Baked Scotch Eggs

1. Combine ground beef, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and thyme in a medium bowl with a fork. Divide mixture into 2 equal portions and shape each into a thin oval, large enough to fit around the hard-cooked egg.

2. Place flour in a shallow dish, place beaten egg in a second dish, and bread crumbs in a third shallow dish.

3. Roll one hard-cooked egg in flour. Gently shape the beef around the egg as evenly as possible making sure it is completely covered with no openings or cracks. Dip beef-covered egg in beaten egg, then coat with bread crumbs to cover completely. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining hard-cooked egg and beef, spacing them apart. Discard any excess flour, beaten egg and bread crumbs.

4. Bake in preheated 350ºF oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and a digital instant-read thermometer inserted into the meat portion reads 160°F (71°C). Let stand 2 to 3 minutes. Cut in half lengthwise to serve.

Tips

For extra-crispy outside coating use panko (Japanese bread crumbs).

To create the thin oval of beef, flatten it on parchment paper, then use the paper to assist in wrapping around the egg. When shaping meat around egg, it helps to flour your hands to prevent sticking.

To make hard-cooked eggs, place eggs in a small saucepan and add cold water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, remove from heat and let eggs stand for 14 minutes. Drain and cover eggs with cold water, refreshing as necessary, until eggs are chilled. Peel off shells.