10 clever ways to cook an egg that you probably haven’t thought of

If your dream egg is white and fluffy as a cloud with a golden, runny center, this method is for you.

“Cloud” eggs involve separating your egg whites from the yolks and whisking egg whites like you’re making meringue. That meringue is cooked, and the yolks are typically added back into the center of the egg “cloud.”

There are a few ways to make these, and some methods use metal cookie cutters to help eggs hold their shape.

Deviled eggs are the perfect creamy brunch addition, but adding a bit of crunch takes these treats to a whole new level.

Basically, this method involves boiling your eggs, removing the yolks, and coating the whites in a breadcrumb mixture before frying them.

If you’re baking something that calls for egg whites but no yolks, don’t toss those yellow gems in the trash.

To cure and preserve egg yolks, bury them in a mixture of equal parts salt and sugar for about four days before drying them in your oven.

The final result is an umami gem perfect for grating over pasta or salad, just like you would a hard cheese like Parmesan.

Want an omelet but hate the mess? Make one in a plastic, resealable bag.

First, mix a few eggs and your omelet add-ons of choice in a resealable plastic baggie. Shaking helps. Then, place the bag in boiling water for 12 to 15 minutes.

This recipe can result in a tasty (albeit bag-shaped) omelet without dirtying a single pan.

Oatmeal has a reputation for being bland, but it definitely doesn’t have to be. Adding an egg can enhance the richness, flavor, and texture of your bowl of oats.

This is even a secret of Jennifer Aniston’s — the actor has spoken about whipping egg whites into her oatmeal when it’s almost done cooking to add protein and a fluffy texture.

Poaching your eggs in broth can impart a delicious umami flavor to the eggs and add a boost of protein to any soup.

Simply slip an egg or two into piping-hot broth and gently swirl the eggs to poach them perfectly. You can actually use this method to poach eggs right in your soup bowl, as long as it is hot enough.  

Cooking blog Dessert for Two outlined a clever method for giving your eggs a dramatic purple makeover. You’ll need just a few cups of red wine, eggs, and a pot. 

Depending on the wine you use, this method can give your eggs a slightly sweet taste.

If you need to feed multiple people who might not be eating at the same time, scrambling a bunch of eggs in a rice cooker lets you keep leftovers warm and moist without overcooking them.

You can also make hard-boiled eggs in your rice cooker, per this recipe from A Day in the Kitchen.

There are a few ways to cook an egg in a microwave — many popular methods require mugs or small ramekins and take a minute (or a few).

To poach an egg, you’ll want to crack it into a mug that’s got water inside it and cover the mug’s opening before you microwave it.

You can also whisk an egg and microwave it until it’s set, then top it with hashbrowns, veggies, bacon crumbles, or whatever toppings you prefer.

This egg-cooking method is a divine way to get a rich breakfast on the table.

According to a video from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, poaching eggs in a small pot of melted butter yields rich eggs with runny yolks, perfect for dipping toast in.

This story was originally published in October 2018 and most recently updated on September 22, 2026.