Imagine flaky croissants filled with creamy eggs, cheese, and your favorite toppings. These baked croissant breakfast boats are a perfect way to start your day!
I love how easy they are to make, and you can change the fillings every time. They’re like little warm hugs for breakfast—who could resist? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: Fresh, flaky croissants are essential for this recipe. If you can’t find them, puff pastry works as a good substitute, although the texture will be different.
Eggs: Large eggs are typically used, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, try using egg whites or a combination of eggs and egg whites. You can also use silken tofu for a vegan alternative.
Cheese: Choose either cheddar or Swiss for a rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, you can use vegan cheese that melts well or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a nice crunch; however, turkey bacon or even cooked sausage can be great alternatives for a different flavor. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add earthiness. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, chopped bell peppers or spinach can work well instead.
How Do I Hollow Out Croissants Without Ruining Them?
Hollowing out croissants can seem tricky, but it’s easy with a bit of care. Here’s how to do it successfully:
- Start by carefully cutting off the top third of each croissant.
- Using your fingers or a small spoon, gently take out the inside of the croissant. Avoid pushing too hard, so you don’t break through the sides.
- Leave a thick enough base to support the egg filling without leaking.
This technique creates the perfect “boat” to hold all your delicious fillings. Take your time, and you’ll have beautiful croissant boats in no time!
Baked Croissant Breakfast Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Boats:
- 3 large croissants
For The Filling:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced and sautéed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter or oil, for sautéing mushrooms
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to bake. Add a little bit of time to gather your ingredients, and you’ll be enjoying these scrumptious croissant boats in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your breakfast boats bake evenly and become delightfully golden and flaky.
2. Prepare the Croissants:
Carefully slice the top off each croissant, creating a lid. Then, gently hollow out the insides to create a boat-like cavity. Be cautious not to break the sides or base—leave a little thickness to support your fillings!
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of butter or oil. Once warm, toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they’re soft and golden. This brings out their rich flavor. Set the sautéed mushrooms aside to cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Croissant Boats:
Place your hollowed croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Now, sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese into the bottom of each croissant boat; this creates a cheesy base.
5. Add the Fillings:
Layer on some of the cooked bacon pieces and your sautéed mushrooms on top of the cheese in each croissant. This combination of flavors is going to be amazing!
6. Crack the Eggs:
Now, it’s time for the star of the show! Crack two eggs into each croissant boat, being careful to keep the yolks intact. If you prefer scrambled eggs, feel free to whisk them in a bowl and pour them into the boats instead.
7. Seasoning and Cheese:
Season each boat with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Then, add the remaining shredded cheese over the tops of the eggs.
8. Bake:
Pop your delicious croissant boats into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny, if you prefer them that way.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the croissant boats from the oven and sprinkle them with fresh chopped parsley or chives for an extra pop of flavor and color. Let them cool for just a minute before serving.
Enjoy your warm, flaky, and savory breakfast treat! Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weekend brunch. Happy eating!
Can I Use Day-Old Croissants for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old croissants work well as they’ll hold their shape even better once hollowed out. Just make sure they’re not too stale; otherwise, they might crumble when you cut into them.
Can I Make These Breakfast Boats in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the croissant boats the night before! Hollow out the croissants and add in the cheese, bacon, and mushrooms. Store them in the fridge, and simply crack the eggs in right before baking in the morning.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs? Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead?
Yes, you can use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones on hand! Just use about one-third of the amount called for fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm, or microwave until heated through, though the croissants may lose some crispiness.
