Baked eggs with béchamel sauce

Baked Eggs with Bechamel Sauce

If you're looking for a simple, tasty recipe perfect for warm summer days, you've come to the right place! Baked eggs with bechamel sauce are an excellent choice, perfect for a light meal or a savory appetizer. This recipe doesn't require much time in the oven, and preparing it is a true pleasure. Whether you serve them as they are or alongside a fresh salad or a piece of cheese, these baked eggs are sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

- 7 eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 300 ml milk
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 1 green onion
- ½ bunch dill
- 50 g sheep cheese (or any preferred cheese)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

Step by step in preparing the recipe

Step 1: Boil the eggs

Start by boiling the eggs. Place them in a pot with cold water and let them boil for 6-7 minutes, so they are hard-boiled but not overcooked to avoid a dry texture. After boiling, rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Then, peel them and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the bechamel sauce

While the eggs are boiling, you can prepare the bechamel sauce. In a pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of flour and stir vigorously to avoid lumps. This step is crucial! Gradually add 200 ml of cream and 300 ml of milk, continuously stirring with a whisk or spatula until you achieve a smooth and creamy sauce. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Once the sauce has thickened and has a velvety consistency, take it off the heat.

Step 3: Preparing the ingredients

Chop the green onion finely and wash the dill well before chopping it finely. Grate the sheep cheese on a coarse grater. These ingredients will add extra flavor to your sauce.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients

Add the chopped onion, dill, salt, and pepper to the bechamel sauce. Mix well to integrate all the flavors. Now, take a heatproof dish and grease it with butter, then line it with breadcrumbs. Place the boiled eggs in this dish, and pour the bechamel sauce with all the added ingredients over them. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top for an appetizing appearance.

Step 5: Baking

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Once the oven is hot, place the dish with the baked eggs inside and let it bake for about 20 minutes. You will know they are ready when the cheese on top turns golden and crispy. The aromas will fill the kitchen, and your patience will be rewarded!

Serving and suggestions

When the baked eggs are ready, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These eggs are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can pair them with a fresh salad, a piece of cheese, or even some homemade cold cuts for a complete lunch.

Nutritional details

This recipe is an excellent source of protein due to the eggs, and the bechamel sauce provides a creamy and rich texture. The sheep cheese adds extra calcium and flavor. One serving (approximately 2 baked eggs) contains about 400 kcal, but this may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's a good choice to satisfy your hunger without being too heavy.

Variations and useful tips

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or parmesan, depending on your preferences. You can also add vegetables of your choice, such as spinach or mushrooms, to create a nutrient-rich vegetarian version. If you desire a stronger flavor, you can add a few drops of Worcestershire sauce to the bechamel sauce.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use quail eggs?
Yes, you can use quail eggs, but the boiling time will be shorter (about 3-4 minutes) due to their smaller size.

2. How can I make the bechamel sauce easier?
If you don't feel comfortable making bechamel sauce, you can use a ready-made sauce from the store, but the taste won't be as fresh.

3. Can I prepare the baked eggs in advance?
Of course! You can prepare everything and keep it in the fridge, and when you're ready to serve, just put it in the oven to heat up.

Through this recipe, I propose to combine the simple and delicious flavors of basic ingredients, transforming them into something truly special. So, gather your ingredients and let’s enjoy cooking! Bon appétit!