Baked Eggs Napoleon features flaky puff pastry shells filled with creamy spinach and topped with a perfectly baked egg, making it an elegant and delicious brunch or light meal option that’s easy to prepare.
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
Eggs
4 large eggs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Thaw and prepare puff pastry: Thaw puff pastry sheets at room temperature for 30-40 minutes, until pliable but still cold. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut and score pastry squares: Unfold thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into four equal squares (8 total). Lightly score a smaller square inside each square about 1/2 inch from the edge, being careful not to cut through.
Apply egg wash and seasoning: Brush the top of each square with the beaten egg. Optionally, sprinkle the edges with everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
Bake puff pastry shells: Place puff pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed up. Let them cool slightly, then gently press down the center of each square to create a well for filling.
Prepare spinach filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cook until softened (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute).
Cook spinach: Add spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted (5-7 minutes). If necessary, add spinach in batches. Transfer cooked spinach to a colander and press out excess moisture.
Mix filling ingredients: Return drained spinach to the skillet or a bowl. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Fill puff pastry shells: Spoon the spinach filling into the wells of the baked puff pastry shells. Create a small indentation in the center of the filling for the egg.
Add eggs: Carefully crack one egg into each indentation. Season the eggs with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Bake eggs: Return filled shells to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but yolks remain runny. For firmer yolks, bake slightly longer.
Garnish and serve: Let the Eggs Napoleon cool slightly, garnish with fresh chopped chives, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
Cheese Variations: You can substitute cream cheese and Parmesan with Gruyere, mozzarella, or feta for different flavor profiles.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach filling for a bit of heat.
Vegetarian Option: Ensure the Parmesan cheese you use is vegetarian-friendly (made without animal rennet).
Make Ahead: Puff pastry shells and spinach filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately; assemble and bake just before serving.
Adjust Egg Doneness: Bake longer if you prefer firmer egg yolks.