I’ve always had a soft spot for recipes that strike the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. One day, I was flipping through Mary Berry’s cookbook when I came across her Scrambled Egg and Bacon Tartlets. At first, I thought, “This is just the right recipe to try when I have guests over for brunch or want something comforting for a cozy evening”. And, let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. The flaky pastry, creamy scrambled eggs, and savory bacon all come together so beautifully in these tartlets that they quickly became one of my go-to dishes.
Making these tartlets was such a joy, especially because they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a little pick-me-up for yourself, they hit the spot. There’s something about the crispy bacon and silky scrambled eggs nestled in a buttery tart shell that’s almost like comfort food elevated to a whole new level.
Mary Berry Scrambled Egg And Bacon Tartlets Recipe
If you’ve ever tried a classic scrambled egg on toast, imagine that, but wrapped up in a delightful, buttery tart shell. That’s what these tartlets are about! The richness of the eggs and the smokiness of the bacon come together perfectly. The tartlets are great for any time of day, but they shine brightest as part of a brunch spread.
What’s great about this recipe is that it’s flexible. You can tweak the flavors, change up the ingredients, or add a dash of something new to suit your preferences. Mary Berry really knows how to take simple ingredients and make them shine with minimal fuss. The tartlets feel fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to put together!
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need to get started:
- Shortcrust pastry: You can buy pre-made or make your own, depending on how much time you want to spend. I tend to go with the pre-made version when I’m in a rush, but homemade is definitely worth the effort when you have time.
- Bacon: 6 rashers. The bacon should be crispy, so it can add a nice crunch to each bite.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs. Make sure they’re fresh, as the creamy scrambled eggs are the star of this dish.
- Butter: A good knob of butter, for scrambling the eggs and adding richness.
- Cream: A splash of double cream helps make the eggs extra creamy.
- Cheddar cheese: Optional, but adds a delicious savory kick to the eggs.
- Chives: Fresh chives to garnish, giving the tartlets a burst of color and freshness.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
Equipment Needed
Gathering the right tools makes the whole process easier and more fun. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tartlet pans: You’ll need a set of small tartlet pans. If you don’t have those, you could use muffin tins, but the tartlet pans give it a nice professional touch.
- Frying pan: For cooking the bacon and scrambling the eggs.
- Mixing bowl: To whisk the eggs and cream together.
- Whisk: To get those eggs nicely beaten.
- Pastry cutter or rolling pin: If you’re making your own shortcrust pastry, you’ll need a rolling pin and cutter to get the right size for your tartlet pans.
- Sharp knife: For chopping the bacon and chives.
How To Make Mary Berry Scrambled Egg And Bacon Tartlets?
The process is fairly straightforward, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure the tartlets come out perfectly:
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Prepare The Pastry
- If using pre-made pastry, roll it out lightly and cut out circles large enough to line your tartlet pans.
- Gently press the pastry into the pans, trimming off any excess. Bake them according to the instructions (usually around 10 minutes at 180°C) until golden and crisp.
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Cook The Bacon
- Fry the bacon rashers until crisp, then chop them into small bits. I like to make sure the bacon has that perfect crunch before adding it to the tartlets.
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Scramble The Eggs
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with a dash of cream, salt, and pepper.
- Melt a little butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and stir gently, cooking them until they’re soft and creamy.
- If you’re adding cheese, stir it in at this point, letting it melt into the eggs.
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Assemble The Tartlets
- Once the pastry shells are baked and the eggs are scrambled, spoon the eggs into the tartlet shells.
- Top with the crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh chives for garnish.
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Serve And Enjoy
- These tartlets are best served warm. They’re perfect for brunch, lunch, or even as a light dinner.
Recipe Variations
As much as I love the original recipe, there are endless ways to put your own twist on these tartlets:
- Add vegetables: You could toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes to make the tartlets even heartier.
- Herb variations: Swap out the chives for parsley, thyme, or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Swap the cheese: Try using Gruyère or goat cheese for a more sophisticated taste.
- Make them vegetarian: Skip the bacon entirely and add some extra veggies like roasted peppers or sautéed onions.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. It can be as simple or as fancy as you want it to be.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Scrambled Egg And Bacon Tartlets?
When it comes to pairing these tartlets with sides or drinks, here are a few ideas:
- Fresh greens: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the tartlets.
- Avocado: A side of smashed avocado would complement the eggs nicely.
- Fresh fruit: A fruit platter or a bowl of mixed berries adds a sweet and refreshing contrast.
- Coffee or tea: These tartlets are perfect with a warm drink. A nice cup of strong coffee or Earl Grey tea can elevate the experience.
- Crispy potatoes: If you’re going for a more substantial meal, a side of roasted or sautéed potatoes could work well.
What I Have Learnt
Through making these tartlets several times, I’ve learned a few things:
- Quality of ingredients matters. Fresh eggs, good quality bacon, and real butter make a world of difference.
- Don’t overcook the eggs. Scrambled eggs should be soft and creamy. If you cook them too long, they’ll dry out, and that’s definitely not the texture you want.
- Use a tartlet pan for the best result. While muffin tins work in a pinch, tartlet pans give that perfect, crisp edge.
- It’s all about balance. The richness of the eggs and bacon is offset beautifully by the flakiness of the pastry.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Scrambled Egg And Bacon Tartlets?
To make Mary Berry’s scrambled egg and bacon tartlets, you will need the following ingredients: ready-made shortcrust pastry, unsmoked back bacon, eggs, double cream, grated cheese (such as cheddar), salt, black pepper, and some fresh herbs (optional). You will also need butter for greasing the tartlet tins.
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Scrambled Egg And Bacon Tartlets Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the scrambled egg and bacon tartlets ahead of time. After baking the tartlets, allow them to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. However, for best results, the tartlets are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
How Do I Achieve Creamy Scrambled Eggs For The Tartlets?
To achieve creamy scrambled eggs for the tartlets, whisk the eggs with a small amount of double cream and seasoning. Cook the eggs over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent them from overcooking. Remove them from the heat just before they are fully set, as they will continue to cook from the residual heat.