These Sunshine Eggs in Mushrooms are a delightful and nutritious breakfast that combines earthy mushrooms with creamy eggs, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The freshness of thyme and garlic adds a savory depth, while the egg yolk brings a luscious richness.
This dish is incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it by adding different herbs, cheeses, or toppings to suit your taste. It’s a great low-carb option for anyone following a ketogenic or gluten-free diet. Plus, it’s quick and simple, making it a great choice for busy mornings or weekend brunches.
Full Recipe:
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4 large mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
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2 eggs
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Place the mushroom caps on a baking sheet, stem side up.
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In a small skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and thyme, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Spoon the garlic and thyme mixture into the mushroom caps.
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Carefully crack one egg into each mushroom cap. Season with salt and pepper.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the eggs are cooked to your liking. For a firmer yolk, leave them in a bit longer.
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Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese (if using) and fresh parsley.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Introduction to the Recipe
If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy eggs in the morning, look no further than the Sunday Sunshine Baked Eggs in Mushrooms. This breakfast dish is a creative twist on traditional eggs, offering a delicious and visually appealing way to start your day. The combination of fresh mushrooms and eggs provides a healthy, flavorful base, while the added cream and cheese create a rich, indulgent experience. Perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches, this recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and can be made in a matter of minutes.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just six ingredients—mushrooms, eggs, pasta sauce, cream, cheese, and parsley—you can make a dish that is satisfying yet light. Whether you’re in a rush or want to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed breakfast, these baked eggs in mushrooms will put a smile on anyone’s face. The addition of pasta or pizza sauce provides a burst of flavor and moisture, elevating the overall taste and texture. This is not your average egg dish, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back for more.
Why Mushrooms Make the Perfect Base for Eggs
Mushrooms are not only delicious, but they also have a naturally earthy, meaty texture that pairs wonderfully with eggs. Large mushroom caps, such as flat or Portobello mushrooms, work best for this dish as they provide enough space to hold an egg. Their deep, bowl-like shape ensures that the egg stays intact while baking, which is essential for presentation. You can also scrape out the mushroom gills to make extra room for the egg, though this is optional.
The best part? The mushrooms absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce and egg, making each bite a perfect harmony of taste. The sauce acts as both a moisture provider and a flavor enhancer, ensuring that the mushrooms don’t dry out during baking. It also creates a beautiful contrast with the creamy egg, making every bite irresistible.
Customizing the Dish to Your Liking
While the basic recipe calls for pasta sauce, feel free to get creative with the type of sauce you use. Pizza sauce is a great alternative and adds a little extra punch of flavor. Some people have even experimented with using ketchup, though that’s a bit more unconventional. For those who prefer a milder flavor, a simple homemade tomato sauce, made from tomato paste, garlic, onion, and dried herbs, can be an excellent option. The key is to choose a sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the mushrooms and eggs without overpowering them.
In addition to the sauce, cheese plays a major role in elevating the dish. A melting cheese like mozzarella or cheddar works beautifully here, giving the eggs an extra layer of richness. For an extra touch of decadence, you could even opt for a creamy cheese like brie or camembert. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese varieties and discover the one that best suits your tastes.
A Healthier Option Without Compromising Flavor
One of the best things about this recipe is how it balances health and indulgence. Each serving contains just 161 calories, making it a guilt-free breakfast option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a great choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet, as the mushrooms provide a good amount of fiber while the eggs offer a healthy dose of protein. The added cream and cheese contribute to the dish’s richness without being excessive, and you can always adjust the amount of cream or cheese based on your dietary preferences.
For those concerned with calorie counts, the recipe is versatile and easily modifiable. You can use lighter cheese or skip it entirely for a more minimalistic approach. The same goes for the cream—you can replace it with a lighter version, such as half-and-half or even almond milk, without sacrificing the dish’s creamy texture.
The Ideal Cooking Method
Baking is the perfect way to cook this dish, as it allows the mushrooms to cook evenly and the eggs to stay intact. The oven provides gentle heat that ensures the eggs cook to perfection, without turning rubbery or overcooked. The key is to keep an eye on the eggs while they bake. Cooking times can vary between ovens, but in general, it takes about 15 minutes for the eggs to cook. For a runny yolk, remove the mushrooms from the oven once the whites are set but the yolk remains soft. If you prefer a firmer yolk, bake for a little longer.
Remember, eggs continue to cook after they’re removed from the oven, so it’s a good idea to take them out just before they reach your desired doneness. This way, the eggs will firm up slightly while you serve them, ensuring that they’re perfectly cooked by the time they hit your plate.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Sunday Sunshine Baked Eggs in Mushrooms are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the mushrooms and eggs, balancing the meal with a refreshing crunch. You could also serve this dish with some crusty bread or toast to soak up the egg yolk and sauce, creating a more hearty breakfast. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce on top can add an exciting kick.
If you’re hosting a brunch or special breakfast gathering, these eggs make for an impressive and visually stunning dish. You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more guests, and they can be served as individual portions or shared on a platter. The mushrooms hold their shape well, making them easy to serve and eat, and the colors from the sauce and parsley provide a beautiful presentation.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Repeating
In conclusion, Sunday Sunshine Baked Eggs in Mushrooms is a quick, simple, and delicious breakfast dish that will brighten your mornings. It’s the perfect recipe for anyone who enjoys the flavors of eggs and mushrooms, and it offers plenty of room for customization. Whether you prefer a rich, creamy sauce or a lighter, vegetable-based option, you can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste. The dish is healthy, low-calorie, and packed with protein, making it an excellent choice for those on special diets like keto or low-carb. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can enjoy a gourmet breakfast that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
This recipe proves that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the best. With its ease of preparation, versatility, and delicious flavors, Sunday Sunshine Baked Eggs in Mushrooms is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try next time you’re craving something different for breakfast or brunch, and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your meal rotation.