dish originates from Wales and has been enjoyed for generations there. Prince Charles himself has even tried Welsh Baked Eggs and loves them. Therefore, by trying out this recipe, you will not only be enjoying a delicious meal but also be immersing yourself in some traditional Welsh cuisine.
In summary, this recipe is something that everyone should try out at least once in their lives. Its cheesy and hearty taste together with its versatility and easy preparation makes it standout from other egg dishes like poached eggs or fried eggs. So why not give it a go? You might even end up falling in love with this classic Welsh breakfast treat!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you will need to make this classic Welsh eggs recipe called ‘Welsh Baked Eggs’.
For the eggs:
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup cooked and chopped leeks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or margarine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheesy baked eggs:
- 3 cups grated sharp cheese
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup cooked and chopped leeks
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or margarine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Anglesey Eggs:
- 4 hard boiled eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
This resourceful dish can be made with ingredients widely available in most households, however, if you want to opt for an authentic Welsh recipe, I recommend using Ynys Môn (Anglesey) potatoes and leeks.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get cookin’! This dish is simple yet hearty and perfect for a vegetarian breakfast or brunch. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of mashed potatoes
- 2 leeks, cleaned, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons of butter or margarine
- 8 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 cup of grated cheese (cheddar or any other yellow farmhouse cheese)
- 2 sprigs of parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Start by making your cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, gradually stir in the grated cheese until it is completely melted and combined with the butter. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- In a frying pan, sauté the leeks until they are soft and caramelized.
- In a baking dish, spread out half of your mashed potatoes in a thin layer as your base.
- Lay your hard-boiled eggs on top of the mashed potato layer with the yolk facing up.
- Cover the eggs with the caramelized leeks.
- Pour the cheesy sauce over the leek-and-egg layer.
- Spread out remaining mashed potatoes over everything as your final layer.
- Place the baking dish into your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until heated all throughout, cheese sauce is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are have hardened slightly.
Once you’ve taken your dish out of the oven, let it sit for a minute. Garnish it with parsley sprigs for added freshness, then serve yourself this Anglesey Eggs, which is also commonly known as Welsh Baked Eggs.
Substitutions and Variations
Although this Welsh Baked Eggs recipe is already delicious as it is, there are several ways you can add your twist and make this feel like your own. Here are some substitutions and variations to keep in mind as you create this hearty vegetarian dish.
– Instead of leeks, you can use onions or green onions. These will still give a similar flavor to the dish, but with a slightly different undertone.
– For the butter, margarine can also work, but make sure to get one that doesn’t contain any hydrogenated oils.
– Add some Welsh Rarebit to the top of the cheesy baked eggs for an extra layer of flavor. Prince Charles himself describes Welsh Rarebit as “a rather splendid variant of cheese on toast.”
– If making mashed potatoes seems tedious, you can skip that step and serve it with some crusty artisan bread instead.
– If you want to add some texture to this dish, try using a cast iron skillet instead of ramekins. This will create a crispy bottom and edges that will take this dish to the next level.
– Experiment with egg dishes! You can poach the eggs or try souffléd Welsh eggs. Moreover, you can prepare boiled eggs baked among other delicious egg dishes.
– Lastly, don’t be afraid to fry an egg and serve it on top of the cheesy baked eggs for extra richness.
Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and trying new things. This classic Welsh recipe is versatile enough for you to put a spin on it based on what’s available in your pantry or what suits your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Welsh Baked Eggs are a hearty vegetarian dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, and pairs well with a variety of sides. One classic pairing is with mashed potatoes and leeks, providing a creamy and savory complement to the cheesy baked eggs.
To serve, simply spoon a generous portion of the baked egg mixture into individual ramekins or small baking dishes. Top each ramekin with a cheesy crust and garnish with fresh parsley sprigs for a pop of color.
If you’re looking for a bit more variety, try serving Welsh Baked Eggs with other egg dishes like poached eggs or even fried eggs. You can also pair the dish with a side of Welsh rarebit, which is another classic Welsh recipe featuring melted cheese sauce over toasted bread.
For something more substantial, consider serving Welsh Baked Eggs alongside crispy bacon or juicy sausage links. Additionally, this resourceful dish can be enjoyed on its own as a main course or as a side dish to accompany other brunch items.
Overall, Welsh Baked Eggs are a simple yet hearty dish that can be customized to your liking and paired with a variety of sides to create the perfect meal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Welsh Baked Eggs is a dish that can be made ahead and stored for later use. The dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days after making it. To reheat the dish, place it in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes or until heated through.
When making this recipe ahead of time, there are a couple of things to keep in mind to ensure that the dish comes out perfectly. Firstly, if you plan on making the mashed potatoes ahead of time, store them separately from the rest of the ingredients. This will help to keep the potatoes from becoming too mushy and affecting the texture of the dish.
If you plan on storing unbaked ramekins in the fridge, make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any moisture from getting in. When you’re ready to bake them, remove them from the fridge and let them come to room temperature before placing them in the oven.
It is also possible to freeze unbaked ramekins of Welsh Baked Eggs for later use. Once your ramekins are assembled, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake them, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw for several hours before baking as normal.
In terms of reheating leftovers, Welsh Baked Eggs can be easily reheated on a stovetop or in a microwave. Simply transfer individual portions onto a microwave-safe plate and reheat in 30-second intervals until hot. If reheating on the stovetop, simply add a splash of milk or water to loosen up any hardened cheese.
Overall, Welsh Baked Eggs is a resourceful dish that is perfect for those looking for a make-ahead breakfast item or a hearty vegetarian dinner. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy this classic Welsh recipe whenever cravings strike!
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the perfect Welsh Baked Eggs dish, there are some important tips to follow. Here are my recommendations:
1. Use the right type of potatoes: I highly recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for making mashed potatoes. They are starchy and their texture work well with this recipe. Avoid using waxy potato varieties like Red Bliss potatoes.
2. Cook leeks until they’re soft: it is important to cook the leeks until they are soft before you add them to the egg mixture. This ensures that they don’t become crunchy or chewy in the final dish.
3. Preheat your oven properly: Make sure to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) degrees for at least 10-15 minutes before baking the eggs. This ensures even baking and prevents undercooked or overcooked eggs.
4. Don’t overcook the eggs: It is crucial not to overcook the eggs as they can become dry and rubbery when left too long in the oven. Once you see that the whites are set and the yolks are still tender, it’s time to take them out of the oven.
5. Add herbs and spices for extra flavor: You can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley sprigs or dill to give your dish a burst of flavor. Ground black pepper, ground nutmeg, or paprika will also enhance its taste.
6. Use ramekins for single servings: instead of baking one large dish, opt for individual ramekins as they make a beautiful presentation in small portions.
By following these tips, you will get a perfectly baked Welsh Baked Eggs every time that will impress your friends and family!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Welsh Baked Eggs Recipe is a must-try for lovers of hearty and flavorful breakfasts. With its unique blend of mashed potatoes, leeks, and eggs baked to perfection, this recipe is perfect for any time of day. What’s more, it is a vegetarian-friendly dish that is also easy to prepare and store.
Whether you’re looking for something to serve your family or guests, the Welsh Baked Eggs Recipe is sure to blow their minds away. This recipe truly captures the rich culinary history of Wales and its beloved ingredients such as Anglesey eggs and Welsh potatoes. It is not only delicious but also resourceful as ingredients can easily be substituted or varied according to preferences.
So next time you want to try out a new egg dish or impress someone with your cooking skills, I highly recommend giving this recipe a go. Who knows? You might even get a nod of approval from Prince Charles himself!
Welsh Baked Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
- 50 g butter or 50 g margarine
- 4 small leeks, thinly sliced
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons single cream
- 4 parsley sprigs
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the leeks and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat, cover and cook for a further 5 minutes until softened.
- Season lightly & spoon into four ramekin dishes (custard cups).
- Break an egg into each ramekin and add a spoonful of cream over each.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 8-10 minutes or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.