When envisioning the dining habits of the Royal Family, one might picture lavish banquets with exotic delicacies served in grand palaces. However, a recipe from Clarence House reveals that royal cuisine can be surprisingly simple and accessible. King Charles III has a particular fondness for a straightforward breakfast dish called 'Cheesy Baked Eggs', which was shared by Clarence House in 2020 when he was still the Prince of Wales.
A Comforting Royal Dish
During the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, His Majesty emphasised the importance of good food, stating, "One thing that undoubtedly brings many of us great comfort is good food. It is, therefore, deeply troubling to learn that this crisis risks destroying one of the most wonderful joys in life – British cheese!" This sentiment is reflected in the recipe, which celebrates British cheeses and simple, comforting ingredients.
Ingredients for Royal Cheesy Baked Eggs
To recreate this royal breakfast at home, Clarence House recommends gathering the following ingredients:
- Double cream, 80ml
- Torn basil leaves
- Hard grated cheese (such as Old Winchester), 15g
- One egg
- Optional: charcuterie or cold-cut meats
- One cherry tomato or sundried tomatoes
- Wilted spinach, 100g
- Soft cheese (like Tunworth or Gold Cenarth), 35g
Step-by-Step Preparation
Begin by greasing a baking dish and lining it with wilted greens and tomatoes to create an appealing foundation. Arrange these around the dish's perimeter, leaving a hollow in the middle. Scatter the creamy cheese and chopped basil across the base, adding seasoning and optional sliced cold cuts if desired.
After creating the well, season with salt and pepper, then crack an egg into the centre. Carefully pour in 80ml of double cream without breaking the yolk, and finish with a generous covering of grated hard cheese.
Clarence House instructions advise: "Place in a hot oven (180C) for eight to 10 minutes. Let it stand for a few minutes before eating."
A Royal Family Tradition
King Charles is not the only member of the Royal Family who enjoys baked eggs. Tom Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla's son, is equally fond of a similar recipe, which was a staple during his childhood. In his recently published book, Cooking & The Crown, he notes, "Baked eggs, also known as Oeufs en Cocotte, have long been a staple of the royal table, from Queen Victoria to the present day."
He added, "This was also a favourite dish from my childhood, usually devoured when we returned home from our holidays, when the fridge and larder were bare. My mother would use eggs from our chickens." Tom's culinary book features over 100 recipes spanning from Queen Victoria's era to King Charles III, including both lavish dishes and straightforward recipes ideal for home cooking.
This revelation highlights how royal tastes can be both refined and relatable, offering a glimpse into the simpler pleasures enjoyed by the monarchy. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, anyone can bring a touch of royal comfort to their breakfast table.
