Silky Ina Garten Scrambled Eggs Cacio E Pepe Recipe

Fluffy Cacio E Pepe Scrambled Eggs Recipe by Ina Garten

Scrambled eggs get a luxurious twist with Ina Garten’s cacio e pepe recipe that whisks traditional breakfast fare into an Italian-inspired delight.

Creamy, peppery, and richly cheesy, this dish elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Parmesan and pecorino romano cheeses mingle with fluffy eggs, creating a sophisticated breakfast experience.

The black pepper adds a bold, spicy kick that dances across your palate.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of smooth eggs and sharp cheese.

Garten’s technique ensures a silky, restaurant-worthy texture that feels indulgent yet effortless.

You’ll want to savor each forkful of this elegant morning masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 319 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients to Make Ina Garten’s Scrambled Eggs Cacio e Pepe

For Egg Base:
  • Eggs: Fresh, high-quality eggs create creamy, luxurious texture with rich flavor.
  • Milk: Adds smoothness and helps create soft, silky scrambled eggs.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps break down egg proteins for tender result.
For Cooking Foundation:
  • Butter: Provides rich, golden flavor and prevents eggs from sticking to pan.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Pecorino Cheese, Pepper: Bold, sharp cheese and spicy pepper transform simple eggs into gourmet experience with intense, tangy notes.
For Serving:
  • Country Bread: Rustic, hearty base that absorbs egg's creamy texture and complements savory flavors.

Kitchen Tools for Fancy Scrambled Eggs

  • Large mixing bowl: For whisking eggs, milk, and salt together.
  • Whisk: To blend egg mixture smoothly.
  • 12-inch sauté pan: For cooking eggs evenly over medium-low heat.
  • Rubber spatula: Essential for stirring and scraping eggs while cooking.
  • Cheese grater: To grate fresh Pecorino cheese.
  • Cutting board: For preparing bread slices.
  • Toaster or skillet: To toast bread slices before serving.
  • Measuring spoons: For accurate salt and pepper measurements.

Making Cacio e Pepe Scrambled Eggs with Ina’s Style

Making Cacio e Pepe Scrambled Eggs with Ina’s Style

Breakfast Magic

  • Egg Preparation Whisk eggs in a cozy kitchen bowl, creating a silky smooth mixture that promises deliciousness.
  • Butter Transformation Gently melt butter in a cool pan, letting it spread like a golden blanket across the cooking surface.
  • Gentle Cooking Slowly dance the eggs around the pan, allowing them to gradually transform into soft, pillowy clouds of goodness.
  • Texture Development As eggs begin to form delicate clusters, increase your stirring rhythm, carefully scraping the pan's bottom to prevent any stubborn sticking.
  • Final Touch Turn off the heat when eggs reach a dreamy, creamy consistency – soft enough to wobble but firm enough to hold their shape.
  • Cheese and Spice Finale Sprinkle generous amounts of Pecorino cheese and freshly cracked pepper, creating a flavor explosion that will wake up your taste buds.
  • Serving Moment Lovingly spoon the luxurious eggs over crispy country bread, crowning your creation with an extra shower of cheese for pure morning bliss.

Peppery Tips & Ideas to Enhance This Egg Dish

  • Cook eggs gently over medium-low heat to achieve creamy, tender scrambled eggs without overcooking or burning.
  • Swap Pecorino with Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged Asiago for different flavor profiles while maintaining the classic Italian cheese essence.
  • Try sourdough, rustic ciabatta, or herbed focaccia instead of country bread to add extra texture and complementary flavors to the dish.
  • Use freshly ground whole black peppercorns for a more robust and aromatic pepper taste compared to pre-ground pepper varieties.
  • Incorporate crispy pancetta, diced prosciutto, or sautéed mushrooms to transform this simple scrambled egg recipe into a more substantial meal.

Elegant Ways to Serve Eggs à la Garten

  • Pair with Rustic Toasts: Layer the creamy scrambled eggs on thick, golden-brown country bread slices for a rustic breakfast experience.
  • Create Breakfast Platter: Accompany the eggs with crispy bacon, fresh arugula salad, and roasted cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor profile.
  • Elevate with Wine Pairing: Match the rich, peppery eggs with a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio for a luxurious morning meal.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped chives or fresh parsley to brighten the dish and add a pop of color and herbal freshness.

Keeping Scrambled Eggs Fluffy When Reheating

  • Prep Ahead: Mix egg mixture up to 2 hours before cooking, storing covered in the refrigerator to save time during breakfast rush.
  • Refrigerate Quickly: Transfer leftover scrambled eggs to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm cold eggs in microwave using 15-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent overcooking and maintain creamy texture.
  • Consume Swiftly: Enjoy scrambled eggs within 1-2 days for best taste and food safety, discarding if they develop an unusual smell or appearance.
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Silky Ina Garten Scrambled Eggs Cacio E Pepe Recipe

Silky Ina Garten Scrambled Eggs Cacio E Pepe Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s cacio e pepe scrambled eggs merge Italian comfort with classic breakfast charm. Creamy parmesan and black pepper elevate simple eggs into a luxurious Roman-inspired morning pleasure you can savor with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 extra-large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) whole milk
  • ⅔ cup (70 g) freshly grated Italian Pecorino cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 4 tbsps (57 g or ½ stick) unsalted butter, quartered
  • 4 to 5 slices toasted country bread
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Whisk eggs, whole milk, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth and uniform, eliminating any egg white streaks.
  2. Butter Foundation: Melt butter gradually in a cold 12-inch sauté pan over medium-low heat, ensuring complete surface coverage without browning.
  3. Egg Technique: Pour whisked mixture into the pan, gently manipulating with a rubber spatula every 30-45 seconds to create soft, developing curds across the cooking surface.
  4. Precision Cooking: Increase stirring frequency as curds form, systematically scraping pan edges and bottom to prevent sticking and ensure consistent texture.
  5. Textural Control: Remove pan from heat when eggs appear mostly cooked but slightly wet, continuing vigorous stirring to achieve a luxuriously creamy consistency that maintains structural integrity.
  6. Flavor Enhancement: Integrate freshly grated Pecorino cheese and ground black pepper, folding gently to distribute seasonings throughout the eggs evenly.
  7. Serving Presentation: Transfer creamy eggs onto toasted country bread, garnishing with an additional Pecorino cheese sprinkle, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Optimize Butter Melting: Start with a cold pan and melt butter slowly to prevent burning and ensure an even, smooth coating.
  • Master Low-and-Slow Technique: Cook eggs at medium-low heat to create soft, creamy curds without drying or overcooking.
  • Perfect Egg Consistency: Remove pan from heat when eggs are still slightly wet to achieve a luxurious, silky texture that continues cooking off the heat.
  • Cheese and Pepper Balance: Fold Pecorino and black pepper gently to distribute flavors evenly and create a harmonious Cacio E Pepe profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 319
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Cholesterol: 400 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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