Eggs au Gratin with Béchamel Sauce and Bacon Recipe
Eggs au gratin with Béchamel sauce is a comforting and savory dish featuring soft-boiled eggs topped with crispy bacon, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted grated cheese. This classic French-inspired recipe combines rich flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for brunch or a satisfying light meal.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Eggs
Bacon
Béchamel Sauce
- 500 ml Milk (17 fl. oz)
- 50 g Butter (1.7 oz)
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- White pepper, to taste
- Grated nutmeg, to taste
Topping
- 100 g Grated cheese (3.5 oz), of your choice
- Boil the eggs: Place the eggs in a small saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a gentle boil over high heat. Once the water is almost boiling, set a timer for 7 minutes and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, ensuring the water bubbles gently—not rapidly boiling.
- Cool and peel the eggs: After 7 minutes, drain the hot water and replace it with cold water to cool the eggs for a few minutes. Once cooled, peel the eggs carefully and cut them in halves.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly, cooking until the mixture bubbles and cooks through but does not brown, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk a little at a time, bringing the mixture to a boil and continuing to whisk for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season the béchamel with salt, white pepper, and grated nutmeg to taste.
- Cook the bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces. Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add the bacon pieces, and cook them while stirring frequently until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200° C (392° F) to prepare for baking the gratin.
- Assemble the dish: Arrange the egg halves yolk side up in a medium-sized baking dish. Sprinkle the crispy bacon evenly over the eggs. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and finish by sprinkling the grated cheese evenly on the surface.
- Bake the gratin: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese has melted completely and is golden and bubbly, approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- To avoid overcooking, monitor the eggs closely; 7 minutes yields soft to medium-boiled eggs with a slightly creamy yolk.
- Feel free to use your favorite cheese such as Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella to customize the flavor.
- If preferred, smoked bacon can add a deeper flavor profile.
- The béchamel sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before assembling.
- Serve this dish warm as a brunch item or a light dinner with a green salad.
Keywords: eggs au gratin, béchamel sauce, baked eggs, brunch recipe, bacon eggs, French cuisine, comfort food