Start your day with an elegant Smoked Salmon Mille-Feuille, a savory twist on the classic French pastry. This dish features layers of flaky puff pastry, creamy eggs, and smoked salmon, all topped with tangy crème fraîche. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it’s a simple yet luxurious recipe that’s sure to impress.
What Is Breakfast Mille-Feuille?
Traditionally, Mille-feuille is a French pastry made of layers of puff pastry filled with cream or custard. In this savory adaptation, buttery puff pastry serves as the base for layers of rich, creamy scrambled eggs and silky smoked salmon. Topped with a refreshing crème fraîche mixture, it’s a creative, elegant take on breakfast that is perfect for special occasions or any time you want to indulge in a luxurious start to your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Despite its fancy appearance, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes.
- Visually Stunning: A beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
- Rich and Indulgent: Creamy eggs, buttery pastry, and smoked salmon make every bite decadent.
- Customizable: Adjust the richness of the eggs or swap ingredients like crème fraîche for sour cream.
- Perfect for Brunch: A crowd-pleaser that pairs well with other brunch favorites like salads or fruit platters.
Ingredients for Smoked Salmon and Egg Breakfast Mille-Feuille
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet store-bought frozen puff pastry, thawed (25 cm x 25 cm / 10″ x 10″).
Scrambled Eggs
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 8 |
| Cream or Full Cream Milk | 1/4 cup (double for creamier eggs) |
| Salt | 1/2 to 3/4 tsp |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
Mille-Feuille Layers
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Smoked Salmon | 6 oz / 200 g |
| Crème Fraîche | 2/3 cup |
| Chives | 2 tbsp, finely chopped |
How to Make Smoked Salmon and Egg Breakfast Mille-Feuille
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
- Cut the puff pastry sheet in half, then divide each half into four equal rectangles, resulting in eight pieces (6 cm x 12.5 cm / 2.5″ x 5″).
- Arrange the pastry pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly sprayed with oil.
- Whisk one of the eggs and brush it over the pastry pieces for a golden finish. Be careful not to brush the cut edges to avoid sticking.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, carefully split each piece horizontally to create a top and bottom layer, and set aside to cool on a rack.
Step 2: Make the Scrambled Eggs
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them with the cream or milk until well combined.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring the butter doesn’t brown.
- Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and let it sit undisturbed for about 20 seconds.
- Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently scrape the bottom of the pan, folding the eggs over themselves as they cook.
- Continue folding for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the eggs are just set but still creamy.
- Turn off the heat, season with salt and black pepper, and continue folding until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
Step 3: Prepare the Crème Fraîche Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix the crème fraîche with the finely chopped chives.
- Stir until well combined and creamy. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Mille-Feuille
- Lay the bottom half of each puff pastry piece on a serving platter.
- Divide the scrambled eggs evenly among the pastry bases.
- Top each portion of eggs with slices of smoked salmon.
- Spread a generous dollop of the chive crème fraîche mixture over the smoked salmon.
- Place the top half of the puff pastry pieces over the salmon to complete the mille-feuille layers.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with additional chopped chives for a touch of color.
- Serve immediately with extra crème fraîche on the side, if desired.
Tips for the Best Breakfast Mille-Feuille
- Use High-Quality Puff Pastry: A good-quality store-bought puff pastry ensures light, flaky layers.
- Make Creamier Eggs: For ultra-creamy scrambled eggs, double the cream or milk. The result will be almost custard-like.
- Keep Pastry Crisp: Assemble the layers just before serving to prevent the puff pastry from softening.
- Cutting the Pastry: Use a sharp serrated knife to split the pastry without crushing it.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have crème fraîche, substitute with sour cream or thick full-fat yogurt for a similar tangy flavor.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the smoked salmon with roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Add a Kick: Mix a dash of horseradish into the crème fraîche for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Addition: Sprinkle a layer of grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese over the eggs for a richer taste.
- Herb Swap: Substitute dill for chives in the crème fraîche for a different flavor profile.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with other breakfast or brunch items:
- Fresh Green Salad: Adds a refreshing contrast to the rich layers.
- Fruit Platter: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a light, sweet balance.
- Sparkling Drinks: Pair with mimosas or sparkling water with a twist of lemon for an elegant brunch vibe.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Mille-Feuille |
|---|---|
| Calories | 213 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Protein | 11.1 g |
| Fat | 15.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 164 mg |
| Sodium | 764 mg |
| Vitamin A | 450 IU |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Iron | 1.3 mg |
Why These Mille-Feuilles Are Perfect for Breakfast
This Smoked Salmon and Egg Breakfast Mille-feuille is an elegant combination of flavors and textures. The flaky puff pastry provides the perfect base for creamy eggs, while the smoked salmon adds a luxurious saltiness. Finished with tangy crème fraîche, it’s a dish that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe makes breakfast or brunch feel extra special.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the components can be prepared in advance, assemble the mille-feuilles just before serving to keep the pastry crisp.
2. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry adds an extra touch of decadence if you have the time.
3. What can I substitute for smoked salmon?
You can use gravlax, thinly sliced ham, or even roasted vegetables as an alternative to smoked salmon.
4. What’s a good substitute for crème fraîche?
Sour cream or thick full-fat yogurt works well in place of crème fraîche.
5. How many mille-feuilles does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 pieces, and typically, 2 pieces per person make a serving.
Conclusion
This Smoked Salmon and Egg Breakfast Mille-feuille combines the elegance of French cuisine with the comforting flavors of breakfast. It’s quick to prepare yet delivers a show-stopping presentation, making it ideal for brunch gatherings or a luxurious morning treat. With its layers of flaky puff pastry, creamy eggs, and smoked salmon, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and delight.
Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and serve up a dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!