Ingredients
Scale
- 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