Baked Eggs Napoleon Recipe
Baked Eggs Napoleon is an elegant and delicious brunch dish featuring golden puff pastry shells filled with a creamy spinach mixture and topped with perfectly baked eggs. The puff pastry provides a flaky and buttery base, while the spinach and cream cheese filling adds a rich and flavorful layer, all crowned with a tender baked egg. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch gathering, this recipe balances textures and flavors beautifully.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Puff Pastry and Egg Wash
- 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
For Assembly
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Thaw the Puff Pastry: Allow the puff pastry sheets to thaw at room temperature for 30-40 minutes until they are pliable but remain cold.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into four equal squares, making a total of 8 squares.
- Score the Pastry: Lightly score a smaller square inside each large square about 1/2 inch from the edges, being careful not to cut all the way through. This helps create a raised edge after baking.
- Egg Wash and Seasoning: Brush the top of each puff pastry square with the beaten egg. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning around the edges, if using, to add extra flavor.
- Bake the Puff Pastry: Place the puff pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until they puff up and turn golden brown.
- Create Wells in Pastry: Let the puff pastry cool slightly, then gently press down the center of each square to create a well for the filling.
- Cook Shallot and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach in batches if needed, cooking and stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until wilted.
- Drain Excess Moisture: Transfer the cooked spinach to a colander and press out any excess water to prevent sogginess.
- Prepare Spinach Filling: Return spinach to the skillet or a mixing bowl. Add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Fill Pastry Shells: Spoon the creamy spinach filling evenly into the wells of each baked puff pastry shell.
- Create Egg Indentations: Make a small indentation in the center of the spinach filling in each shell to hold the egg.
- Add Eggs: Carefully crack one large egg into each indentation. Season the eggs with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake to Set Eggs: Return the filled pastry shells to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are fully set but the yolks remain slightly runny.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the baked eggs cool slightly, then garnish with freshly chopped chives. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is cold but pliable to get optimal puff and flakiness.
- Pressing out moisture from spinach is key to prevent soggy pastry shells.
- For firmer yolks, extend baking time slightly, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Everything bagel seasoning is optional but adds a savory, aromatic crust.
- Use fresh, large eggs for best results and presentation.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures.
Keywords: baked eggs napoleon, puff pastry eggs, spinach and cream cheese baked eggs, brunch recipe, savory puff pastry, baked eggs with spinach filling