Name: Cloud Eggs
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: Vegetable oil spray; 4 large eggs; ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar; Pinch table salt

Why This Recipe Works

Take breakfast to the next (atmospheric) level with these ethereal eggs! We whip egg whites to stiff peaks, mound them into four “clouds” on a baking sheet, fill each with a sunny egg yolk, and bake until the yolks are cooked to each diner’s preference. The whites end up crisp on the outside and light as a cloud on the inside, while the yolks can be runny, soft, or fully set. This recipe is a great opportunity for kids to watch egg whites transform as they are whipped. Ask them to observe the egg whites before they’re whipped, halfway through whipping, and when they’re fully whipped. Explain to kids that egg whites are made of mostly water and protein. As they’re whipped, the proteins loosen up, allowing the whites to trap air. The more air that’s whipped into them, the taller and stronger the egg whites become.

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Before You Begin

Cloud eggs are a tasty (and beautiful) breakfast on their own, or you can serve them on top of a piece of toast.

Instructions

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with vegetable oil spray.

Spray 4 small bowls with vegetable oil spray. Separate egg whites from egg yolks following photos, “Step-by-Step: How to Crack and Separate Eggs,” below, placing each yolk in separate greased small bowl and placing all whites in bowl of stand mixer (or large bowl if using handheld mixer).

Add cream of tartar and salt to egg whites. If using stand mixer, lock bowl into place and attach whisk attachment to stand mixer. Start mixer on medium-low speed and whip mixture until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to medium-high and whip until stiff peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes.

Shape 4 cloud eggs following photos, “Step-by-Step: How to Shape Cloud Eggs,” below. Spray aluminum foil with vegetable oil spray and place over baking sheet—do NOT crimp edges or cover tightly.

Place baking sheet in oven and bake until whites are firm and yolks are cooked to your preference: 12 to 14 minutes for slightly runny yolks, 15 to 17 minutes for soft but set yolks, or 18 to 20 minutes for set and firm yolks. (To check if your Cloud Eggs are done, use oven mitts to carefully lift foil and peek at eggs—ask an adult for help.)