Baked Eggs Napoleon: A Delicious & Easy Brunch Recipe
Baked Eggs Napoleon is a delightful and easy-to-make brunch recipe featuring golden, flaky puff pastry shells filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, topped with perfectly baked eggs. It’s a flavorful and elegant dish that combines crisp texture with rich and savory flavors, ideal for a special breakfast or brunch occasion.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 package (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Spinach Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Topping
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Thaw and prepare puff pastry: Thaw puff pastry sheets at room temperature for 30-40 minutes until pliable but still cold, making them easier to work with.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cut puff pastry squares: On a lightly floured surface, unfold thawed puff pastry and cut each sheet into four equal squares, resulting in eight squares total.
- Score pastry squares: Lightly score a smaller square inside each square about 1/2 inch from the edge without cutting all the way through. This will help create raised edges during baking.
- Apply egg wash and seasoning: Brush the tops of each square with the beaten egg to promote a golden color. Optionally, sprinkle the edges with everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
- Bake puff pastry: Place the squares on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Create wells for filling: After baking, allow the pastry to cool slightly, then gently press down the center of each square to create a shallow well for the filling.
- Sauté shallots and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, cooking and stirring occasionally until wilted, about 5-7 minutes. If necessary, add spinach in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Drain excess moisture: Transfer the cooked spinach to a colander and press out as much moisture as possible to prevent soggy filling.
- Combine filling ingredients: Return the drained spinach to the skillet or a mixing bowl. Add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Mix until smooth: Stir the mixture thoroughly until creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Fill pastry wells: Spoon the spinach mixture evenly into the wells of each baked puff pastry square.
- Create egg indentation: Make a small indentation in the center of each spinach-filled well to hold the egg.
- Add eggs and season: Carefully crack one large egg into each indentation, then season the eggs lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake with eggs: Return the filled pastries to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, garnish with freshly chopped chives, and serve immediately for a warm and elegant brunch dish.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is cold but pliable for easier handling and best puff during baking.
- Pressing moisture out of spinach is essential to prevent soggy pastry shells.
- If preferred, substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter filling.
- Adjust nutmeg quantity to personal taste; it adds warmth and depth to the spinach mixture.
- The eggs can be cooked longer if a fully set yolk is preferred; watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Everything bagel seasoning is optional but adds a nice savory crunch to the edges.
- Serve warm; these are best eaten fresh to enjoy the crispiness of the pastry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 pastry)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg
Keywords: baked eggs napoleon, puff pastry eggs, spinach and cheese pastry, brunch recipe, savory baked eggs