The Decadence of Eggs, Cheese, and Cream that are the Ultimate Comfort Food

The foundation of sophisticated, affordable comfort food is the classic trio of eggs, cheese, and cream. Their inherent versatility, dense nutritional value (protein, healthy fats, vitamins), and ability to seamlessly bind and enrich dishes—from a simple omelette to repurposed leftovers—establish them as indispensable staples for the time-poor, discerning palate.

My mind recently wandered to that last-minute craving when you’re too hungry to not eat, but far too lazy to exert yourself in the kitchen. For weeks, I’ve been talking about my favourite international cuisine and comfort food, but this is the real standby. My ultimate, go-to meal, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or supper, is a cheese omelette.

I’m not a fussy person. You don’t need a thousand-and-one different fillings; a simple, well-made cheese omelette will tickle my fancy any time. This simple revelation got me thinking about the holy trinity of effortless, decadent dining: eggs, cheese, and cream.

The Indispensable Nutritional Authority of Eggs, Cream, and Cheese

The combination of eggs, cheese, and cream is more than just delicious; it’s a powerhouse of accessible, affordable, and versatile nutrition. I find their benefits indispensable, particularly for those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

The Greatness of Eggs

Eggs are high in protein, rich in vitamins, and an excellent source of antioxidants. Notwithstanding the fact that egg prices occasionally shoot through the roof, they remain a relatively affordable and accessible protein for anyone. Honestly, I’m surprised by the number of vegetarians and vegans who still rely on them—but that’s their cross to bear.

The Pleasure of Cheese

Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, equally high in protein and healthy fats. It also contains vitamins B12 and zinc, and some varieties even offer gut-friendly probiotics. But most importantly, it adds flavour. I am the kind of person you can never put too much cheese on a plate for, please. I love cheese.

The Decadence of Cream

Cream is energy-dense, saturated with healthy fats, and a source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. I just adore cream; it adds a richness and flavour that instantly elevates any dish. Whether I’m making scrambled eggs or a cheese sauce, a splash of cream is non-negotiable.

Effortless Excellence: Meal Ideas for the Time-Poor

My personal experience dictates that cooking in advance is the ultimate efficiency hack. Since I work from home, I don’t always feel like cooking, and I certainly don’t feel like washing dishes. So, I often cook with the explicit idea of having high-quality leftovers to repurpose into these effortless, cheese-and-egg-based delights.

The Breakfast Solution

For breakfast, the choices are endless, and so easy it’s almost offensive: scrambled, boiled, poached, fried, or, my favourite, the omelette. Once the eggs are underway, you simply add cheese. It could be cheddar, gruyere, or even cottage cheese.

For those who need a bit of variety, double cream yoghurt is a wonderful addition that adds satisfying richness, particularly in winter. I find that the fats found in cream and yoghurt help to properly distribute flavour. If your morning fruit salad doesn’t see you past tea time, let alone near lunchtime, add some double cream yoghurt or a splash of cream for substance.

Speaking of breakfast, this is also the perfect time to incorporate leftover vegetables. Earlier this week, I had some miserable-looking leftover leeks, mushrooms, and onions. I thought, “You know what, grate some cheese over that, throw it in the middle of an omelette, and it’s an instant umami taste bomb.” Delicious, truly.

Lunch and Dinner Decadence

Lunchtime Quiche: For the afternoon, you can always make a quiche. A quiche is essentially just a custard—you beat up eggs with cream, add cheese (feta, blue cheese, even brie or camembert works beautifully), and pair it with mushrooms or chicken.

The Leftover Hack: I always roast a double batch of vegetables so I can repurpose the leftovers. There is nothing better than leftover roast vegetables with two poached eggs and a grating of cheese in the morning. It’s an instant, delicious low-carb meal. I often use the vegetables in place of bread.

Decadent Dinner: For something more substantial, you could make Shakshuka (eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce, often with a splash of cream), mac and cheese, or stuffed peppers. I made stuffed peppers recently using leftover Chinese rice, shredded rotisserie chicken, and thought, “What the hell, just stir in some cream.” Whack it into the air-fryer, and badda bing badda boom, an instant, decadent meal.

Comment: What are your pantry staples that take the guesswork out of cooking quick comfort meals?

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