Spinach puffs with cream cheese are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. These little golden bites are made from crispy, flaky puff pastry shells, filled with a creamy, savory spinach and cheese mixture that’s rich in flavor yet light in texture. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in, these spinach puffs are quick to prepare, deliciously satisfying, and always a hit with guests. Whether served as an elegant appetizer or a tasty snack, they are sure to impress with their beautiful golden color, irresistible aroma, and mouthwatering taste.
PrintSpinach Puffs with Cream Cheese
A savory bite of heaven! These Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese are the perfect blend of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and flavorful spinach. Ideal as a snack or appetizer, they’ll have everyone coming back for more! 🥐🧀
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- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 7 oz baby spinach (washed and chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
- 1 pinch black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the puffs from sticking and ensure they bake evenly. - Prepare the Spinach Filling:
In a medium pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add the 7 oz of chopped baby spinach to the pan. Season with salt and black pepper and cook until the spinach wilts down completely, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the spinach mixture to cool. - Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Lay the 1 sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 6 or 12 squares, depending on how large or small you want your puffs to be. Arrange the squares on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each. - Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 beaten egg. Mix everything together until smooth and fully combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. - Assemble the Spinach Puffs:
Take a spoonful of the spinach and cheese filling and place it in the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill. Once filled, fold the opposite corners of each square toward the center, forming a pocket or triangle shape. Press the edges together to seal the puff. For an extra golden finish, brush the tops of each puff with some of the beaten egg. - Bake the Puffs:
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the spinach puffs for 25-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The flaky pastry will rise beautifully, creating a crispy, golden exterior that holds the creamy filling inside. - Cool and Serve:
Once the puffs are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These little bites are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. Serve them with your favorite dip or as a stand-alone snack. The irresistible combination of creamy filling and crispy pastry will surely make them a favorite.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese and use dairy-free mozzarella cheese.
- Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, you can add cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or even diced chicken to the spinach filling.
- Spices and Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano would complement the spinach beautifully.
- Other Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can swap it out for other greens like kale or Swiss chard. Adding sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts would also make for a delicious twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple process of making these spinach puffs, from preparing the ingredients to baking them to crispy perfection. With the combination of creamy cream cheese, melty mozzarella, and seasoned spinach wrapped in a delicate puff pastry, these bites will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps that make this dish a must-try!
Ingredients for Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese
Before you start, gather these ingredients for a truly scrumptious batch of spinach puffs:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 7 oz baby spinach (washed and chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
- 1 pinch black pepper (to taste)
These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of textures and flavors, where the crisp pastry contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the puffs from sticking and ensure they bake evenly. - Prepare the Spinach Filling:
In a medium pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add the 7 oz of chopped baby spinach to the pan. Season with salt and black pepper and cook until the spinach wilts down completely, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the spinach mixture to cool. - Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Lay the 1 sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 6 or 12 squares, depending on how large or small you want your puffs to be. Arrange the squares on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each. - Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 beaten egg. Mix everything together until smooth and fully combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. - Assemble the Spinach Puffs:
Take a spoonful of the spinach and cheese filling and place it in the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill. Once filled, fold the opposite corners of each square toward the center, forming a pocket or triangle shape. Press the edges together to seal the puff. For an extra golden finish, brush the tops of each puff with some of the beaten egg. - Bake the Puffs:
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the spinach puffs for 25-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The flaky pastry will rise beautifully, creating a crispy, golden exterior that holds the creamy filling inside. - Cool and Serve:
Once the puffs are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These little bites are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. Serve them with your favorite dip or as a stand-alone snack. The irresistible combination of creamy filling and crispy pastry will surely make them a favorite.
Flavors, Textures, and Aromas: What to Expect
As you bite into these spinach puffs, you’ll first experience the satisfying crunch of the golden, flaky puff pastry. The exterior is delicate yet crisp, offering the perfect contrast to the creamy, cheesy spinach filling inside. The filling is rich, creamy, and comforting, with the mellow cream cheese blending beautifully with the slightly nutty flavor of mozzarella. The spinach adds a fresh, earthy taste that cuts through the richness, making each bite balanced and full of flavor.
The garlic in the spinach mixture adds a savory depth to the dish, infusing the filling with a fragrant aroma that will make your kitchen smell irresistible. The warm, comforting scent of the baked puff pastry will have everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting for their first taste.
Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas for ingredient substitutions and variations to make these spinach puffs your own:
- Dairy-Free Option: If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese and use dairy-free mozzarella cheese.
- Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, you can add cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or even diced chicken to the spinach filling.
- Spices and Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano would complement the spinach beautifully.
- Other Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can swap it out for other greens like kale or Swiss chard. Adding sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts would also make for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
These spinach puffs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- As an Appetizer: These puffs are perfect for serving as an appetizer at parties, holiday gatherings, or family dinners. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a light meal.
- Snack Time: These spinach puffs make an excellent snack on their own. Pair them with a dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch dressing, for added flavor.
- For a Brunch Spread: Add these spinach puffs to your next brunch menu, alongside other finger foods like quiche, croissants, and fresh fruit.
Why You’ll Love Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese
Spinach puffs with cream cheese are a simple yet sophisticated dish that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. The combination of creamy cheese, fresh spinach, and buttery puff pastry is hard to beat. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or part of a larger meal, these puffs are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also quick and easy to make, even for beginners. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that feels and tastes gourmet. The best part is that these puffs are customizable, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Give them a try, and you’ll soon find they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection.
Enjoy these crispy, cheesy, and delightful spinach puffs – they’re sure to be a crowd favorite!