Cloud Eggs Recipe: 4 Ways to Serve Fluffy Cloud Eggs

Cloud eggs are a breakfast or brunch dish, so named for their resemblance to a golden sun (the egg yolk) floating in a puffy cloud (egg whites). To make cloud eggs, separate the yolks and whites, then whip the whites to the stiff consistency of meringue. Next, dollop the whites onto a baking sheet and gently bake them for a few minutes until fluffy and set. Finally, place each yolk in a shallow well on top of its respective cloud and bake until it becomes creamy.

Cloud eggs require a little extra effort, but the visual payoff is huge:

1. 1. Only use a stand mixer for larger batches. Whipping egg whites is easiest to do with a stand mixer, but if you’re only making cloud eggs for two, skip it: Whisking by hand, or with a two-beater electric mixer, is much easier for smaller batches.
2. 2. Remember to make the wells. The key to cloud egg presentation is a shallow indentation in the egg whites, which firms up slightly as the whites bake, providing a smooth, stable surface for the egg yolks. Without it, the yolks will split on the craggy surface.
   
3. 3. Incorporate tasty flavors. Add flavor to your cloud eggs by folding finely grated hard cheeses like aged gouda, gruyère, or Parmesan and minced herbs like chives or rosemary into the egg-white mixture. Spice blends like curry powder, Chinese five-spice, and garam masala add color and a depth of warm flavor—use just a pinch to keep things subtle.

Serve cloud eggs as you would with any fried egg. Here are some ideas:

1. 1. On beans, lentils, or stews: Top anything saucy and savory with a cloud egg. The stiff, fluffy texture means it won’t disappear into the dish the way an over-easy egg might.
2. 2. On garlicky yogurt: Use cloud eggs for çilbir, a Turkish dish of eggs served on a bed of yogurt seasoned with grated garlic and spices.
3. 3. On toast: A cloud egg on toast takes the iconic toad-in-the-hole breakfast to the next level. Alternatively, perch a cloud egg on half of an English muffin with Canadian bacon and a drizzle of hollandaise for an artistic take on eggs benedict.
4. 4. With breakfast fare: The easiest way to enjoy cloud eggs is as part of a classic diner breakfast spread. Serve them with a side of crispy bacon, breakfast sausages, and sautéed spinach or other greens.