Name: Baked Eggs Napoleon: A Delicious & Easy Brunch Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Everything bagel seasoning (optional); 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; 4 large eggs; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

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If you’re looking for a brunch dish that feels both fancy and totally achievable, you have to try Baked Eggs Napoleon: A Delicious & Easy Brunch Recipe. This delightful combination features golden puff pastry cradling creamy spinach and a perfectly baked egg, delivering a harmony of textures and flavors that feels indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning, this recipe offers a stunning presentation and a comforting, savory taste that will quickly become a favorite.

Baked Eggs Napoleon: A Delicious & Easy Brunch Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s rich, creamy layers and flaky, buttery crust, coming together beautifully for a colorful and flavorful brunch.

Frozen puff pastry sheets: These create the crisp, flaky base that puffs up into a perfect golden square for holding the filling.
Egg (for egg wash): Brushing this on the pastry ensures a shiny, appetizing golden finish.
Everything bagel seasoning (optional): Adds an extra savory, crunchy pop to the pastry edges if you love a little zest.
Olive oil: The base for sautéing shallots and garlic, imparting subtle richness.
Shallot: Softens and sweetens the filling with a delicate onion flavor.
Garlic: Infuses the spinach mixture with aromatic warmth.
Fresh spinach: The star vegetable that makes the filling vibrant and nutritious.
Cream cheese: Adds creamy texture and tangy depth to the filling.
Heavy cream: Makes the spinach filling luxuriously smooth.
Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty boost that enhances every bite.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch brightens and adds subtle warmth to the filling.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage.
Large eggs: The crowning touch, baked gently in the spinach pillows.
Fresh chives (for garnish): Adds a fresh, oniony note and a pop of color.

How to Make Baked Eggs Napoleon: A Delicious & Easy Brunch Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Begin by thawing the puff pastry sheets at room temperature for about 30 to 40 minutes. They’ll become pliable but remain cold enough to handle easily, which is essential for cutting and shaping without sticking or tearing.

Step 2: Score and Bake the Pastry Squares

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things tidy. Unfold the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut each sheet into four squares—eight total. Score a smaller square inside each one about half an inch from the edge to encourage a raised border. Brush each square with beaten egg and, if you like, sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning along the edges for a flavor boost. Bake until puffed and golden, about 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 3: Create Wells for Filling

Once the pastry is baked and cooled slightly, gently press the centers down to form wells that will cradle the luscious spinach and eggs. This step helps keep everything neatly contained while adding to the presentation.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Cook Spinach

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté shallots until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute. Toss in the chopped spinach and cook in batches if needed, stirring until wilted. Transfer the spinach to a colander and press out any excess moisture—this prevents soggy fillings and keeps every bite delightful.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Spinach Filling

Combine the drained spinach with softened cream cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until all ingredients meld into a smooth, creamy mixture that’s packed with flavor.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake Again

Fill each pastry well with the spinach mixture, then create a small indentation in the center to nestle an egg. Crack a large egg carefully into each indentation and season lightly with salt and pepper. Return everything to the oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the egg whites set but yolks stay perfectly runny.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool just a bit. Sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while the contrast of the crispy pastry, creamy spinach, and luscious egg is at its peak.

How to Serve Baked Eggs Napoleon: A Delicious & Easy Brunch Recipe

Garnishes

The perfect garnish can elevate a dish visually and in flavor. Fresh chives provide a delicate onion-y note and a cheerful green pop that brightens the plate, but feel free to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you crave some extra zing.

Side Dishes

Pair your Baked Eggs Napoleon with a light side like a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or serve alongside roasted tomatoes to add some bright acidity that complements the creamy richness. Crusty bread or toasted baguette slices are also ideal for scooping up every delicious bite.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress friends, try serving each portion on individual plates with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil or a dollop of herby yogurt on the side. Layering the napoleons with alternating herbs or edible flowers can also add a bit of visual fun for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days. Keep the pastry and fillings intact for the best texture and avoid refrigerating too long to maintain that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Freezing

While puff pastry typically freezes well before baking, it is not recommended to freeze this dish after it has been baked with the eggs. The texture of the eggs and spinach mixture changes significantly after freezing and reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to prevent burning the pastry tops. This method best preserves the crispy edges and warm, creamy filling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! This recipe calls for fresh spinach, which you’ll cook down and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Just make sure to remove as much water as possible for the creamiest filling.

What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?

No worries! The seasoning is optional and just adds a little extra flavor. You can substitute with a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and onion powder if you like, or simply leave it off.

How do I know when the eggs are perfectly baked?

Look for set whites and slightly runny yolks. The whites should be opaque and firm without any liquid, while the yolks remain a bit soft for that luxurious texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

It’s already vegetarian but to make it vegan, you’d need to replace eggs with a plant-based alternative and use vegan cream cheese and puff pastry. The texture and flavor will change, but with some experimentation, you can achieve a tasty result.

How can I make the puff pastry extra crispy?

Make sure the puff pastry is cold before baking and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, which helps the pastry rise and crisp up nicely. Brushing with egg wash also gives a beautiful, crisp finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving up Baked Eggs Napoleon: A Delicious & Easy Brunch Recipe to friends or family. It’s a dish that’s both approachable and elegant, full of vibrant flavors and textures that are bound to wow without tons of fuss in the kitchen. If you’ve been looking for a new brunch star to add to your recipe rotation, this is absolutely it — give it a try, and I promise your taste buds will thank you.

Baked Eggs Napoleon: A Delicious & Easy Brunch Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Baked Eggs Napoleon is an elegant and easy brunch recipe featuring flaky puff pastry squares filled with a creamy spinach mixture and topped with perfectly baked eggs. This dish combines savory flavors and textures for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience.

Instructions

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 thawed but still cold for easier handling and better puffing.
Pressing out moisture from cooked spinach prevents soggy pastry.
Adjust baking time for eggs according to preference for runny or firm yolks.
Everything bagel seasoning adds extra flavor but is optional.
Use fresh chives for a bright, herbal garnish enhancing presentation and taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Brunch
Method: Baking and Sautéing
Cuisine: American