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Simple Breakfast Pastry Eggs

Featured in Morning Meals Worth Getting Out of Bed For.

Switch up your morning meal with a flaky puff pastry creation. Topped with savory ham, melty gruyere, and a perfectly cooked egg. Great for holidays or lazy weekends.

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Clare Recipes
Updated on Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:12:41 GMT
Fresh out of the oven, flaky puff pastry layered with sunny-side-up eggs, ham, and herbs. Another pastry sits slightly blurred in the background. Pin it
Fresh out of the oven, flaky puff pastry layered with sunny-side-up eggs, ham, and herbs. Another pastry sits slightly blurred in the background. | lilicooks.com

This fancy French-inspired Puff Pastry Croque Madame takes a fun spin on a traditional dish, making it just right for an impressive yet doable breakfast or brunch option. With buttery layers of pastry, tasty Black Forest ham, melty Gruyere, and eggs baked right on top, you'll have a showstopper that's perfect for Christmas morning gatherings or whenever you want something extra special.

What Makes This Dish So Irresistible

This Puff Pastry Croque Madame brings together ease and elegance all in one. The crispy, flaky pastry creates a wonderful foundation, while the flavorful cheese and ham work together for a mouthwatering taste. When you add that perfectly baked egg on top, you get something that looks amazing, fills you up, and comes together without much fuss.

Key Components You'll Need

  • Puff Pastry Base: 2 sheets (17.3 oz/490g) kept around 45°F (7°C). Each sheet measures 10x10 inches rolled out. Must have at least 27 visible layers. Contains 25-30% butter.
  • Cheese Component: Aged Gruyere: 6 oz (170g) kept cool at 40°F (4°C). Grate fresh into 1/8-inch bits. Has 35-38% moisture.
  • Protein Element: Black Forest ham: 8 slices (200g). Each one 1/16-inch thick. Cut into 4x4 inch pieces.
  • Egg Components: 8 large eggs (400g) at room temp 65°F (18°C) for the top. 1 large egg (50g) mixed with 1 tablespoon water for brushing.
  • Seasonings: Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon (6g). Black pepper: ½ teaspoon (1g) freshly ground. Fresh chives: 2 tablespoons (6g) finely chopped.

Simple Preparation Method

Get Everything Ready
Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C), check with another thermometer to be sure. Set racks in top and bottom thirds. Put parchment on baking sheets. Room should be 68-72°F (20-22°C) and not too humid (under 60%).
Prep Your Pastry
Stretch each pastry sheet to 12x12 inches, about 1/8-inch thin. Cut into four 6x6-inch squares. Poke the middle area (3x3 inches) with a fork every ½-inch. Keep pastry cool, under 50°F (10°C).
Start Building
Brush a 1-inch border with egg mix. Add ham but leave a ½-inch edge of pastry showing. Sprinkle 0.75 oz (21g) cheese around the sides, leaving a 2.5-inch empty circle in the middle.
First Oven Round
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges puff up about 1-inch high. The top should look pale gold (Pantone 7499 C). Inside should reach 180°F (82°C).
Add Your Eggs
Make a 2.5-inch round dip in the middle, about ¼ inch deep. Crack an egg into this spot, keeping the yolk whole. Add a tiny bit of salt and pepper.
Final Baking Time
Put back in the oven for 10-12 minutes until: Egg whites are fully set (completely white). Yolks reach 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium doneness. Pastry turns golden brown (Pantone 7509 C). Cheese is totally melty with slight browning.
Final Touches
Take out when temps are just right. Sprinkle with chives right away. Serve immediately while still hot inside (155-165°F/68-74°C).

Smart Tricks For Success

Always poke your pastry with a fork before it goes in the oven so it puffs up evenly. Watch them carefully while they bake since timing can change based on how hot your oven runs and how cold your pastry is. If you don't like runny yolks, just leave them in a bit longer during the second bake.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Got extras? Put your Puff Pastry Croque Madames in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to eat them again, warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the pastry nice and crispy.

A deliciously flaky pastry topped with a sunny-side-up egg, ham, and garnished with chopped herbs. Pin it
A deliciously flaky pastry topped with a sunny-side-up egg, ham, and garnished with chopped herbs. | lilicooks.com

Creative Twists and Serving Suggestions

Make it your own by trying different cheeses like cheddar or Swiss, or switch the ham for turkey or prosciutto instead. Serve alongside a green salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. These pastries can also steal the show as the main attraction at your next fancy brunch get-together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep these the day before?

You can layer the cheese and ham on the pastry beforehand, but add the eggs right before baking. Keep the pastry at room temperature before starting.

→ Why isn’t my pastry rising?

Your pastry should be thawed but cold. Poke holes in the center so it puffs around the filling and doesn’t over-expand.

→ Can I switch the filling ingredients?

Sure! You could go with swiss cheese or other melty types, and change the meat to your favorite thinly sliced option.

→ How do I know the eggs are fully baked?

Look for firm whites without a jiggly texture, and yolks that are still soft if you want them runny. Baking at 400°F for 10-15 minutes should work.

→ What’s the best way to reheat these?

They’re best enjoyed fresh, but reheating at 350°F for 5-7 minutes works fine. Keep in mind the yolk won’t stay soft.

Breakfast Pastry Eggs

A playful take on a French classic. Flaky puff pastry layered with ham, rich gruyere, and an egg baked to perfection.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: French

Yield: 8 Servings (8)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 8 slices of Black Forest ham.
02 6 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded.
03 Kosher salt.
04 2 puff pastry sheets, defrosted.
05 8 eggs.
06 Chopped chives for topping.
07 Ground black pepper.
08 1 egg mixed with 1 tsp water for brushing.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 400°F and let it heat up.

Step 02

Take each puff pastry, roll into a large square, and then split it into four smaller squares.

Step 03

Lay the squares onto baking trays lined with parchment. Use a fork to poke holes in the middle.

Step 04

Coat the pastry squares with the egg wash and sprinkle on a bit of salt.

Step 05

Place a slice of ham over each pastry square.

Step 06

Layer shredded cheese around the edges, keeping the center open for an egg.

Step 07

Bake for about 10–15 minutes till the edges begin to rise and puff up.

Step 08

Press the back of a spoon in the center to make a small indent.

Step 09

Crack an egg into the middle of each square and sprinkle salt and pepper over them.

Step 10

Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the egg whites set completely.

Step 11

Top with chopped chives and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  1. Keep an eye on the baking time since it might change depending on how chilled your pastry is. The pastry should be cool but fully thawed for the best outcome.

Tools You'll Need

  • Rolling pin.
  • Two baking trays.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Pastry brush.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (Gruyere cheese).
  • Contains wheat (puff pastry).
  • Contains eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 22 g