Are you looking for original ideas to cook eggs?

Do you want a quick and easy recipe that is also scenic and has a great impact to impress your guests at breakfast, brunch, or as a fancy appetizer?

If the answer is a resounding yes, then you’re in the right place!

Today I reveal all the secrets to preparing Magical Egg Clouds

known as ‘cloud eggs’ in English.

This baked egg recipe will win you over with its incredible contrast of textures: a light and fluffy meringue-like egg white that encloses a creamy and velvety, almost liquid yolk.

Prepare to bring to the table an egg dish that will drive everyone crazy, perfect for those who love creative egg recipes and are looking for a different and tasty way to enjoy this versatile ingredient.

Let’s discover together how to make these wonderful egg clouds!

Magical Egg Clouds: The Soft and Spectacular Recipe That Will Impress Everyone at the Table

Difficulty: Very Easy
Cost: Very Cheap
Rest time: 5 Minutes
Preparation time: 15 Minutes
Portions: 4
Cooking methods: Oven, Air Fry
Cuisine: Italian
Seasonality: Easter, All Seasons

90.23 Kcal

calories per serving

Info Close

Energy 90.23 (Kcal)
Carbohydrates 0.16 (g) of which sugars 0.00 (g)
Proteins 8.71 (g)
Fat 6.10 (g) of which saturated 2.78 (g)of which unsaturated 3.36 (g)
Fibers 0.06 (g)
Sodium 192.85 (mg)

Indicative values for a portion of 65 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA^* and FoodData Central^** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.

^* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ^** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

Ingredients

Find out what you need to prepare the soft Egg Clouds:

4 eggs (Fresh)
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper (Optional)

Tools

To best make your Egg Clouds, here are the tools you’ll need:

1 Bowl Pyrex
1 Hand Blender Bonsenkitchen
1 Baking Tray Russell Hobbs

Steps

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Egg Clouds:

Essential Egg Preparation: (1 egg per person)
To begin this magical culinary adventure, take 4 fresh eggs (one for each serving).
Gently separate the yolks from the whites, ensuring not to contaminate the whites with yolk traces.
This step is crucial as the whites need to be beaten to stiff peaks, a process the yolk’s fat would hinder.
Place the yolks in a separate bowl, ready to be used in the final stage.
The Art of Whipping the Whites: Transforming into a Soft Cloud
Now it’s time to bring our “clouds” to life.
Pour the egg whites into a large bowl and, using a hand blender or electric whisk, start beating vigorously.
Keep working the whites until they become white, foamy, and significantly increase in volume.
The final result should be a stiff and glossy meringue with firm peaks that form when you lift the whisks.
This process incorporates air into the egg white, creating the base for the light and airy texture of our clouds.
Forming the Clouds and Preparing the Nest for the Yolk.

With the whipped egg white, take a spoon and gently scoop a portion of the mixture.
Place each portion on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, creating small “clouds” spaced apart.
The number of clouds will depend on how large you want them, but consider about 4 clouds, one per serving.
In the center of each egg white cloud, use the back of the spoon to create a small indentation. This hollow space will be the cozy nest for the yolk in the next step.
You can prepare the “clouds” a bit in advance, but it’s advisable to bake them as soon as possible to maintain their fluffiness.
Perfect Double Cooking: “Marshmallow” Egg White and Creamy Yolk.

Place the tray in the preheated oven at 392°F (200°C).
Bake the egg white “clouds” only for about 6-7 minutes, or until they start to lightly brown on the surface and become more solid.
Remove the tray from the oven and, very gently, place a yolk in the center of each hollow space you have created.
Bake again for a short time, about 2 minutes.
This second cooking step is crucial: the heat will slightly cook the yolk outside, keeping its heart soft, creamy, and deliciously runny.
Resting, Plating, and Pure Delight.

Once out of the oven, let your Egg Clouds rest briefly on the tray to settle slightly and be easier to handle.
Gently transfer them to a serving platter or individual plates.
You can accompany them with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or chopped aromatic herbs for an extra touch of flavor.
Now all that’s left is to dig your spoon into this soft cloud and enjoy the contrast with the creamy yolk: a true magic for the palate!
Bon appétit!

To best enjoy your Egg Clouds and experiment with new delicious versions, here are some useful tips, storage instructions, and ideas for varying the recipe:

TIPS, STORAGE AND VARIATIONS:

Tips:

Use very fresh eggs for better-beating whites and a firmer, more flavorful yolk.

Be careful to accurately separate the yolks from the whites, avoiding any traces of fat that could compromise the beating.

Do not overbeat the whites; otherwise, they may become dry and difficult to work with. They should be firm but still glossy.

Preheat the oven well to ensure even cooking of the whites.

Keep an eye on the cooking time: it can vary slightly depending on the oven and the size of the eggs. The whites should be golden, and the yolk still soft.

For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pinch of salt and/or pepper directly to the whites before beating them.

Storage:

Egg Clouds are best enjoyed freshly made to fully appreciate their texture.

Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

However, the texture of the whites will tend to become rubbery, and the yolk may solidify.

It is not advisable to freeze Egg Clouds, as the texture would be significantly affected.

Variations:

Flavored Egg Clouds:

Add finely chopped aromatic herbs (such as chives, parsley, thyme) to the whipped whites before baking for a touch of freshness.

Cheese Egg Clouds: Gently incorporate grated cheese (parmesan, pecorino, gruyere) into the whipped whites for a richer flavor.

Egg Clouds with Crispy Bacon:

Sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon over the clouds before baking them the second time for a savory and crunchy contrast.

Spiced Egg Clouds: Add a pinch of paprika, turmeric, or nutmeg to the whites for a particular aroma.

Egg Clouds on Base: You can place the egg white clouds on a base of vegetable puree, sautéed spinach, or a slice of toasted bread for a more complete dish.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do you still have any doubts about preparing Egg Clouds? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions for a perfect result:

Can I prepare the egg clouds in advance?
I recommend preparing and cooking the egg clouds at the moment to best appreciate their soft texture and creamy yolk. The whipped whites tend to deflate over time, and the final texture may not be optimal if prepared in advance.
How do I whip the egg whites to stiff peaks without an electric whisk?
Whipping egg whites by hand takes more time and energy, but it is possible.
Use a hand whisk and a clean, dry bowl. Move the whisk in circular and fast motions, incorporating air. It will take several minutes to reach a firm consistency with stiff peaks.
A pinch of salt or a few drops of lemon can help stabilize the whites.
At what temperature should I cook the egg clouds?
The ideal temperature to cook the egg clouds is about 392°F (200°C) (static oven).
This allows the whites to cook and brown without drying out too quickly and the yolk to remain creamy.
Why aren’t my whites whipping to stiff peaks?
There are several reasons why the whites might not whip:

Traces of yolk or fat: Make sure there are no yolk residues or other fats in the bowl or whisks.

Unclean bowl or whisks: Residues of detergent or fat can inhibit whipping.

Eggs not at room temperature: Although not always a problem, room temperature eggs tend to whip more easily.

Insufficient whipping: It might simply be necessary to beat longer.
Should the yolk remain liquid?
Traditionally, the yolk of egg clouds should remain soft and creamy, almost liquid in the center. The brief second cooking is just to slightly warm it. If you prefer a more cooked yolk, you can extend the second cooking phase by one or two minutes, always keeping it under control.
Can I add other ingredients to the egg white?
Yes, you can customize the egg white by gently adding light ingredients like finely chopped aromatic herbs (chives, parsley), grated cheese (parmesan, pecorino), or a pinch of spices (paprika, pepper). Incorporate them gently so as not to deflate the whipped egg whites too much.
How to store leftover egg clouds?
Egg clouds are best enjoyed freshly made. However, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the texture of the whites will become more rubbery, and the yolk may solidify. Reheating them might further alter their texture.
How many eggs are used per person for egg clouds?
Generally, 1 egg is used per person for a standard portion of egg clouds. You can adjust the quantity based on appetite or if serving them as part of a richer brunch.
Are egg clouds diet-friendly?
Egg clouds are mainly composed of egg whites, which are low in calories and high in protein. The yolk adds fats and calories. If you are following a low-fat diet, you can increase the number of egg whites compared to yolks. However, always consider your specific nutritional needs.
Can I make egg clouds in the microwave?
It is not the ideal cooking method to achieve the typical texture of egg clouds. The microwave tends to cook the whites in a more rubbery and less fluffy way. Oven cooking provides a more “marshmallow”-like texture and allows for light browning.