Ingredients
Puff Pastry and Egg Wash
- 1 package (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Spinach Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Egg Topping and Garnish
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Allow the frozen puff pastry sheets to thaw at room temperature for 30-40 minutes until they are pliable but still cold enough to handle easily.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cut Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into four equal squares, making a total of eight squares.
- Score Pastry Edges: Lightly score a smaller square inside each puff pastry square about 1/2 inch from the edges, being careful not to cut all the way through. This helps the edges puff up.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top surfaces of each pastry square with the beaten egg. If using, sprinkle the edges with everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake Pastry Shells: Place the prepared squares on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up nicely.
- Create Wells: Once baked, let the puff pastry cool slightly. Gently press down the center of each square to create a shallow well to hold the filling and egg.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet in batches if necessary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and reduced in volume, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain Spinach: Transfer the cooked spinach to a colander and press out any excess moisture to prevent soggy filling.
- Mix Spinach Filling: Return the drained spinach to the skillet or place it in a mixing bowl. Add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and nutmeg. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Fill Pastry Shells: Spoon the creamy spinach mixture evenly into the wells of each baked puff pastry shell.
- Create Egg Indentations: Make a small indentation in the center of the spinach filling in each shell to cradle the egg.
- Add Eggs: Carefully crack one large egg into each indentation. Sprinkle the eggs with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake to Set Eggs: Return the filled pastries to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish each tartlet with freshly chopped chives and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensuring the puff pastry is cold but pliable helps achieve the best puff and texture.
- Pressing out the cooked spinach moisture is essential to avoid soggy pastries.
- If you prefer firmer yolks, bake the egg-topped pastries for a few extra minutes.
- Everything bagel seasoning adds great flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Use fresh spinach for best results; frozen spinach would add too much moisture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian