How To Make Fluffy White Cloud Eggs with the perfect runny yolk, for your next brunch to wow your guests. Always perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch!
What Are Cloud Eggs?
Cloud Eggs are egg whites whipped to a cloud, formed into nest shapes, then baked with the yolks in the center.
The whipped and baked egg whites resemble puffy clouds that surround a sun (the yolk), which explains how cloud eggs got their name.
Lucky for you, I’ve got an easy recipe to follow, that will take a simple recipe and make it look like it came from a five-star restaurant!
Fluffy White Cloud Eggs Are So Trending Right Now
There are food trends that come and go, and then there’s the egg; and while it may seem like a new trending food fad, these cloud eggs have been around since the 17th Century in France.
The technique for ‘oeufs a la Neige’ translated as ‘eggs in snow’ couldn’t be easier, though they look quite fancy and fussy.
The first time I saw a cloud egg I thought for sure, ‘this can’t work’, wow was I wrong, and it’s almost too easy to be so beautiful.
It seems, no matter how you serve them, they just become all the more loved.
Origin of Cloud Eggs
Leave it to the French to create something so whimsical in the culinary world, and we thought we knew every possible way to serve the humble egg.
Apparently these eggs first appeared in the 17th century in France as it was published the the cookbook ‘Le Cuisinier Francois’ though now with social media’s quest for eye-catching foods, the cloud egg has made a comeback!
The recipe for oeufs à la neige (eggs in snow, though I prefer cloud eggs), is one that is served as a savory dish, however another cloud-like egg recipe, called Floating Islands, is a classic dessert with the egg whites served as a meringue in custard.
Ahhhh the beauty the French bring to our table with so many techniques to learn from.
Cloud Eggs On A Salad
My first attempt at cloud eggs didn’t disappoint and once it became clear how easy they would be to make, they seemed the perfect way to serve a salad.
I had planned a light spring luncheon with a few friends, and wanted to serve something healthy, light and yet eye catching.
It was a risk to lean heavily on the egg presentation to turn out moments before serving, but it was spectacular!
The bright spring green, the white cloud and that bright yellow yolk received praise as I set the plates before my guest.
When their fork went into the yolk and the yellow gold trickled down to merge into the salad, it was pretty impressive!
Obsession With Eggs
Every culinary person, every food blogger, every food photographer will tell you, ‘if you want to draw the eye to a plate, put an Egg on it’!
That stark white, once gooey, slimy jelly, once cooked, against the bright yellow sunshine yolk contrasts beautifully in every photograph.
Of course, the fatty trickle of the yolk as it merges with other ingredients on the plate is what brings a ‘wow’ every time.
How the mind’s eye, already knows how delicious an egg always is at first bite, no matter what type of egg it is.
I don’t know, but these cloud eggs take ‘show-stopper’ to a new level of eye catching.
White Clouds On A Plate
In the culinary world, there are only two things that can be whipped to a huge mound of white puffy clouds on a plate: cream and egg whites.
What is our favorite part of a lemon meringue pie, or a pavlova, or our favorite latte or Hot Chocolate?
Yep, white clouds, and don’t get me started on how decadent a tray of macarons is when served in any color combination!
Flavor In The Cloud Egg
While these eggs don’t need anything other than a sprinkle of salt while whipping the egg whites, maybe a pinch of white pepper, a finely grated cheese is also a nice addition to the egg whites.
However, I honestly wouldn’t add anything to detract from the beautiful bright white of the eggs. Most any type of cheese will dull their appearance.
How To Make Cloud Eggs
The process is simple enough.
- separate egg whites from egg yolks
- place egg yolks in separate small bowls
- whip egg whites to a peak, season as so desired
- place mounds on a baking tray
- indent a place to add the yolk later, and bake for 3 minutes
- pull out the tray and gently add the yolk in the sturdy semi-baked egg white
- bake another 4 minutes and they are ready to serve
Extra Tips To Make Cloud Eggs Easier
Putting each yolk individually in a little cup makes adding it to the baked egg whites so much easier.
An important step before baking, is to use parchment paper on the baking tray and a very thin brushing of light oil, so they are easy to remove.
This makes serving time a breeze, as well as adds a hint of crisp to the edged of the egg whites.
I was always told not to place egg whites on top of anything that has oil, otherwise it could break down the whipped egg white.
Honestly, this was how I ruined my first batch of Macarons, they all stuck to the parchment paper. Spray or brush just a little, then wipe it smooth.
Ingredients Needed For Cloud Egg Recipe
- Eggs, set out to room temperature for an even cook time, rather than cold eggs.
- Salt and White Pepper is about all you will need to flavor the eggs, and rely on the salad dressing to add a flavor of choice to compliment the eggs.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl and an electric Mixer, either a stand mixer or a hand mixer
- Cooking spoon, using the back to make an indentation in the center of the whipped egg whites
- 4 small cups – about 1 ounce size, to place each egg yolk in, making it most efficient when placing in the center of the white cloud for baking
- Baking sheet pan lined with parchment paper
- Light neutral in flavor and color oil to brush onto the parchment paper, such as canola oil or corn oil
- Oven
Other Egg Recipes To Love
While we may never understand our obsession with eggs, let’s just dive in and enjoy them every way possible!
- Egg Muffin Cups – perfect eggs to-go.
- Shakshuka – eggs on a bed of roasted peppers and tomatoes.
- Cilbir – Turkish style eggs over garlic yogurt.
- Perfectly Poached Over Latkes – over a potato pancake.
How To Make Fluffy White Cloud Eggs
Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 4 Fresh Eggs room temperature
- Salt and White pepper to taste
- pinch Cream of tartar not needed if using a copper bowl
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a cooking tray. Lightly, very lightly spray with cooking spray, then gently wipe so there is only a hint of oil.
- Separate Eggs. Separate egg yolks from the egg whites. It helps to put each yolk into separate small bowls, making it much easier to add them one at a time later.
- In a clean bowl with a hand mixer, or whisk attachment on a stand up mixer, begin whipping the egg whites on low speed at first. Stop when foamy and add a small pinch of salt and white pepper (if using), and a pinch of cream of tartar. Continue to whip at high speed until soft peaks form and they take on the appearance of egg clouds.
- On parchment-lined baking sheet, gently spoon four fluffy mounds of whipped whites onto the baking sheet. With the back of the spoon, in the middle of each white nest, make a small indentation. This will create an egg nest to add the yolk later.
- Place the fluffy egg whites into the preheated oven and set a timer for exactly 4-minutes.
- Gently take them out of the oven. Carefully and quickly, place each of the egg yolks into the center of the fluffy whites. Return the baking sheet back into the oven for just a couple of minutes, about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch them.
- Remove from the oven and let sit a minute or two before using a rubber spatula to remove from the baking tray.
Video
Notes
- The addition of grated cheese is delicious in the egg white but remember it will also dull its color.
- A sprinkle of black sesame seeds in the egg whites while whipping adds an interesting black and white presentation. Or, simply add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives before serving.
I believe the table... that place that draws people to gather, is the most powerful symbol of togetherness. All that happens before the table is set, the planning, the gathering, the preparing, are all an intricate part of the dance that create the mood of celebration to share with friends and loved ones.