Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　15 min

　　This style of frying eggs results in crisp, crackly whites and beautiful, barely set yolks. The spicy garlic oil and smoked mozzarella make this dish an unusual but delicious brunch or light dinner.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

　　1 large garlic clove

　　1/2 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

　　1/4 cup olive oil, divided

　　8 large eggs

　　1 1/4 cups coarsely grated smoked mozzarella (6 ounces)

　　Accompaniment: crusty bread

　　

Step 1

Preheat broiler.

　　

Step 2

Mince and mash garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt, then stir together with red-pepper flakes and 2 tablespoons oil in a small bowl.

　　

Step 3

Break eggs into a bowl. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a flameproof 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Pour in eggs and cook, undisturbed, until whites begin to set, then cook, lifting up edge of cooked whites with a spatula to let as much raw egg white as possible flow underneath, 2 minutes (top and yolks will still be very loose). Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle cheese over eggs.

　　

Step 4

Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat until cheese is melted and bubbling and yolks are barely set, 2 to 4 minutes. Serve drizzled with garlic oil.

　　Cooks' note:

　　The eggs will not be fully cooked, which may be of concern if salmonella is a problem in your area.