There’s something special about a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg. The vibrant yolk, rich and creamy, adds the perfect touch to a nutritious breakfast.
This dish not only looks beautiful but also packs a powerful punch of flavor and nutrients, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a balanced diet. With Swiss chard, feta cheese, and basil, every bite is a delightful mix of freshness and richness, perfect for starting the day right.
A Flavorful & Nutrient-Dense Breakfast
Eggs have long been a breakfast staple, but combining them with Swiss chard elevates their nutritional profile. This leafy green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It’s a fantastic addition to a health-conscious diet, supporting digestion and overall well-being.
The salty feta adds a bold contrast to the mild greens, and fresh basil ties everything together with a fragrant, slightly sweet finish.
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This dish is also perfect for those following a heart-healthy lifestyle. The Mediterranean influence shines through with its use of olive oil, a key component of diets like DASH, which emphasize nutrient-rich ingredients without excessive sodium.
Simple & Elegant for Any Occasion
One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re making breakfast for yourself, hosting a weekend brunch, or looking for a quick but satisfying lunch, these baked eggs fit any occasion. They’re easy to prepare and require minimal effort, yet they look and taste as though they came straight from a gourmet café.
The beauty of baking eggs in individual ramekins is that it allows each serving to be perfectly portioned. The eggs set gently over the flavorful chard mixture, and the result is a delicate, silky texture that pairs well with a slice of whole-grain toast.
Easy Swaps & Modifications
If you’re looking to customize this dish to suit different dietary needs, there are plenty of ways to adapt the recipe:
- Dairy-Free: Skip the feta cheese and try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a touch of umami.
- Low-Carb: Enjoy the eggs as they are, or serve them with a side of avocado instead of toast.
- More Protein: Add a handful of cooked quinoa or a few slices of smoked salmon on the side.
- Vegetable Variations: Baby spinach, kale, or even arugula can replace Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
These modifications make it easy to integrate this meal into various eating patterns, from low-carb plans to plant-forward diets.
A Perfect Blend of Convenience & Nutrition
Busy mornings call for meals that are both quick and satisfying. These baked eggs check all the boxes—they’re ready in minutes, require minimal ingredients, and offer a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Adding a dash of olive oil enhances the richness while keeping everything light and heart-healthy.
This recipe also works well for meal prepping. You can sauté the chard mixture in advance and store it in the fridge, making it even easier to assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat. Just crack an egg on top, pop it in the oven, and in no time, you have a wholesome, homemade meal that feels like a treat.
The Ultimate Mediterranean Breakfast Experience
Mediterranean-style meals are known for their vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, and this dish embodies that philosophy perfectly. It’s not just about eating well—it’s about enjoying each bite and savoring the natural flavors of high-quality ingredients.
For those who love a good breakfast but don’t want to compromise on health, these sunny-side-up baked eggs are an excellent option. They offer warmth, comfort, and a burst of freshness from the basil, making every forkful an experience worth savoring.
Sunny-Side Up Baked Eggs with Swiss Chard, Feta, & Basil – DASH Diet Friendly
Equipment
- 4 small (5-6 oz) ramekins or an oven-safe skillet
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Large skillet or sauté pan
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
- ½ red onion diced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups Swiss chard chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped or cut into ribbons
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease four ramekins with a portion of the olive oil. Arrange them on a baking sheet or inside a baking dish.
- Sauté the vegetables: Warm the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, salt, nutmeg, and black pepper. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the Swiss chard and cook until wilted, approximately 2 more minutes.
- Assemble the ramekins: Evenly distribute the sautéed mixture into the ramekins. Sprinkle 1 tbsp of feta cheese into each dish, then carefully crack one egg on top of each portion.
- Bake the eggs: Place the ramekins in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the egg whites are fully set but the yolks remain slightly runny.
- Finish and serve: Let the ramekins cool for 1-2 minutes before using a fork or spatula to carefully remove the eggs. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.