Here’s Why Everyone Is Freaking Out About Cloud Eggs Right Now

There’s no shortage of ways to prepare eggs. You can boil them, poach them, scramble them, or even whip them up to make an omelette. But if you take your food advice from Instagram trends, then there’s only one way to prepare them: cloud eggs.

Although “cloud eggs” have existed for some time now — Rachael Ray shared a recipe on her website back in 2012 — they’re only gaining viral fame now because of Instagram. The hashtag #cloudegg has 527 shared posts and counting, and #cloudeggs has nearly a thousand.

Essentially cloud eggs are when you separate the egg whites from the yolk and whip the egg whites into a fluffy texture until they are stiff. Then you place whipped egg whites, which are cloud-like in appearance, on a baking sheet and put the yolk in the center and bake it until it’s cooked to your taste. The final result is what Extra Crispy calls “a savory meringue topped with a creamy egg yolk.”

Their viral claim to fame is their cloud-like appearance — it looks like a complicated-to-prepare, fancy treat. But a more practical component that may make these worth the prep time, for those who monitor their caloric intake, is that it’s definitely low-calorie fare: According to The Independent, cloud eggs have 161 calories per serving. Cloud eggs are also keto-friendly, for anyone who abides by the low-carb, high-fat diet.

Making cloud eggs is certainly more time-consuming than a quick go at scrambled eggs, but it can be worth it for those who prioritize food presentation. With cloud eggs gaining momentum, it won’t be long before people come up with unique ways to add flavor — cloud eggs and mozzarella snow flakes, anyone?

While some are going so far as calling cloud eggs a “crime against breakfast,” they’re really just another way for people to enjoy eating eggs.