Eggs Au Gratin Recipe

Eggs Au Gratin, one of the classic comfort foods, is a dish that combines the rich creaminess of cheese with the satisfying flavor of eggs. This delectable dish traces its roots back to France, where it was first created in the late 19th century. As the name suggests, "au gratin" refers to the culinary technique of browning a dish by topping it with breadcrumbs and cheese and then quickly broiling it. The result is a golden and crispy crust that adds another layer of texture and flavor to the creamy eggs and sauce underneath.

Fun Fact: The term "au gratin" comes from the French word "gratter," which means "to scrape." It is said that this technique was initially used to utilize leftover pieces of bread and cheese, creating a delicious crust.

To prepare Eggs Au Gratin, we need to begin by making a pint of creamy sauce. Here's a simple recipe for the cream sauce:

Ingredients for Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 pint (2 cups) of whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions for Cream Sauce:
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute to cook off the raw flavor of the flour.
3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
5. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Set aside.

Next, we need to hard-boil six eggs and cut them into thin slices. Here's a straightforward method for perfectly boiled eggs:

Instructions for Hard-Boiled Eggs:
1. Place the eggs in a saucepan and add enough water to cover them by about an inch.
2. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and let the eggs simmer for 9-12 minutes, depending on the desired doneness (9 minutes for slightly soft centers and 12 minutes for fully set yolks).
4. After the desired cooking time, carefully transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
5. Once the eggs are cool, gently tap and roll them on a countertop to loosen the shell, and peel them.

Now, let's bring it all together to create a mouthwatering Eggs Au Gratin:

Instructions for Eggs Au Gratin:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Place the sliced hard-boiled eggs in an even layer at the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Pour the prepared cream sauce over the eggs, ensuring they are completely covered.
5. Sprinkle a generous amount of your favorite grated cheese on top to create a delightful cheesy crust. Common choices include Gruyère, Cheddar, or Parmesan.
6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
7. For an extra crispy topping, broil the dish for a couple of minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
8. Once the Eggs Au Gratin are done, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Eggs Au Gratin can be enjoyed as a comforting brunch or a satisfying dinner option. Its creamy texture, combined with the savory cheese crust and the smoothness of the eggs, makes it truly irresistible.

Similar dishes that you might enjoy include "Scalloped Potatoes au Gratin," where thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream sauce and cheese before being baked and broiled to perfection. Another variation, "Seafood Au Gratin," combines the deliciousness of seafood, such as shrimp or crab, with the creamy sauce and cheese topping.

No matter which version you choose, whether it's Eggs Au Gratin or one of its delightful relatives, you can't go wrong with the combination of creamy sauce, delicious cheese, and a golden breadcrumb crust. Enjoy!