Discover a comforting and elegant breakfast experience with this Rustic Gourmet Cocotte, a French-inspired dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious morning meal. Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions, these individual cocottes are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Main Ingredients
- 8 eggs (2 per person)
- 150g bacon or lardons, diced
- 2 slices of country bread (about 60g each), cut into small cubes
- 4 tablespoons fresh cream (about 60 ml)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or oil for greasing (optional)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Toppings
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- In a medium pan, cook bacon for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden
- Add bread cubes and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring regularly
- Set mixture aside
- Assemble the Cocottes
- Lightly grease 4 individual ramekins or small dishes
- Distribute bacon and bread cubes evenly
- Add 1 tablespoon of fresh cream to each ramekin
- Carefully crack 2 eggs into each ramekin
- Season with salt and pepper
- Baking Method
- Place ramekins in a large oven-safe dish
- Fill the dish with hot water halfway up the ramekins (water bath)
- Bake for 10-12 minutes:
- 10 minutes for runny yolks
- 12 minutes for more set yolks
- Serving
- Carefully remove ramekins from water bath
- Serve immediately with a green salad or fresh vegetables
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality, fresh eggs for best results
- Customize with different cheese toppings
- Experiment with fresh herbs like chives or parsley
- Ensure water bath is hot but not boiling
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Options:
- Add grated Emmental or Cheddar before baking
- Try goat cheese or blue cheese for unique flavors
- Dietary Modifications:
- Vegetarian: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread or skip bread cubes
- Low-carb: Omit bread, increase vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these in advance?
Prepare ingredients ahead, but bake just before serving for best texture.
What if I don’t have ramekins?
Use oven-safe small dishes or a large baking dish.
How do I know when the eggs are cooked?
Check egg whites – they should be set but yolks still soft.
Can I make this for a larger group?
Scale ingredients proportionally and use a larger baking dish.
How do I prevent eggs from overcooking?
Watch carefully and remove from oven when whites are set.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Best enjoyed immediately after cooking
- Not recommended for long-term storage
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
- Reheat gently in oven at low temperature
- Consume within 1 day
Bon appétit and enjoy your rustic gourmet cocotte!