Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite dinner ideas with croissants! There’s just something so delightful about using flaky, buttery croissants as the base for a meal. I remember the first time I whipped up these stuffed croissants for dinner; I was in a rush, and it turned out to be a total game changer! They’re quick to make, and you can stuff them with whatever you have on hand. Plus, they look fancy enough to impress anyone at your dinner table! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious croissant-filled delights! Gather up:
- 4 croissants: Flaky and buttery, these are the star of the show! Look for fresh ones from your bakery or grocery store.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for a time-saver.
- 1 cup spinach, chopped: Fresh or even frozen spinach works! Just make sure to squeeze out any excess water if using frozen.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese: This adds a creamy texture and richness to the filling. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This brings in a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A little kick of flavor! Feel free to use fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a pinch of each to enhance all those lovely flavors.
That’s it! Simple and straightforward, right? Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making these delicious croissant creations! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dinner in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your croissants bake evenly and get that lovely golden color. I usually give my oven about 10-15 minutes to heat up properly. You can check if it’s ready by using an oven thermometer or just trusting that little light that goes off when it’s hot enough!
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You want everything to be well combined, so use a fork or spatula to mix it up until it’s nice and creamy. The filling should be thick but spreadable—kind of like a delicious chicken dip! If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of water or a bit more cream cheese to help it along.
Assemble the Croissants
Now, grab your croissants and slice each one in half horizontally. Be gentle here, so you don’t tear them apart! Once they’re halved, take a generous scoop of your filling and spread it inside each croissant. Don’t be shy with the filling—stuff it in there! After that, close them back up and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Croissants
Pop your filled croissants into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful golden brown color and a warm, inviting aroma wafting through your kitchen. Halfway through baking, it’s a good idea to take a peek to make sure they’re not browning too quickly. If they are, you can cover them loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
Serve the Dish
Once they’re done, carefully remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set a bit so it doesn’t ooze out everywhere. You can serve them as is, or for a fun touch, drizzle a little extra Parmesan on top or serve with a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy every flaky, savory bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make with just a few ingredients!
- Flaky croissants filled with a creamy, savory mixture—what’s not to love?
- Perfect for using up leftover chicken or veggies.
- Impressive enough for guests yet simple for a weeknight dinner.
- Customizable—experiment with different fillings to suit your taste!
Tips for Success
For the best results, use leftover chicken to save time—it’s a total lifesaver! Don’t hesitate to throw in other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. And remember, check on your croissants halfway through baking to ensure they don’t get too brown. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Each filled croissant comes in at approximately 300 calories, with 18g of fat and 12g of protein. You’ll also find about 25g of carbohydrates and 2g of sugar per serving. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your deliciously satisfying meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use other proteins besides chicken? Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to swap in shredded turkey, cooked shrimp, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
What if I don’t have cream cheese? No worries! You can use ricotta cheese or even Greek yogurt as a substitute; it’ll still be creamy and delicious.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the croissants a few hours in advance. Just cover them and pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What are some good side dishes to serve with these croissants? A light salad or some roasted veggies would pair wonderfully! These croissants are filling on their own, but a side dish rounds out the meal nicely.
For more delicious dinner ideas with chicken, check out this link!
Print
Dinner Ideas with Croissants: 5 Deliciously Easy Recipes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious dinner idea using croissants.
Ingredients
- 4 croissants
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Slice each croissant in half horizontally.
- Fill each croissant with the chicken mixture.
- Place the filled croissants on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker prep.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Check the croissants halfway through baking to avoid over-browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filled croissant
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: dinner ideas with croissants
