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If you have never experienced the ethereal delight of Cloud Eggs with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Chives Recipe, you are truly in for a treat that transforms simple eggs into a stunning breakfast or brunch masterpiece. This dish marries airy whipped egg whites with the bold, creamy tang of blue cheese and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, all elevated by fresh chives. Light yet indulgent, it’s the kind of recipe that sparks joy every time you make it and will have guests asking for your secret.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cloud Eggs with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Chives Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you might already have on hand, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. With just a few pantry staples, you can create something truly special.
- 2 large eggs: The foundation of this recipe, providing both fluffy clouds and rich yolks.
- 2 tablespoons blue cheese, crumbled: Adds a sharp, creamy punch that contrasts beautifully with the eggs.
- 2 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled: Brings smoky crunch and a savory depth.
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Enhances the flavors with a subtle, warming spice.
- Pinch sea salt: Necessary to balance and heighten the egg whites’ natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, oniony brightness and a pop of green color.
How to Make Cloud Eggs with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Chives Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bacon
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (about 400°F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. While the oven warms, cook the bacon until golden and crisp, then crumble it into small pieces. The bacon’s crunch will provide a lovely contrast to the delicate clouds once baked.
Step 2: Separate the Eggs Carefully
Gently separate the egg whites from the yolks, being careful to keep each yolk whole and intact. Place each yolk into its own small bowl and set aside. This method ensures your cloud eggs bake perfectly with the yolks nestled safely until the final step.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks
Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of sea salt until they form stiff peaks using either an electric mixer or a vigorous hand whisk. This step is key to creating the light, airy texture that defines the cloud eggs, offering that heavenly fluffiness that elevates the entire dish.
Step 4: Fold in Blue Cheese and Bacon
With a gentle hand, fold the crumbled blue cheese and most of the crisp bacon pieces into the whipped egg whites, preserving plenty of bacon for the topping. This delicate folding helps maintain the volume while infusing the clouds with savory bursts of flavor throughout.
Step 5: Shape the Egg Whites and Bake
Spoon the egg white mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, dividing it into two mounds. Use the back of your spoon to create a shallow well in the center of each mound—this is where the yolks will nestle later. Pop the egg white clouds into the oven for 3 minutes until they’re just beginning to set but still soft and pillowy.
Step 6: Add Yolks and Finish Baking
Carefully slide one yolk into the well of each baked egg white cloud. Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 3 to 4 minutes. Here, you want the yolks to just set on the outside but remain deliciously runny inside—a perfect balance of textures that makes every bite memorable.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle your reserved bacon on top along with a dash of freshly ground black pepper and chopped chives. The bacon adds a final crunchy contrast, while the chives provide a fresh finish and beautiful color. Serve these clouds immediately while warm and tempting.
How to Serve Cloud Eggs with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Chives Recipe
Garnishes
The garnish elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. Freshly chopped chives bring a vibrant green color and mild onion flavor that lightens the richness of blue cheese and bacon. Adding a touch of black pepper enhances the spices, while sprinkling extra crumbled bacon adds irresistible texture.
Side Dishes
Cloud eggs pair beautifully with lightly toasted artisanal bread or a buttery croissant, which help sop up the runny yolks and cheese. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette or sliced avocado adds a refreshing contrast and balances the richness on the plate. For an indulgent brunch, roasted tomatoes or sautéed spinach bring added warmth and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, serve the clouds on brightly colored plates to make the whites and greens pop. You can also nestle each cloud egg atop a bed of creamy polenta or place them over grilled English muffins for a delightful eggs Benedict twist. A drizzle of honey or balsamic reduction can add unexpected sweetness if you enjoy contrast in your flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cloud Eggs with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Chives Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep garnishes separate to maintain their fresh texture. While cloud eggs are best eaten fresh, careful storage can help you enjoy them again later.
Freezing
Due to the delicate texture, freezing cloud eggs is not recommended. The whipped egg whites and runny yolks lose their lightness and creaminess once thawed, so it’s best to make this recipe fresh whenever you want that perfect fluffy experience.
Reheating
To gently reheat, use a low-temperature oven (around 150°C) for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye to avoid overcooking the yolks. Reheating in the microwave usually results in rubbery whites and hard yolks, so the oven is preferable to preserve texture as much as possible.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese adds a sharp tang that’s signature to this recipe, creamy cheeses like goat cheese or feta can be great substitutes if you prefer milder flavors. Just make sure to crumble them finely so they fold well into the egg whites.
Is it necessary to whip the egg whites to stiff peaks?
Yes, whipping to stiff peaks is essential for achieving the characteristic fluffy cloud texture. Underwhipping will result in flatter eggs that lack the lightness this recipe is known for.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This particular Cloud Eggs with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Chives Recipe relies on eggs and blue cheese for its structure and flavor, so it’s not easily adaptable to vegan diets. However, experimenting with aquafaba (chickpea water) for whipped whites and plant-based cheeses could be fun to try in a different version.
What if my egg yolks break? Can I still use the whites?
While whole yolks are ideal for visual appeal and texture, if a yolk breaks, you can still bake the whites mixed with the broken yolk for a different but still tasty dish. Alternatively, discard the broken yolk and prepare another egg for a precise cloud appearance.
How can I make sure the yolks stay runny?
Keep a close watch on the timing when baking with the yolks added back in. Baking 3 to 4 minutes after adding yolks usually results in just-set whites and soft runny yolks. Remove them immediately once the whites are firm to retain that luscious yolk texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cloud Eggs with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Chives Recipe is one of those magical dishes that turns everyday ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Its airy texture, combined with bold flavors and crunch, makes each bite an experience. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll love the wow factor it brings to your breakfast or brunch table and the smiles it inspires.
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Print
Cloud Eggs with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Chives Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cloud eggs with a savory twist of crumbled blue cheese and crispy bacon, baked to perfection for a fluffy texture and rich flavor. This quick and impressive breakfast or brunch dish features whipped egg whites baked lightly before topping with yolks, resulting in a delightfully airy treat garnished with fresh chives.
Ingredients
Eggs and Cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons blue cheese, crumbled
Bacon and Seasonings
- 2 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch sea salt
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Separate eggs: Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks, keeping each yolk whole. Place each yolk into a small separate bowl to keep them intact and ready for later use.
- Whip egg whites: In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of sea salt using an electric mixer or a hand whisk until stiff peaks form. This ensures the whites are light and airy for the cloud effect.
- Fold in cheese and bacon: Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese and most of the cooked, crumbled bacon into the whipped egg whites, being careful not to deflate the airiness. Reserve some bacon for topping later.
- Form egg white mounds: Spoon the mixture onto the lined baking sheet in two equal mounds. Using the back of the spoon, create a shallow well in the center of each mound to hold the yolks.
- Initial bake: Bake the egg white mounds for 3 minutes to set them lightly while maintaining softness.
- Add yolks: Carefully slide one egg yolk into the well of each baked egg white cloud without breaking the yolk.
- Final bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the yolks are just set but still runny for a creamy texture.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven. Top the cloud eggs with the reserved crispy bacon pieces, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and chopped chives for color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs for best volume and texture in the whipped whites.
- If you prefer fully cooked yolks, extend the final baking time by 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid drying out the clouds.
- For a milder flavor, substitute the blue cheese with goat cheese or cream cheese.
- Chives add a subtle onion flavor and color but can be omitted if unavailable.
- This dish is best served immediately as the egg whites can deflate upon cooling.
