The Ultimate Protein

Egg recipes Egg recipes

The
Ultimate Protein

Eggs are simple, affordable and versatile

They’re one of the most nutritious foods on Earth and you probably already have them waiting in your refrigerator. Eggs are loaded with vitamins, minerals, high-quality protein, good fats and plenty of vital nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium and zinc. And despite a bad rap decades ago, eggs actually improve your cholesterol levels and don't raise your risk of heart disease.

Nick Korbee, the chef at Egg Shop and author of the restaurant's eponymous cookbook, says the concept came about after he and his partners started to realize how versatile the egg is as an ingredient and how it's sort of transformative. “It can transcend the breakfast station very, very easily and is a major component of dishes,” he says. “It's actually an ingredient that's kind of considered a sidepiece or a filler, and it's about time it gets its due.”

Korbee says an ideal egg is the one you purchase from the farmer—like at a farmers' market—but that's not always possible or convenient. At the grocery store, free-range or pasture-raised is the next best thing. But he also says to largely ignore the marketing gimmicks like omega-three-fortified (most eggs already have plenty) and vegetarian-fed (a natural diet including bugs in pasture-raised chickens makes for richer, better-tasting eggs).

And while a good scramble and hard-boiled egg are reliable standbys, there are so many ways to use an egg. They're inexpensive and easy to work with, so we pulled together seven satisfying dishes that put the carton in your fridge to work.

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Egg Dishes to Try

Double-Stuffed Omelet

This recipe, from Korbee's cookbook, was inspired by the massive omelet his dad would make by whipping it in the blender. It calls for six eggs and is stuffed with sausage, cheddar, spinach, bacon and mushrooms. Slice it up to share or to get multiple meals out of it.

Get the recipe
at Chowhound »

Frittata

If you haven't made a frittata, the traditional egg-based dish is essentially a deep-dish omelette. It makes for a nice breakfast or brunch, but it's also a great way to make a simple and satisfying dinner. This one's packed with bacon and melted cheese, but it's also got kale, so it's healthy.

Get the recipe
at Kitchen Konfidence »

Egg Sandwich

If you want a killer breakfast sandwich (that's just as satisfying at lunch or dinner), recreate the one from famed Los Angeles-based Eggslut. Their signature Fairfax sarnie melds cheddar cheese and sriracha mayo with a generous helping of scrambled eggs between a warm bun.

Get the recipe
at Time Out »

Carbonara

This is the no-food-in-the-house solution for a really luxurious dinner. You swirl in raw egg yolks, which are cooked by the hot pasta. You can use any noodle you have on hand and the grated Parmesan you have in the fridge. Or you do it up right and purchase some proper bucatini and pancetta.

Get the recipe
at Food & Wine »

Carbonara

This is the no-food-in-the-house solution for a really luxurious dinner. You swirl in raw egg yolks, which are cooked by the hot pasta. You can use any noodle you have on hand and the grated Parmesan you have in the fridge. Or you do it up right and purchase some proper bucatini and pancetta.

Get the recipe
at Food & Wine »

Deviled Egg Salad

This might be our favorite. An egg salad that tastes like a classic version of deviled eggs—only it's way quicker to make and easier to store. Pile it on toast or over greens like spinach or arugula. It's the summer picnic staple you can enjoy all year long.

Get the recipe
at Food52 »

Skillet-Baked Eggs

Chef Yotam Ottolenghi says that most cooks don't know how far you can take an egg dish. “It's always nice to surprise people.” You've probably never baked an egg on a bed of spinach with melted leeks and scallions. But when topped with a dollop of yogurt and a drizzle of chili oil, it's a tasty and healthy meal.

Get the recipe
at Bon Appétit »

Fried Egg and
Lentil Rice Bowl

This hearty rice bowl is a twist on mujadara, a traditional Middle Eastern dish. The meatless dish is a great weeknight meal that combines smoky, cumin-scented lentils with spicy harissa and toasted pine nuts. Then it's topped with a fried egg. Slice open the runny yolk and let the golden nectar serve as your sauce.

Get the recipe
at Kitchn »

Egg yolk

The Yolk Difference

While protein and fat counts will remain the same, the darker, golden yolks indicate more micronutrients and antioxidants than the standard pale yellow.

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