Save The morning sunlight hit my kitchen counter just right as I pulled these clouds from the oven, their golden tops catching the light like tiny suns. My roommate walked in, stopped mid sentence, and just stared at the plate. That looks like something from a restaurant, she said, reaching for her phone to take a picture before even saying hello.
I first attempted this recipe when my parents visited for brunch last spring. Mom watched me whisk the egg whites with genuine skepticism, the kind that only comes from decades of cooking experience. When she took her first bite and went silent for a full ten seconds, I knew I had stumbled onto something special.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, separated: Room temperature whites whip up faster and hold their shape better, trust me on this one
- 2 thick slices sourdough bread: The sturdy structure here is non negotiable because those clouds need a solid foundation
- 1 ripe avocado: Give it a gentle squeeze at the store, you want just a little yield without mush
- 2 teaspoons honey: A floral honey adds something magical that regular clover cannot quite match
- Small handful microgreens: These add brightness that cuts through all that richness
- Flaky sea salt: Maldon or similar gives you those satisfying crunch moments
- Freshly ground black pepper: Grind it right before serving or you are doing yourself a disservice
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, because cleaning burned egg whites off metal is nobody's idea of a good morning.
- Toast the bread:
- Brush those sourdough slices with olive oil and toast for 3–4 minutes until golden, then set them aside to wait for their starring role.
- Separate the eggs:
- Whites go in a large completely clean bowl and yolks get their own individual small bowls, because one broken yolk in the whites will ruin the whole operation.
- Whisk the whites:
- Beat those egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, flipping the bowl upside down to test them, which is the most satisfying kitchen trick ever.
- Form the clouds:
- Spoon the fluffy whites into two mounds on your prepared baking sheet, using the back of a spoon to create a shallow well in the center of each.
- Initial bake:
- Bake for 3 minutes to set the structure, because patience now prevents collapsed sad clouds later.
- Add the yolks:
- Gently slide one yolk into each center well and return to the oven for 3–4 more minutes, watching for golden edges and just set yolks.
- Create avocado roses:
- Halve and pit the avocado, peel it, then thinly slice each half and fan out the slices before gently rolling them into rose shapes.
- Assemble the masterpiece:
- Place each cloud egg on its toast throne, crown with an avocado rose, drizzle with honey, and scatter microgreens like you are plating at a fancy brunch spot.
- Season and serve:
- Finish with flaky salt and fresh pepper, then serve immediately because these do not wait for anyone.
Save My partner now requests these for special occasions, the kind of request that feels like a compliment every single time. We ate them on the balcony last weekend, watching the neighborhood wake up, and agreed this recipe earns its place in the regular rotation.
Making This Your Own
Once you have the basic technique down, the variations will start suggesting themselves. I have tried adding fresh herbs to the egg whites before whipping, which creates the most beautiful green speckled clouds you can imagine.
Timing Is Everything
The window between perfectly set yolks and overcooked ones is smaller than you think, so I recommend setting a timer and checking at the 3 minute mark. You can always pop them back in for 30 more seconds, but you cannot uncook an egg.
Serving Suggestions
These deserve to be the star of the show, so keep sides simple. Fresh fruit or a light salad works perfectly without competing for attention.
- Hot honey adds a spicy kick that plays beautifully with the creamy elements
- A sprinkle of dukkah or Everything Bagel seasoning brings unexpected depth
- Good extra virgin olive oil can replace honey for a more savory finish
Save There is something joyful about breakfast that looks this impressive coming out of your own kitchen. Maybe that is the real secret ingredient.
Recipe Guide
- → How do you achieve the fluffy egg white clouds?
Whisk egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, then gently shape on parchment before baking briefly at high heat.
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Thick sourdough slices offer a sturdy base and a tangy flavor that complements the creamy toppings well.
- → How can avocado slices be shaped into roses?
Thinly slice the avocado halves, then fan out and carefully roll the slices together to create a delicate rose shape.
- → Can this dish be adapted for dietary restrictions?
Yes, using gluten-free bread makes it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets; it’s naturally vegetarian and nut-free.
- → What enhances the flavor finishing touches?
A drizzle of honey balances savory notes, while microgreens and sea salt add freshness and subtle seasoning.