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Baked Eggs Napoleon Recipe

4.9 from 133 reviews

Baked Eggs Napoleon is an elegant and easy brunch recipe featuring flaky puff pastry shells filled with a creamy spinach mixture, topped with baked eggs and garnished with fresh chives. This dish combines buttery puff pastry, savory ham flavors, and rich, soft eggs for a luxurious yet approachable brunch experience perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Puff Pastry Shells:

  • 1 package (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Everything bagel seasoning (optional)

For the Creamy 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

For the Baked Eggs:

  • 4 large eggs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Thaw the Puff Pastry: Remove the puff pastry sheets from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 30-40 minutes until pliable but still cold to prevent stickiness.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  3. Cut and Score the Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and cut each sheet into four equal squares, making eight in total. Lightly score a smaller square inside each piece about 1/2 inch from the edge without cutting through, creating a border.
  4. Apply Egg Wash and Season: Brush the tops of each puff pastry square with beaten egg for a golden finish and optionally sprinkle the edges with everything bagel seasoning for added flavor and texture.
  5. Bake Pastry Shells: Place squares on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and cool slightly, then gently press down the centers to form wells for the filling.
  6. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped shallot until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn.
  7. Wilt Spinach: Add the chopped spinach in batches to the skillet and cook until fully wilted, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Remove Excess Moisture: Transfer wilted spinach to a colander and press out any excess liquid using a spoon or hands to avoid watery filling.
  9. Combine Filling Ingredients: Return spinach to skillet or bowl and add cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  10. Assemble Fillings: Spoon the creamy spinach mixture evenly into the wells of each baked puff pastry shell. Create a small indentation in the center of the spinach filling for the egg.
  11. Add Eggs: Carefully crack one egg into each indentation. Season the eggs with salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Bake Eggs Napoleon: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny. Cooking times may vary depending on desired yolk consistency.
  13. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with freshly chopped chives. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute or add cheeses like Gruyere, mozzarella, or feta to the spinach filling for flavor variations.
  • Add cooked bacon, ham, or sausage to the spinach mixture for a heartier dish.
  • Incorporate red pepper flakes into the filling if you prefer a spicy kick.
  • Use vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese to keep the dish suitable for vegetarians.
  • Prepare puff pastry shells and spinach filling ahead of time; assemble just before baking.
  • Adjust baking time to achieve preferred egg yolk doneness.
  • Serve with fresh fruit, a green salad, or a mimosa for a complete brunch experience.

Keywords: baked eggs, puff pastry, brunch recipe, spinach filling, easy brunch, savory eggs, spinach and cheese