Cloud Eggs Recipe: Light, Fluffy & Perfect for Low-Carb Breakfasts

📜 Introduction

Cloud eggs, also known as eggs in a cloud, are a visually stunning and delicious breakfast dish that has captivated food enthusiasts worldwide. While they gained viral popularity on social media platforms like Instagram in 2017, their origins trace back to 17th-century France. The earliest known recipe, referred to as Oeufs à la Neige or “eggs in snow,” was published in the seminal French cookbook Le Cuisinier François in 1651 .

These airy creations involve whipping egg whites to stiff peaks, forming them into cloud-like mounds, and baking them with the yolk nestled in the center. The result is a light, fluffy egg white base with a creamy yolk center, offering a delightful contrast in textures.

Cloud eggs have found favor among health-conscious individuals, particularly those following low-carb or ketogenic diets, due to their high protein content and minimal carbohydrates. They are especially popular in countries like the United States 🇺🇸, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Australia 🇦🇺, France 🇫🇷, and Japan 🇯🇵, where they are often featured in brunch menus and gourmet breakfast offerings.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a sophisticated brunch dish or simply want to elevate your breakfast routine, cloud eggs offer a perfect blend of elegance and simplicity.

🛠️ What You’ll Need

Making the perfect cloud eggs requires just a few basic kitchen tools — and a couple of pro tips to guarantee that fluffy, Instagram-worthy finish. This recipe is quick, easy, and doesn’t require fancy equipment, but precision matters for those pillowy whites and gooey yolks. 🍳☁️

🍴 Essential Kitchen Tools

• Hand mixer or stand mixer – for whipping egg whites to stiff peaks quickly

• Two mixing bowls – one for separating yolks, one for whipping whites

• Baking sheet – lined with parchment for easy cleanup

• Parchment paper – to prevent sticking and make shaping easier

• Spatula or spoon – to shape fluffy mounds of egg white

📌 Pro Tip: Make sure all tools that touch the egg whites are completely clean and free from grease. Even a drop of yolk or oil can prevent your whites from whipping properly!

🧊 Prep Tips for Success

• Separate eggs while cold – it’s easier and less likely to break the yolks

• Whip egg whites at room temperature – they’ll achieve more volume

• Preheat your oven to 450°F before shaping the egg whites so they bake evenly and fast

• Use a clean, dry glass or metal bowl — plastic can retain grease and sabotage your peaks

📌 Mixer-Free Option: You can whisk by hand, but it will take longer — about 10–12 minutes of vigorous beating.

Want a perfect pairing? Serve cloud eggs alongside our Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs for a modern, protein-rich brunch.

🧂 Ingredients for Cloud Eggs

One of the best parts about cloud eggs is how minimal and customizable the ingredients are. You can keep it classic or jazz it up with savory mix-ins like cheese, bacon, or herbs. Either way, the result is a pillowy breakfast that feels gourmet with hardly any effort. 🍳🌿

🥚 Basic Ingredients (Makes 4 Cloud Eggs)

• 4 large eggs – separated into yolks and whites

• Pinch of salt – helps stabilize the whipped whites

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

📌 Important: Keep yolks intact when separating and store each in a small bowl or half-shell.

🧀 Optional Add-Ins

Mix these into your whipped egg whites just before baking:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère – adds a savory, cheesy flavor

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or green onions – for color and freshness

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or smoked paprika – adds a flavor punch

Or sprinkle on top just before serving:

• Crumbled bacon or prosciutto

• Everything bagel seasoning

• Chili flakes for a little heat

📌 Add-In Tip: Fold in cheese or seasonings gently to avoid deflating your whipped whites.

🌿 Garnish Ideas

Top your cloud eggs right before serving to make them pop:

• Extra chopped herbs (parsley, dill, or basil)

• Microgreens or arugula for a modern touch

• Avocado slices or tomato rounds for a fresh finish

Try them atop our Cheddar Scallion Cornbread Muffins for a Southern-inspired brunch twist.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Making cloud eggs may look fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy with the right steps and a little attention to detail. Follow this method and you’ll have fluffy whites with rich, runny yolks — ready to wow your brunch crowd or elevate your weekday breakfast. ☁️🍳✨

🔪 Step 1: Separate & Whip

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Carefully separate the eggs:

   • Place whites into a clean mixing bowl

   • Reserve each yolk in a separate small bowl or keep in the half shell

3. Add a pinch of salt to the whites and whip using a hand or stand mixer

   • Beat until stiff peaks form — the whites should stand upright when you lift the beaters

📌 Tip: Even a tiny bit of yolk in the whites can prevent them from whipping — be precise!

☁️ Step 2: Shape the Clouds

1. Gently fold in optional cheese or herbs at this stage if using

2. Scoop the whipped whites into 4 equal mounds on your lined baking sheet

3. Use the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center of each mound

   • This is where your yolk will sit later

📌 Pro Tip: Use a silicone spatula to maintain the fluffy texture as you shape the whites.

🔥 Step 3: Bake & Finish

1. Bake the egg whites without yolks for 3 minutes

2. Carefully add the yolks into the center of each cloud

3. Return to the oven and bake for 3–4 more minutes, until whites are lightly golden and yolks are still runny

📌 Don’t overbake — yolks should be soft and slightly gooey, not hard-cooked.

🥄 Final Touches

• Garnish with chopped chives, cracked pepper, or a sprinkle of seasoning

• Serve immediately — they’re best hot and fresh

• Optional: Serve on toast, English muffins, or roasted veggie slices for extra flair

Pair with our Honey Cannoli Breakfast Tartines for a sweet-savory brunch board.

🧮 Nutrition Score (Per 1 Cloud Egg)

Cloud eggs are as nutritious as they are stunning — a high-protein, low-carb choice that fits seamlessly into keto, gluten-free, and low-sugar diets. With minimal ingredients and no added starches or fillers, they’re a light yet satisfying way to start your day. 🥚💪✨

📊 Nutritional Breakdown (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 85

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 6g

• Carbohydrates: <1g

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugar: 0g

• Sodium: 90mg

🥗 Dietary Tags

✅ Keto-Friendly – Perfect for low-carb, high-fat diets
✅ Low-Carb – Ideal for diabetics or those limiting sugar intake
✅ Gluten-Free – As long as served without wheat-based toast
✅ Vegetarian – Packed with protein and nutrients from whole eggs
✅ High-Protein – Great for post-workout breakfasts or energy-packed brunches

⚖️ Health Notes

• Eggs are nutrient-dense: rich in vitamins A, D, B12, and choline

• Low in calories but high in satiety, helping reduce snacking later

• Whipping egg whites adds volume without adding calories

• Optional toppings (cheese, bacon) will affect calorie and fat totals

📌 Serving Tip: For a full meal, pair with fiber-rich veggies or whole-grain toast (if not low-carb).

Looking for another low-carb breakfast idea? Try our Mini Crustless Quiches with Kale, Mushrooms & Feta.

🍽️ Serving & Storage Tips

Cloud eggs are best served fresh from the oven — fluffy, warm, and beautifully golden. While they aren’t ideal for storing or reheating, you can still plan ahead for a memorable brunch spread. Here’s how to plate them like a pro and what to know about short-term storage. ☁️🍞🌿

🍴 Serving Suggestions

These dreamy eggs are versatile and pair beautifully with both savory and fresh flavors:

• Serve over toast – sourdough, whole wheat, or low-carb bread for keto-friendly options

• Add avocado slices – creamy texture complements the airy whites and rich yolk

• Pair with roasted veggies – like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed spinach

• Create a brunch board – combine cloud eggs with smoked salmon, pickles, fruit, and mini muffins

• Top with extras – like microgreens, chili flakes, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning

📌 Fancy Twist: Use a biscuit cutter to shape toast for a perfect cloud egg nest!

❄️ Storage & Reheating

Cloud eggs are delicate and designed to be eaten right away — reheating tends to ruin the fluffy texture.

• Best enjoyed fresh, right out of the oven

• Avoid freezing — the whites will become rubbery

• If necessary, store briefly in the fridge (up to 1 day), and gently reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes — though texture will be affected

📌 Make-Ahead Tip: You can whip and shape the egg whites up to an hour ahead and bake just before serving.

Pair your breakfast with our Blueberry Ricotta Breakfast Cake for a light and fruity contrast to savory cloud eggs.

🔀 Variations & Fun Twists

Cloud eggs are elegant in their simplicity — but they’re also incredibly adaptable! Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, experimenting with flavors, or planning a themed brunch, there are tons of delicious ways to customize your cloud eggs. 🧂🧀🌿

🍳 Creative Flavor Additions

Mix these into your whipped egg whites (just before shaping) or sprinkle on top after baking:

• Grated cheese – Parmesan, cheddar, Gruyère, or goat cheese

• Fresh herbs – chopped chives, parsley, thyme, or dill

• Spices – smoked paprika, garlic powder, curry powder, or za’atar

• Sun-dried tomatoes or olives – chopped finely for Mediterranean flair

📌 Mix-In Tip: Fold gently to avoid deflating your fluffy whites.

🧒 Kid-Friendly & Party Versions

• Mini cloud eggs in muffin tins – great for individual servings or brunch parties

• “Build Your Own Cloud” station – let guests add toppings like cheese, bacon bits, or herbs

• Funny faces with veggies – turn breakfast into edible art for kids using cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips

📌 Fun Twist: Use small cookie cutters to shape toast or veggies underneath for themed events.

🥑 Low-Carb Serving Ideas

• Serve on grilled portobello mushroom caps instead of toast

• Layer over sautéed spinach or kale for an earthy, nutrient-dense base

• Use as a topping for avocado boats – scoop out the pit and nestle a cloud egg on top

📌 Bonus Idea: Add crumbled tofu or tempeh into the whites before baking for extra plant-based protein.

Make it a full brunch spread with our Spinach and Mushroom Quiche — a perfect pairing for cloud eggs.

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