Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats are the perfect breakfast dish for special occasions, such as holidays or family gatherings. This recipe features flaky croissants, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs with spinach and cheddar cheese, all topped off with a luscious cheddar chive gravy. It’s a hearty, savory meal that’s sure to impress!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Croissant Boat Stuffing:

• 5 slices Wellshire Farms Maple Bourbon Bacon

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 6 eggs

• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach

• 1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• 1/4 tsp paprika

For the Cheddar Chive Gravy:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup milk of choice

• 8 oz chicken broth

• 1/4 cup yellow onion

• 1/8 cup chopped fresh chives

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2 tbsp organic all-purpose flour

For the Croissants:

• 4 croissants

Directions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a frying pan, cook the maple bourbon bacon for about 12 minutes (6 minutes on each side) until it’s 3/4 done to your liking. Remove and set aside.

2. Make the Gravy: In the same pan, reserve 1 tbsp of bacon grease. Sauté onions and garlic, then whisk in flour to form a base. Gradually add milk, cheddar cheese, and chicken broth while whisking. Stir in chopped chives, then simmer on low until the gravy thickens.

3. Prepare the Croissants: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Hollow out the croissants to form boats and lightly toast them in the oven for 5 minutes.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a pan, scramble the eggs with olive oil. Add spinach, cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Continue cooking until the spinach is wilted and the eggs are mostly cooked but slightly underdone.

5. Assemble the Boats: Break the bacon into pieces and mix it into the egg mixture. Spoon the mixture into the croissant boats, top with extra cheddar cheese if desired, and bake for 10 minutes.

6. Serve: Once baked, drizzle the cheddar chive gravy over the croissant boats and serve with breakfast potatoes or a fresh fruit salad.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 512 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 24g

• Fat: 32g

• Saturated Fat: 17g

• Cholesterol: 323mg

• Sodium: 1035mg

• Potassium: 297mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 7g

• Vitamin A: 1986 IU

• Vitamin C: 8mg

• Calcium: 418mg

• Iron: 3mg

The Magic of Croissants in Breakfast Dishes

Croissants, with their delicate layers and buttery flavor, are a perfect base for a breakfast dish like this one. When hollowed out and toasted, they form ideal “boats” for stuffing with savory ingredients. The croissants hold up to the filling without becoming soggy, offering a satisfying crunch while still retaining their soft, buttery interior. This versatility is what makes them a popular choice for creative dishes like Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats. Their natural richness enhances the overall flavor of the dish, pairing perfectly with the other ingredients to create a balanced and fulfilling meal.

The Role of Bacon in Breakfast Dishes

Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple, and its inclusion in this dish adds both texture and flavor. The smoky, savory taste of crispy bacon pairs wonderfully with the richness of the eggs and the creaminess of the cheddar cheese. In this recipe, the bacon is cooked to a perfect crispness, allowing it to break into small pieces that seamlessly mix into the egg mixture. This bacon infusion ensures that each bite of the croissant boats is packed with deliciously savory flavors. The maple bourbon bacon used in this recipe adds an additional layer of sweetness and complexity, making it stand out in the dish and complementing the savory egg mixture and cheddar chive gravy.

Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Cheddar Cheese

Scrambled eggs form the core of the filling for these croissant boats, and their combination with spinach and cheddar cheese adds both nutrition and richness. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, and their creamy texture when scrambled complements the other ingredients in this dish. The addition of fresh spinach not only provides a burst of color but also infuses the eggs with an earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese and bacon. Sharp cheddar cheese melts into the scrambled eggs, adding creaminess and depth of flavor. The inclusion of paprika, salt, and pepper ensures that the egg mixture is well-seasoned, creating a harmonious flavor profile that makes each bite as flavorful as the last.

The Importance of the Cheddar Chive Gravy

A key element of this recipe is the luscious cheddar chive gravy, which ties the whole dish together. This rich, creamy sauce is made with a combination of shredded cheddar cheese, milk, chicken broth, and sautéed onions and garlic. The gravy’s thickness is achieved through a simple flour-based roux, and the addition of chives provides a fresh, herbal note that lightens the richness of the cheese. The cheddar chive gravy is poured over the finished croissant boats just before serving, providing a velvety finish that enhances the savory flavors of the dish. This gravy is an essential component, turning the croissant boats from a simple breakfast into a hearty and indulgent meal.

The Versatility of Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats

Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats are incredibly versatile, and while the original recipe is rich and indulgent, it can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For those who prefer a leaner option, turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used in place of regular bacon. Additionally, if you’re looking to make the dish more vegetarian, you can omit the bacon entirely and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or even tomatoes, to the scrambled egg mixture. The cheddar chive gravy can also be customized to fit your preferences—if you’re looking for a lighter version, you could substitute the milk and chicken broth for a plant-based alternative like almond milk or vegetable broth. This flexibility allows for a wide range of modifications, making the dish suitable for various dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

While Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats are delicious on their own, they can be paired with a variety of sides to create a more complete meal. For a classic breakfast spread, serve these croissant boats with crispy breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit salad, or a light yogurt parfait. The potatoes add a nice contrast in texture, while the fruit salad offers a refreshing sweetness that balances the richness of the croissants. If you’re hosting a special occasion or holiday brunch, you might want to add a selection of pastries, freshly brewed coffee, or mimosas to round out the meal. The versatility of this dish makes it ideal for a range of occasions, from casual family breakfasts to more formal brunch gatherings.

Why Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats Are Perfect for Special Occasions

Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats are a standout dish for any special occasion, and they are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Their combination of rich flavors, textures, and the visual appeal of the croissant boats make them a great choice for holiday breakfasts, family gatherings, or any meal where you want to make an impression. The fact that the dish can be prepared in advance and assembled just before baking makes it convenient for busy mornings or gatherings. Additionally, the luxurious cheddar chive gravy adds a touch of sophistication to the dish, making it feel like a gourmet breakfast. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet family meal, these croissant boats offer a delightful way to elevate your breakfast or brunch experience.

Nutritional Overview

While Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats are indulgent, they also provide a good balance of macronutrients, making them a satisfying and energizing meal. The combination of eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese provides a healthy dose of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety. The addition of spinach adds a small but significant amount of fiber and vitamins, helping to round out the nutritional profile of the dish. However, given the rich ingredients, it is important to enjoy this dish in moderation, particularly if you’re watching your intake of saturated fats or cholesterol. Pairing the croissant boats with lighter sides, such as a fresh fruit salad, can help balance the meal and provide a broader range of nutrients.

Conclusion: A Delicious Breakfast Classic

In conclusion, Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats are a mouthwatering and impressive breakfast option that’s perfect for special occasions or any time you want to indulge in a flavorful meal. The combination of flaky croissants, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs with spinach and cheddar cheese, and the decadent cheddar chive gravy creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually appealing centerpiece for your breakfast table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply treating yourself to a luxurious breakfast, Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.