Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both delicious and easy to make? Try these Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs—flaky puff pastry pockets filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick snack, these savory bites combine the richness of cream cheese with the freshness of spinach, wrapped in golden, buttery pastry.
Ingredients:
1 sheet puff pastry
7 oz baby spinach
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz cream cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg
1 egg yolk (for brushing)
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Cook the Spinach: In a pan over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 2 minutes until softened. Add spinach, season with salt and pepper, and cook until wilted. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Cut the puff pastry sheet into 6 or 12 squares and arrange them on the prepared baking tray.
Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooled spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and egg. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, mixing until well-combined.
Fill the Pastry: Place a spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold opposite edges together and press firmly to seal.
Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of each puff with the egg yolk. Bake in the oven for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Serving Tips:
Best Served Warm: These spinach puffs taste best when served warm right out of the oven. The pastry is crisp, and the filling is perfectly creamy.
Dipping Sauces: Serve alongside a dip like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli for an added flavor boost.
Garnish: You can sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or a light dusting of chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) on top for extra presentation appeal.
Versatile Serving: These puffs make great appetizers, but you can also serve them as a side dish with soup, salad, or pasta for a complete meal.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their flaky texture, it’s best to reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave.
Reheating: To reheat, place the puffs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. This will help maintain the crispness of the puff pastry.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the puffs, you can do so before baking. Assemble them fully, then place them on a tray in the freezer until firm. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, pop them into a preheated oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Do Not Refreeze: Avoid refreezing the puffs after they have been baked, as the texture of the pastry may suffer.
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FAQs:
Can I make Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the puffs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them unbaked and store them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if baking from frozen.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. You can then sauté the spinach with the garlic as directed in the recipe. Using frozen spinach can save some time without compromising flavor.
What can I serve with Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs?
These puffs are great as an appetizer or snack. You can serve them with a dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or a garlic aioli. For a fuller meal, pair them with a side salad, soup, or even pasta for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
How do I keep the puff pastry crispy when reheating?
To keep the puff pastry crisp, reheat the puffs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a tasty treat, these Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are a guaranteed hit! Their flaky, golden exterior and creamy filling make for an irresistible combination, sure to impress your guests.
📖 Recipe:
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Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 6-12 puffs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky puff pastry filled with a rich, creamy spinach and cheese mixture makes these Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs the perfect easy-to-make party appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick snack, these golden puffs are sure to impress. Ready in under an hour, they deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry
7 oz baby spinach
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz cream cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg
1 egg yolk (for brushing)
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a pan over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add spinach to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook until wilted. Set aside to cool.
- Cut the puff pastry sheet into 6 or 12 squares and place them on the baking tray.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place a spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each square and fold the opposite edges together. Press firmly to seal.
- Brush the tops with egg yolk and bake for 25-35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Customization: Add crumbled feta, cooked bacon, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked puffs for up to 2 months. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-12 puffs
- Calories: 250 kcal
