Double-Yolk Egg & Smoked Salmon Custard Bake
This velvety savory custard is built for richness: a generous boost of extra egg yolks gives the base an almost pudding-like silkiness, while cubes of cream cheese melt into pockets of tang throughout. Folded through with flakes of smoky, delicate salmon and a whisper of fresh dill, it bakes low and slow in a water bath until just set — the result is something between a quiche without the crust and a classic French savory flan, entirely gluten-free since there's no pastry or flour thickener in sight. It's an ideal dinner for anyone craving something indulgent but protein-forward and light on carbohydrates. Serve it warm from the oven with a crisp green salad and a squeeze of lemon, or let it cool slightly and slice it into wedges for a more composed plate. Because it relies on naturally gluten-free ingredients — eggs, dairy, and fish — there's no need for substitutions or special flours; just careful sourcing of smoked salmon and cream cheese to confirm no hidden gluten-based additives. This dish also reheats beautifully, making it a smart make-ahead option for busy weeknights or a special weekend brunch-for-dinner. The combination of yolks and cream cheese keeps the custard from weeping or becoming rubbery, so it stays luxuriously smooth even the next day.
Ingredients
- 4 largeWhole eggs
- 4 largeExtra egg yolks, in addition to the whole eggs
- 1 cupheavy cream
- 0.5 cupwhole milk
- 4 ozcream cheese, cut into small cubes, confirm gluten-free label
- 4 ozSmoked salmon, flaked, confirm gluten-free processing
- 2 tbspfresh dill, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 2 stalksscallions, thinly sliced
- 0.25 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tsplemon zest
- 1 tbspbutter, softened, for greasing the dish
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease the baking dish thoroughly with the softened butter.
- In the mixing bowl, whisk together the whole eggs and extra egg yolks until smooth and well combined.
- Whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk until the mixture is fully incorporated and uniform.
- Season the custard base with salt, pepper, and lemon zest, whisking briefly to combine.
- Gently fold in the flaked smoked salmon, cubed cream cheese, chopped dill, and sliced scallions, distributing them evenly through the custard.
- Pour the custard mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Place the baking dish inside the roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish, creating a water bath.
- Carefully transfer the water bath setup into the preheated oven and bake until the custard is just set in the center with a slight jiggle, about 40-45 minutes. 45:00
- Remove the baking dish from the water bath and let the custard rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set fully. 10:00
- Slice into wedges or squares, garnish with extra fresh dill, and serve warm.
Cook this with your hands free
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