This Breakfast Croissant Sandwich with Honey Bourbon-Glazed Bacon blends indulgence and nourishment in every bite.
The honey-bourbon glaze transforms ordinary bacon into a sweet, smoky, and caramelized delight, perfectly balanced by creamy avocado and tangy pickled onions.
With eggs providing high-quality protein and croissants offering a satisfying buttery base, this recipe fuels your morning with both comfort and energy.
The avocado delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while microgreens and optional pickled onions contribute fiber, antioxidants, and freshness.
Despite its gourmet flavor profile, it’s surprisingly quick to make—ideal for busy mornings or weekend brunches.
The recipe is also flexible: swap croissants for whole-grain buns for extra fiber or use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
Its combination of sweet-savory flavor, satisfying texture, and nutrient balance makes it a crowd-pleasing staple for everyday cooking or casual entertaining.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Baking Sheet
Essential for evenly cooking bacon without curling, this durable sheet promotes consistent heat distribution and is perfect for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or toasting bread.
All-Clad Stainless Steel Saucepan (2-Qt)
Ideal for making the honey-bourbon glaze, this pan ensures even simmering without burning. Beyond glazes, it excels at sauces, soups, and reheating leftovers.
OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting Brush
Perfect for applying glaze evenly to bacon, this brush is heat-resistant and easy to clean, making it a versatile tool for marinades, BBQ sauces, and butter washes.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (10.25”)
The ultimate pan for achieving a perfect soft scramble. Retains heat beautifully and doubles for searing meats, sautéing veggies, or even baking cornbread.
Mercer Culinary Millennia Chef’s Knife (8”)
For cleanly slicing avocado and prepping microgreens, this sharp, ergonomic knife is a must-have for efficient, safe chopping in any kitchen task.
Honey-Glazed Bacon and Eggs
Equipment
- 1 Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Baking Sheet
- 1 All-Clad Stainless Steel Saucepan (2-Qt)
- 1 OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting Brush
- 1 Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (10.25”)
- 1 Mercer Culinary Millennia Chef’s Knife (8”)
Ingredients
- /4 cup pure honey
- 2 tablespoons bourbon omit for a non-alcoholic version, substitute with apple cider
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 large buttery croissants
- 6 –8 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 slices aged white cheddar or your preferred cheese
- 1 ripe avocado thinly sliced
- Optional toppings: pickled onions fresh microgreens
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Bacon Tray: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer so they cook evenly without overlapping.
- Begin Baking the Bacon: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. This initial cook will help render the fat before glazing.
- Create the Honey-Bourbon Glaze: While the bacon bakes, place a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the honey and bourbon, stir, and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and aromatic.
- Glaze and Finish Cooking the Bacon: Remove the bacon from the oven and carefully brush each slice generously with the warm honey-bourbon glaze. Return the tray to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes more, or until the bacon turns deep golden and develops a caramelized, sticky coating.
- Prepare the Seasoned Soft Scramble: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic powder, thyme, smoked paprika, and basil. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and gently stir with a spatula, allowing the curds to form slowly for a creamy texture. Continue until softly set, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice each croissant in half horizontally. On the bottom half, layer avocado slices, a portion of the scrambled eggs, a slice of cheddar cheese, and two glazed bacon slices. Add optional pickled onions and microgreens for extra flavor and texture. Top with the remaining croissant halves.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm, allowing the cheese to melt slightly from the heat of the eggs and bacon.
Notes
- Glaze Variation: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, swap bourbon with apple cider or orange juice for a tangy-sweet alternative.
- Bread Swap: Try whole-grain croissants or toasted brioche buns for a different texture and added fiber.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Cook and glaze the bacon in advance, store in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat briefly before assembling.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use turkey bacon for a leaner option, or plant-based bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a fresh fruit salad or mixed greens for a balanced breakfast plate.
Chef’s Secrets for Flawless Results
The magic in this sandwich lies in balance—both in flavor and texture. For the bacon, don’t skip the initial bake before glazing; this step renders excess fat and helps the glaze cling beautifully.
When making the honey-bourbon mixture, keep the heat at a gentle simmer to avoid burning the sugars.
For perfectly creamy scrambled eggs, cook them low and slow, stirring only enough to form delicate curds without overmixing.
Choose ripe but firm avocados so they slice cleanly without turning mushy, and slice the croissants just before assembling to preserve their crisp, buttery layers.
Lastly, let the freshly baked bacon rest for a minute before layering—it will firm up and offer that irresistible crisp bite.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
This croissant sandwich is indulgent enough to stand alone, but you can easily elevate it into a brunch-worthy spread.
Pair it with a fresh fruit salad for natural sweetness or a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for contrast.
If serving for guests, consider adding a side of roasted breakfast potatoes or a smoothie for extra color and nutrients.
Coffee pairs beautifully with the sweet-savory bacon, while a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice adds brightness.
For a more elevated brunch experience, serve alongside mimosas or a sparkling herbal iced tea.
Storage Tips to Keep Freshness
For the best flavor, assemble and enjoy the sandwiches immediately.
If you have leftovers, store each component separately. Glazed bacon can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain crispness.
Scrambled eggs are best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 days; gently reheat in a nonstick skillet over low heat.
Croissants should be stored in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their texture, or wrapped and frozen for longer storage.
Avoid refrigerating croissants, as this can cause them to dry out quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
1. Can I make the glaze without bourbon?
Absolutely. Replace the bourbon with apple cider, orange juice, or even a splash of maple syrup for a rich, alcohol-free alternative.
2. How do I prevent soggy croissants?
Assemble the sandwiches just before serving, and avoid adding overly wet ingredients. Toasting the cut sides of the croissants lightly can also help maintain structure.
3. What’s the best cheese substitute for cheddar?
Gruyère, Havarti, or provolone are excellent choices. Each melts well and offers a unique flavor profile to complement the sweet-savory bacon.
4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead for brunch?
Yes—make and glaze the bacon in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving. Scramble the eggs just before assembly for the freshest texture.
5. Is there a vegetarian-friendly version?
Definitely. Swap the bacon for plant-based strips and replace the honey in the glaze with maple syrup or agave for a fully vegetarian option.
This recipe is inspired by abrightmoment and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.