Ina Garten’s Dreamy Cacio e Pepe Eggs Recipe You’ll Love

Cacio e pepe eggs bring a delightful Italian twist to your breakfast routine, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Creamy, rich textures dance with sharp pecorino and bold black pepper, creating an irresistible combination.

Wolfgang peck’s classic technique meets modern breakfast innovation in this elegant dish.

Your morning meal will never feel mundane again with these sophisticated eggs.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of smooth, tangy cheese and aromatic spice.

The recipe celebrates simplicity while delivering complex flavor profiles that elevate ordinary ingredients.

Sophisticated home cooks can easily master this quick and impressive breakfast delight: prepare to be amazed.

Why These Eggs Are a Breakfast Game Changer

• Create Creamy Comfort: This recipe transforms simple eggs into a luxurious, silky dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
• Master Quick Gourmet Technique: Ina Garten's method allows home cooks to achieve restaurant-quality scrambled eggs through careful heat control and constant stirring, producing incredibly soft and custardy eggs in just 15 minutes.
• Elevate Everyday Breakfast: The combination of sharp Pecorino cheese and bold black pepper turns ordinary scrambled eggs into an Italian-inspired delicacy, making a standard morning meal feel like a special culinary experience with minimal ingredients and effort.

What to Grab for Cacio e Pepe Brilliance

• Eggs, Milk: Fresh eggs with rich, golden yolks provide creamy texture; whole milk adds smoothness and richness to the dish.

• Pecorino Cheese: Sharp, salty Italian sheep's milk cheese that adds intense flavor and traditional Romano character.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Kosher salt enhances overall taste; freshly ground black pepper provides bold, aromatic spiciness typical of cacio e pepe style.

• Butter: Unsalted butter creates silky base and helps prevent eggs from sticking while adding rich, smooth flavor.

• Bread: Toasted bread serves as the perfect foundation for showcasing the creamy, peppery eggs.

Steps to Perfectly Savory, Cheesy Eggs

Step 1: Whisk Creamy Egg Base

In a medium bowl, blend eggs, milk, and salt until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Melt Butter Gently

Select a large 12-inch cold sauté pan and slowly melt butter over medium-low heat until it’s just liquefied.

Step 3: Pour Egg Mixture

Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture into the pan when butter is nearly melted, allowing eggs to spread evenly.

Step 4: Cook Slowly

Cook eggs for 8 to 10 minutes over medium-low heat, using a rubber spatula to stir intermittently and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Form Soft Egg Clusters

Continue stirring and scraping pan bottom for 4 to 5 minutes until eggs begin forming small, soft clusters.

Step 6: Create Custardy Texture

Remove pan from heat and continue stirring quickly, creating a soft, runny egg consistency that holds its shape.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Pepper Finish

Incorporate Pecorino cheese and freshly ground black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Spoon creamy eggs over toasted bread, garnishing with additional Pecorino cheese for extra richness.

Tips for Getting the Texture Just Right

• Manage Egg Temperature: Remove eggs from refrigerator 15-30 minutes before cooking to ensure even, smooth cooking and prevent cold spots.
• Select Freshest Cheese: Opt for authentic Pecorino Romano directly imported from Italy for the most robust, sharp flavor profile in your dish.
• Master Pan Movement: Gently swirl and tilt the pan while stirring to distribute heat evenly and create a luxurious, creamy egg texture.
• Pepper Power: Freshly crack black peppercorns right before cooking to release maximum aromatic oils and enhance the classic cacio e pepe flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Plate and enjoy eggs right after cooking to preserve their delicate, soft consistency and prevent overcooking or cooling.

How to Store Leftover Eggs—If You Have Any

• Airtight Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled eggs into clear glass containers with tight-sealing lids. Minimize air exposure by filling containers nearly to the top, preventing moisture and odor contamination. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Portion Packaging Method: Divide leftover eggs into individual serving-sized containers before refrigerating. Use small glass or ceramic ramekins with snap-on lids for easy reheating and portion control. Label each container with the date to track freshness effectively.
• Quick Consumption Strategy: Consume refrigerated cacio e pepe eggs within 3-4 days for best taste and quality. Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to restore creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture and uneven heating.

Shake It Up with Variations You’ll Crave

• Spicy Pepper Punch: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to intensify the heat and give the eggs a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, oregano, and thyme into the egg mixture for an aromatic herbal dimension.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Incorporate a blend of Parmesan, Pecorino, and aged cheddar to create a more complex and rich cheese profile.
• Vegetable Boost: Mix in sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or caramelized onions to add nutritional value and extra texture to the eggs.

Last Bite of Eggy Excellence

Culinary magic happens when Ina Garten’s cacio e pepe eggs grace kitchen counters.

Creamy scrambled eggs with Pecorino cheese and black pepper create an Italian-inspired breakfast masterpiece.

Luxurious textures meld seamlessly, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.

Mediterranean flavors dance across taste buds with each delectable bite.

Finally, you can share the deliciousness on social media, and spread culinary joy to all who follow your gastronomic adventures.

Ina Garten Cacio E Pepe Eggs Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Cacio E Pepe Eggs elevate classic Italian pasta flavors into a simple breakfast masterpiece. Creamy pecorino romano and sharp black pepper create a luxurious morning dish that brings Roman culinary elegance straight to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 extra-large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 4–5 slices toasted country bread

Cheese:

• ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) freshly grated pecorino cheese (plus extra for serving)

Seasonings and Fat:

• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, quartered
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Whisk eggs, milk, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a smooth, uniform mixture.
2. Place a 12-inch cold sauté pan over medium-low heat and gently melt butter, allowing it to coat the pan’s surface evenly.
3. Carefully pour the egg mixture into the pan once the butter has mostly melted, ensuring an even distribution.
4. Cook the eggs for 8 to 10 minutes, using a rubber spatula to stir intermittently and prevent sticking or burning.
5. Continue cooking and stirring constantly, scraping the pan bottom to create soft, delicate egg curds.
6. Remove the pan from heat when eggs are almost fully cooked, continuing to stir rapidly to achieve a creamy, custardy texture with soft, flowing consistency.
7. Incorporate Pecorino cheese and freshly ground black pepper, gently folding the ingredients to distribute evenly throughout the eggs.
8. Spread the prepared eggs over toasted bread slices, ensuring a generous and even coverage.
9. Garnish with additional Pecorino cheese for extra flavor and visual appeal, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Pecorino’s sharp, salty profile elevates this scrambled egg dish with authentic Italian character.
• Timing Is Critical: Remove eggs from heat just before they completely set to preserve their luxurious, creamy consistency.
• Kitchen Tool Power: Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan to prevent egg sticking and ensure smooth cooking.
• Bread Pairing Magic: Rustic country bread, lightly toasted and rubbed with garlic, transforms this simple recipe into a gourmet experience.
• Temperature Technique: Start cooking eggs on medium-low heat, gradually reducing to prevent overcooking and maintain delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 370 mg