What Are Eggs and How Can I Use Them?

Here's everything worth knowing about eggs and how to pick them, what they are, how to store them, and what to use instead, plus 14,690 recipes to cook tonight.

What are eggs?

Chicken eggs are widely used in many types of dishes, both sweet and savory. Egg recipes are extremely versatile, are quick cooking and are a particular favourite for breakfast recipes.

Eggs are used both as an ingredient and a main dish, eggs are a food product produced by poultry. Though there are many types of eggs available for food preparation (duck, goose, quail, turkey, ostrich), hen, or chicken eggs, are the most commonly eaten.

Eggs can be pickled, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, scrambled, fried and more. They can also be eaten raw, though this is not recommended for people who may be especially susceptible to salmonella, such as the elderly, the infirm, or pregnant women.

In addition, the protein in raw eggs is only 51% bio-available, whereas that of a cooked egg is nearer 91% bio-available, meaning the protein of cooked eggs is nearly twice as absorbable as the protein from raw eggs.

As an ingredient, egg yolks are an important emulsifier in the kitchen, and the proteins in egg white allow it to form foams and aerated dishes.

The egg white, contains protein but little or no fat. It can be used in cooking separately from the yolk, and can be aerated or whipped to a light, fluffy consistency. Beaten egg whites are used in desserts such as meringues and mousse.

Ground egg shells are sometimes used as a food additive to deliver calcium.

Every part of an egg is edible, although the eggshell is generally discarded.

Although the age of the egg and the conditions of its storage have a greater influence, the bird's diet does affect the flavor of the egg. For example, when a brown-egg chicken breed eats rapeseed or soy meals, its intestinal microbes metabolize them into fishy-smelling triethylamine, which ends up in the egg.

The unpredictable diet of free-range hens will produce unpredictable eggs that arguably taste better!

Legends about eggs have abounded throughout the eons. Early Phoenicians thought that a primeval egg split open to form heaven and earth; Egyptians believed that their god Ptah created the egg from the sun and the moon; and American Indians thought that the Great Spirit burst forth from a giant golden egg to create the world.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 cup (4.86 large eggs) (243g)

Amount per Serving

Calories 347Calories from Fat 217

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 24.2g 37%

Saturated Fat 7.5g 38%

Trans Fat ~

Cholesterol 1027mg 343%

Sodium 340mg 14%

Total Carbohydrate 1.9g 1%

Dietary Fiber 0g 0%

Sugars 1.9

Protein 30.6g

Vitamin A 24% Vitamin C 0%

Calcium 13% • Iron 25%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

recipeland.com/nutrition

Where found

Eggs are usually found in the dairy section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group

Eggs are a member of the Dairy and Egg Products US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

How much do eggs weigh?

Amount	Weight
1 cup (4.86 large eggs)	243 grams
1 extra large	56 grams
1 jumbo	63 grams
1 large	50 grams
1 medium	44 grams
1 small	38 grams

Dairy and Egg Products

Butter 14585 Ghee (clarified butter) 240 Blue cheese 95 Havarti cheese 6 Cheddar cheese 1679 Cheese 557 Cheddar cheese, very old, sharp 334 Cheddar cheese, medium 23 Cheddar cheese, mild 32 Colby cheese 26

In Chinese:	鸡蛋
British (UK) term:
en français:	œufs
en español:	huevos

Recipes using eggs

There are 14690 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Quickand Easy Fudgey Brownies

Quick fudgy brownies made with unsweetened chocolate and butter melted in the microwave, with optional marshmallow chocolate frosting. The classic from-scratch fudgy brownie in one bowl.

Fried Leeks with Tarragon

An elegant and sophisticated appetizer that will impress your dinner guests and is ready in just 20 minutes. The leeks are trimmed, steamed, battered, and fried to a beautiful golden brown. The addition of tarragon and parsley adds a subtle yet delicious flavor to the dish. The result is a crispy and flavorful appetizer or side dish that is certain to wow your guests.

Potato Pancakes

Crispy-edged potato pancakes made from grated raw potatoes with just eggs, onion, and matzo meal. Serve hot with applesauce or sour cream for a classic bite.

Blueberry French Toast Sandwiches

Golden French toast stuffed with warm blueberry-maple compote and dusted with powdered sugar. Make weekend brunch feel special with this sweet sandwich.

Very P-Nutty Muffins

Peanut butter banana muffins with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a swirl of sour cream for extra-tender crumb. Elvis-inspired snack muffins, freezer-friendly, ready in under an hour.

Jello Any-Fruit Cake

A soft cake bottom, with a fruit filled middle topped with a tantalizing cinnamon topping. Learning how to make Jello fruit cake that use any fruit you have on hand including summery rhubarb with strawberry gelatin.

Goat Cheese & Zucchini Omelet for Two

Eggs & zucchini creamily enveloped by warm and creamy tangy goat cheese and sweet caramelized onion mixture. When you've got zucchini overload and aren't sure what to do, this is my go-to recipe that feeds the need.

Easy Skillet Apple Pancakes

Fluffy skillet pancakes loaded with cinnamon-sugar apples cooked right into the batter. One pan, four gorgeous pancakes, minimal cleanup.

Tortellini with Goat Cheese & Scallions

Learn to make homemade tortellini with creamy goat cheese and scallion filling, served in savory chicken broth. Simple sophistication in a bowl. This comforting dish features tender homemade tortellini filled with goat cheese and fresh scallions, served in a warm, flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines delicate pasta with a rich, savory filling, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and scallions.

Classic Cajun Deviled Eggs

Savor the creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors of these Cajun-inspired deviled eggs. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, this easy recipe combines smooth egg yolks with Dijon mustard, light mayonnaise, and a kick of Cajun seasoning, topped with pimento-stuffed green olives for a briny finish.

Scrambled Eggs with Lox & Cream Cheese

A low-carb version of Lox (smoked salmon) and cream cheese that uses scrambled eggs to replace the classic bagel. Rich, creamy, and delicious, it is perfect for celebrating National Cream Cheese and Lox Day or anytime for an impressive Brunch or breakfast offering.

Potato & Scallion Casserole

A comforting and savory dish featuring layers of golden-brown potatoes and tender scallions, bound together with a creamy yogurt-egg sauce and baked to perfection. Ideal as a hearty side or a light main course.

Potato & Scallion Casserole

Eggs Baked in Peppers

Eggs, simply baked in sweet red bell pepper served with tomato sauce. Just 3 ingredients create a delightfully creative breakfast or brunch that even kids like.

Parmesan Chicken Fingers with Lemon

Crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken fingers air-fryer or pan-fried and served with fresh lemon wedges for a tangy twist. Quick, kid-friendly recipe ready in under 30 minutes. These golden, cheesy chicken fingers are a simple yet flavorful twist on classic breaded chicken. The Parmesan adds a savory crunch, while a squeeze of lemon brightens each bite. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or snack.

White Chocolate Scones

White chocolate scones with heavy cream, cold butter, and generous chunks of white chocolate that go soft and creamy in the oven. Flaky, layered, and tender from keeping the butter cold.

Kale & Two Cheese Scones

Craving a breakfast treat that's hearty, cheesy, and not overly sweet. These kale and cheese scones are your new best friend. Inspired by the cozy vibes of an American bakery, we've packed them with tender kale, sharp cheddar, nutty Parmessan, and a hint of plump raisins for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory kick. A generous grind of black pepper adds a spicy edge, making these perfect for brunch, snacks, or even alongside soup.

Persian Swiss Chard & Dill Frittata

Get ready to whip up a vibrant, herb-packed dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any meal of the day! This Persian-inspired frittata is a fresh twist on the classic omelet, blending tender Swiss chard, fragrant dill, and zesty scallions into a fluffy, golden masterpiece. Baked to perfection, it’s easy to make and even easier to love. Serve it with warm flatbread, a sprinkle of feta, or a side of crisp veggies for a delightful meal. Let’s dive into this green goodness!