Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs Recipe
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels both elegant and cozy, the Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs Recipe is an absolute winner. These golden, flaky puff pastries encase a luscious filling of creamy cheese blended with vibrant spinach, delivering a perfect balance of savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a delicious snack, these spinaches puffs promise to delight with every bite and are surprisingly simple to whip up in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role. From the buttery puff pastry that creates that irresistible crisp shell to the fresh spinach and cheeses that bring richness and freshness, every item enhances the taste, texture, and visual appeal of these puffs.
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed): The crisp, flaky foundation that will puff up beautifully in the oven.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness while sautéing the onions and garlic.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Provides a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the filling with a warm, aromatic kick.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped) or 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry): The vibrant, healthy green that’s packed with nutrients and color.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Creates that creamy texture and tangy contrast against the spinach.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty note to balance the creaminess.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Brings just enough subtle heat and earthiness.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the puff pastry that irresistibly golden, glossy finish.
How to Make Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with cleanup. Next, warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and sauté gently for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds a delicious flavor base that’s absolutely essential for the filling’s depth.
Step 2: Cook the Spinach
Into the skillet, add either fresh chopped spinach or thawed frozen spinach. Cook until fresh spinach wilts and releases its moisture, or if using frozen, simply heat it through for even flavor integration. Once the spinach has softened, remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly—this will prevent curdling when you mix it with the cream cheese.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Stir these together until they form a smooth, creamy, and well-blended filling. This mixture is the heart of the Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs Recipe—so take a moment to taste and adjust seasoning as you prefer.
Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry Squares
Lightly flour your surface and unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it gently into a 10 by 10-inch square to even out the dough. Cut the pastry into 9 equal squares to create perfect individual puffs. This not only ensures uniform baking but also makes them ideal as finger food for any occasion.
Step 5: Assemble the Puffs
Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square. You have two options here: fold the corners toward the center and gently pinch together to seal for a neat, enclosed puff, or leave them slightly open for a rustic, artisanal look. Don’t forget to transfer the prepared puffs onto your lined baking sheet for baking.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush each puff with the beaten egg to create that gorgeously golden and shiny crust once baked. Finally, slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puffs have puffed up delightfully and turned a rich golden brown. Letting them cool for a few minutes after baking makes them easier to handle and enhances the flavors.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh, inviting presentation, sprinkle a bit of extra grated Parmesan or some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the warm puffs. These garnishes add a pop of color and a little boost in flavor that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
These puffs are a tasty appetizer on their own but can be paired beautifully with light sides like a crisp garden salad, a tangy tomato salsa, or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. Such combinations not only round out the meal but also play with texture and temperature, making every bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Arrange the puffs on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh greens or edible flowers for a stunning effect. You can also serve them in mini cupcake liners for easy handling during parties or family gatherings. No matter the presentation, the warmth and deliciousness of this recipe will shine through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To preserve their crispiness, it’s best to reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave.
Freezing
One fantastic feature of this recipe is that it freezes beautifully before baking. Simply prepare the puffs up to the assembly stage, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, bake them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through perfectly.
Reheating
To bring your leftover or frozen Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs back to life, heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep their signature flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture to prevent soggy puffs. Frozen spinach works wonderfully in this recipe and can be more convenient.
Is it necessary to use puff pastry?
Yes, puff pastry is key to achieving those light, crispy layers that give these puffs their delightful texture. Other doughs won’t rise or flake quite the same way.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use olive oil in place of egg wash, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Experimenting is encouraged to make it your own!
How do I prevent the filling from making the pastry soggy?
Cook the spinach thoroughly and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing with the cheeses. Also, avoid overfilling the puffs and make sure the pastry edges are sealed properly for best results.
What occasions are these puffs best suited for?
These charming bites are perfect for holiday parties, brunches, game day snacks, or even as an elegant appetizer for a dinner party. Their versatility makes them a go-to recipe for any gathering.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as flavorful as it is fun to make, the Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs Recipe is one you’ll want to return to again and again. Its balance of flaky pastry and creamy, savory filling is simply irresistible, and you can easily tailor it to your taste and occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—it’s sure to become one of your favorites to share with friends and family!
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Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 9 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and flaky Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs made with buttery puff pastry filled with a savory mixture of sautéed spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or party snack, these puffs are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress with their golden, puffed exterior and rich, creamy filling.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped) or 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Spinach: Stir in the fresh or thawed frozen spinach and cook until wilted or warmed through. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly to prevent melting the cream cheese when combined.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled spinach mixture with softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended and creamy.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×10-inch square. Cut the square into 9 equal smaller squares for individual puffs.
- Assemble Puffs: Place a spoonful of the spinach and cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the corners towards the center, pinching gently to seal, or leave slightly open for a rustic appearance.
- Apply Egg Wash: Transfer the assembled puffs to the prepared baking sheet. Brush each puff gently with beaten egg, which will give the pastry a beautiful golden sheen.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the puffs are puffed up and golden brown in color.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time.
- These puffs freeze well before baking; when baking from frozen, extend the bake time by 2–3 minutes to ensure they cook through.
- If using frozen spinach, make sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess water to prevent soggy filling.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
