Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats

Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats are the ultimate combination of savory goodness and flaky perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for parties, brunch gatherings, or even a cozy family breakfast. With crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and a rich cheddar chive gravy, these boats are a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes. Let’s dive into how to create this impressive dish!

Ingredients

For the Croissant Boats:

• 4 croissants
• 5 slices of Wellshire Farms Bourbon Maple 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 all-purpose flour

Directions

Cook the Bacon
In a frying pan, cook the bacon slices over medium heat for about 6 minutes per side until crispy but not fully cooked. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to soak up excess grease.

Prepare the Cheddar Chive Gravy
Reserve 1 tbsp of the bacon grease in the pan. Add onions and cook for 1 minute on medium-low heat. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Gradually whisk in milk, followed by cheddar cheese, and chicken broth until smooth. Add chopped chives, reduce the heat to low, and stir occasionally.

Prepare the Croissant Boats
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Hollow out the tops of the croissants to create “boats.” Brush the tops with olive oil and bake for 5 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cook the Egg Mixture
Heat olive oil in a pan and scramble the eggs for 3-4 minutes, leaving them slightly undercooked. Add salt, pepper, paprika, cheddar cheese, and chopped spinach. Stir until combined and spinach is wilted. Crumble the cooked bacon and mix it into the eggs.

Assemble the Croissant Boats
Fill each croissant boat with the bacon and egg mixture. Top with additional cheddar cheese if desired. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serve with Gravy and Enjoy
Drizzle the warm cheddar chive gravy over the croissant boats and serve them alongside breakfast potatoes or a fresh fruit salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats are not only delicious but also versatile and visually appealing. They’re easy to prepare and make a fantastic addition to any brunch table, leaving your guests raving about your culinary skills!

Serving and Storage Tips

To ensure your Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats are served at their best, follow these tips:

• Serving: These croissant boats are perfect when served warm right out of the oven. To add a touch of freshness, serve them with a side of breakfast potatoes, a fruit salad, or a light green salad. You can also drizzle some extra gravy on top or serve it on the side for dipping.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual boats for about 1-2 minutes, but reheating in the oven will maintain the croissant’s flaky texture.
• Freezing: If you’d like to freeze them, place the assembled but unbaked croissant boats on a baking sheet and freeze them for a few hours. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. To bake, place them straight into the oven at 350°F and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and hot throughout.

Variations

There are many fun and tasty ways to switch up the Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats. Here are some delicious variations to explore:

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian-friendly version, skip the bacon and sausage. Instead, fill the croissant boats with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. You can also add crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free croissants or substitute the croissant with a gluten-free bread or roll. Ensure that the other ingredients, like the gravy, are also gluten-free.
• Vegan: For a vegan-friendly twist, replace the eggs with a tofu scramble or chickpea flour-based mixture. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip the bacon in favor of vegan bacon or sautéed veggies.
• Bacon & Avocado: Add a creamy element by topping your croissant boats with slices of fresh avocado after baking. The smooth avocado complements the crispy bacon and cheesy eggs perfectly.
• Breakfast Meat Combo: For a meat lover’s twist, combine crispy bacon and breakfast sausage with some cooked ham or chorizo for a hearty, savory option.
• Cheese Variations: Instead of sharp cheddar cheese, try using different cheeses like Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella. For a stronger flavor, add a little blue cheese or goat cheese to the filling.
• Spicy Kick: Add heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a spicy salsa into the egg mixture. You can also top the croissants with a drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha for an extra kick.
• Herb Infusion: Infuse the egg mixture with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a fresh and fragrant flavor. You can also add fresh chives to the gravy for added depth.
• Smoked Salmon Version: Swap out the bacon for smoked salmon, and add fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice for a more upscale breakfast or brunch option.
• Mini Croissant Boats: For an easy-to-serve appetizer or bite-sized treat, use mini croissants or cut regular croissants into smaller pieces. This is perfect for brunch parties or gatherings.

These variations offer plenty of ways to adjust the recipe to suit your flavor preferences and dietary needs!

FAQs

1. Can I make the Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the croissants and stuffing ahead of time. Assemble the croissant boats and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use a different type of bread instead of croissants?
   Yes, you can use other types of bread, such as baguette slices, brioche, or even English muffins. Just be sure to hollow them out to create a “boat” shape for the filling.
3. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The cheddar chive gravy can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it on low heat when you’re ready to serve.
4. Is there a way to make this recipe lower in fat?
   You can reduce the fat by using turkey bacon or a leaner breakfast sausage. Additionally, consider using reduced-fat cheese or skipping the cheese in the egg mixture.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   Yes, you can substitute the bacon and sausage with vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. For added flavor, you can include cheese or avocado.
6. How can I make this recipe spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy twist. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper on top before serving.
7. Can I use plant-based milk in this recipe?
   Yes, feel free to use plant-based milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. These can easily replace dairy milk in both the gravy and egg mixture.
8. Can I freeze these Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats?
   You can freeze the assembled croissants before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, just cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
9. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives. Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk to make this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet.
10. What can I serve with Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats?
    These croissant boats pair perfectly with breakfast potatoes, a fresh fruit salad, or even some avocado toast. You can also serve them with a light soup for a full brunch spread.

These Bacon and Egg Croissant Boats are a delightful, easy recipe that’s perfect for parties or family gatherings. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheddar chive gravy, and flaky croissants makes for an unforgettable dish. Try them out at your next brunch and watch them disappear in no time!

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