Baked Eggs Napoleon Recipe
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.
- Author: Daniel
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the chopped spinach in batches to the skillet and cook until fully wilted, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove Excess Moisture: Transfer wilted spinach to a colander and press out any excess liquid using a spoon or hands to avoid watery filling.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Eggs: Carefully crack one egg into each indentation. Season the eggs with salt and pepper to taste.
- 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.
- 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