Killer Maple Mustard Croissants

This killer maple mustard croissant breakfast sandwich transforms your morning routine into something extraordinary. The flaky layers of buttery croissant embrace savory bacon, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese, while the sweet-tangy maple mustard sauce ties everything together in perfect harmony.

I created this recipe when trying to elevate our Sunday brunch tradition. What started as a way to use up leftover croissants quickly became my family's most requested breakfast item, especially when we have overnight guests who wake up to these incredible aromas.

Ingredients

• Croissants: fresh bakery ones provide the perfect buttery foundation and their flaky texture creates the ideal contrast to the fillings
• Eggs: large eggs give you more filling per sandwich and create fluffy pillows of protein
• Bacon: thick-cut provides substantial texture and intense smoky flavor in every bite
• Maple syrup: use real maple syrup not pancake syrup for authentic sweetness
• Dijon mustard: the tangy counterpoint that balances the sweet maple and prevents the sandwich from becoming too cloying
• Cheddar cheese: sharp varieties melt beautifully while adding the perfect savory bite
• Butter: unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish
• Salt and pepper: freshly ground pepper makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Croissants:

Slice each croissant horizontally with a serrated knife, being careful not to crush the delicate pastry. For extra decadence, you can lightly butter the cut sides and toast them for 2 minutes until golden.

Cook The Bacon:

Lay bacon strips in a cold skillet then turn heat to medium. Cook slowly, turning occasionally, until they reach your desired crispness, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Make Maple Mustard Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup and Dijon mustard over low heat. Whisk continuously for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened into a glossy sauce. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.

Prepare The Eggs:

Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk vigorously with salt and pepper until frothy. Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in eggs and gently fold from the edges toward the center as they set, creating large, fluffy curds. Cook until just set but still slightly moist, about 2-3 minutes.

Assemble The Sandwiches:

Spread a generous tablespoon of maple mustard sauce on the bottom half of each croissant. Layer with two bacon slices, a portion of scrambled eggs, and a slice of cheddar cheese. Cap with the top croissant half, pressing gently.

Final Warming:

For the ultimate experience, place assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese begins to melt. This step integrates all the flavors and creates that irresistible gooey cheese pull.

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The maple mustard sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered this combination years ago when I accidentally dripped maple syrup into my Dijon while making a different recipe. That happy accident became a family legend, and now my children insist we keep a jar in the refrigerator at all times for impromptu breakfast sandwiches.

Make-Ahead Options

These sandwiches are perfect for meal prep. Prepare all components separately and store in the refrigerator. The maple mustard sauce keeps for up to two weeks in an airtight container. Cook the bacon and scrambled eggs ahead of time, then simply reheat and assemble in the morning. For busy weekdays, fully assemble the sandwiches, wrap individually in foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, heat them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For a healthier version, use whole grain croissants and turkey bacon. Vegetarians can substitute avocado slices and roasted red peppers for the bacon. Add seasonal elements like fresh tomato slices in summer or sautéed mushrooms in fall. For extra decadence, consider adding a thin layer of cream cheese beneath the maple mustard sauce or topping the eggs with caramelized onions. The framework remains the same while allowing endless variation.

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Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches shine brightest when served with simple accompaniments. A side of fresh fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich. For brunch gatherings, create a breakfast sandwich bar where guests can customize their own with various cheeses, vegetables, and protein options. Serve with hash browns for a classic diner experience or a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for balance. A cold brew coffee or sparkling mimosa completes the perfect breakfast or brunch experience.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the bacon and make the maple-mustard sauce a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply reheat the bacon, scramble fresh eggs, and assemble the sandwiches. For best results with texture, avoid pre-assembling entirely as croissants may become soggy.

→ What can I substitute for bacon in this sandwich?

Several delicious alternatives work well: turkey bacon for a leaner option, ham for a milder flavor, smoked salmon for an upscale twist, or plant-based bacon for vegetarians. Avocado slices can also add richness without meat. The maple-mustard sauce pairs beautifully with all these options.

→ How can I adjust the maple-mustard sauce to my taste?

The sauce is highly customizable. For a sweeter profile, increase the maple syrup. For more tang, add extra Dijon or a splash of apple cider vinegar. Spice lovers can incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional complexity.

→ What cheese varieties work best for these sandwiches?

While the recipe calls for cheddar, several cheeses complement these sandwiches beautifully. Swiss adds a nutty flavor, Gruyère offers sophisticated meltability, pepper jack brings a spicy kick, and Gouda contributes smokiness. For a milder option, try Havarti or provolone. The key is choosing a cheese that melts well.

→ Can I make these sandwiches for a crowd?

Absolutely! For serving a group, consider setting up a build-your-own sandwich bar. Prepare all components (sliced croissants, bacon, eggs, sauce, and cheese) in advance and keep them warm. Guests can assemble their own sandwiches to preference. For large groups, you can also fully assemble sandwiches and warm them wrapped in foil in a low oven (300°F) for 5-7 minutes.

→ What sides pair well with these breakfast sandwiches?

Fresh fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sandwiches—try berries, melon, or citrus segments. For a heartier meal, roasted breakfast potatoes or hash browns work beautifully. A simple green salad with light vinaigrette offers balance, while yogurt parfaits provide a sweet complement. For drinks, coffee, orange juice, or mimosas make perfect pairings.