Baked Italian Egg Pastries are delightful, savory treats made with golden puff pastry, seasoned vegetables, and a baked egg at the center—perfect for an elegant brunch or a flavorful breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pastries are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. The flaky puff pastry provides a buttery crunch, while the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth. They are quick to assemble, cook in under 20 minutes, and deliver a sophisticated twist on traditional breakfast eggs.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg (plus 1 tablespoon water and ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard for egg wash)
- ¼ cup julienne-cut sun‑dried tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh spinach
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and position a rack in the lower third. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Using a 3-inch round cutter, lightly score four circles in the pastry—do not remove them yet.
- Whisk one egg with water and Dijon mustard. Brush the pastry surface, focusing on the areas around the scored circles.
- Sprinkle chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the pastry, avoiding the center of each scored circle. Brush again with egg wash to help toppings adhere.
- Bake on the lower rack for 12 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
- Remove from the oven, recut and carefully remove the center rounds. Discard them.
- Crack one egg into each opening. Return the pastry to the oven and bake for an additional 4–5 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and yolks reach your preferred doneness.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Slice and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 17 minutes
- Total time: 42 minutes
Variations
- Add shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese for extra creaminess.
- Incorporate chopped prosciutto or crumbled bacon for added protein.
- Mix herbs like basil or oregano into the spinach mixture.
- Use roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a milder flavor.
- Make mini versions with smaller cutters for party appetizers.
storage/reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place pastries on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Microwave reheating is faster but will result in softer pastry.
FAQs
What type of puff pastry works best?
Frozen store-bought puff pastry is ideal. Just be sure it’s fully thawed but still chilled before use.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the base and toppings, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. However, add the eggs fresh before final baking.
How do I prevent the eggs from overcooking?
Keep an eye on the oven and remove the pastries as soon as the egg whites are set. For soft yolks, 4–5 minutes is typically enough.
Are these pastries freezer-friendly?
They are best served fresh. Freezing may affect the texture of both the egg and pastry.
What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to substitute with kale, arugula, or sautéed mushrooms for different flavor profiles.
Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes, simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Do I need to blind bake the pastry?
No, the initial bake with toppings helps puff the pastry without needing a separate blind bake step.
How do I keep the egg from spreading out?
Ensure the pastry circle is pressed down well and has raised edges to help contain the egg.
Can I serve these cold?
They’re best enjoyed warm, but you can serve them at room temperature if needed.
Are these gluten-free?
Not unless made with gluten-free puff pastry.
Conclusion
Baked Italian Egg Pastries offer a sophisticated, satisfying breakfast option that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With layers of flavor and texture, they’re perfect for casual mornings or elegant brunch gatherings. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
Print
Baked Italian Egg Pastries
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian‑American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory baked puff pastry rounds topped with eggs, sun‑dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan—perfect for an elegant breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg + 1 tbsp water + 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (egg wash)
- 1/4 cup sun‑dried tomatoes, julienne, packed
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped, packed
- 4 large eggs (for filling)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Lay the puff pastry on the sheet and use a 3″ round cutter to cut four circles (don’t remove the cut-outs).
- Whisk together 1 egg, water, and mustard for egg wash; brush around the circles.
- Press tomatoes and spinach into the pastry around the circles; brush again with egg wash.
- Bake on the bottom rack for 12 minutes.
- Remove, re‑cut and discard the pastry circles.
- Crack one egg into each opening; return to oven and bake 4–5 minutes until eggs are set to preference.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan, salt, and pepper; cut into four slices and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry stays cold for maximum puff.
- Use a bottom‑rack placement to properly cook the pastry base.
- Adjust baking time for runny or firm yolks.
- Add-ins: olives, prosciutto, or mushrooms make tasty variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 472 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 363 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 238 mg