Fluffy Spinach and Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe: A Savory Delight

Crispy, golden spinach and cream cheese puffs dance between elegance and comfort on your plate.

Buttery pastry shells cradle a luxurious filling that whispers gourmet secrets.

Delicate layers promise a sensational bite that melts effortlessly.

Light herbs mingle with rich cream cheese, creating unexpected flavor dimensions.

Perfectly portable and simple to assemble, these appetizers feel like a culinary adventure.

Each puff becomes a miniature celebration of texture and taste.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel right away.

Why Spinach And Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe Always Impresses

• Conquer Culinary Complexity: Perfect for home cooks seeking a gourmet appetizer without professional chef skills, these spinach puffs offer restaurant-quality results with minimal technical expertise.
• Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: Requiring just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, this recipe transforms ordinary puff pastry into delightful bite-sized treats that will impress guests at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Packed with creamy cheese and tender spinach, these puffs deliver maximum taste in minimal preparation time, making them an ideal solution for spontaneous entertaining or last-minute appetizer cravings.
• Versatile Entertaining Star: Adaptable to various dietary preferences and suitable for multiple occasions from casual game nights to elegant cocktail parties, these puffs guarantee widespread appeal and delicious satisfaction.

Ingredients List For Spinach And Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe

• Puff Pastry: A delicate, buttery pastry that creates a light and crispy base for the appetizer.
• Spinach: A nutritious leafy green that adds vibrant color and earthy flavor to the puffs.
• Cream Cheese: A creamy, tangy cheese that provides a smooth and rich texture to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A mild, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully and adds extra cheesiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that brings a sharp and nutty flavor to the mixture.

• Garlic: A pungent herb that adds depth and aromatic flavor to the spinach.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the filling.

• Olive Oil: A smooth oil used to sauté the spinach and add a subtle richness.
• Egg: A beaten egg used to create a golden, glossy finish on the pastry edges.

Easy Directions For Spinach And Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Warm up your oven to 400°F. Grab a muffin tin and lightly grease each cup to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Greens

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Cooked spinach

Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Prepare the Pastry

Dust a clean surface with flour. Roll out puff pastry sheet and slice into 4×4 inch squares. Gently press each square into the muffin tin cups, creating little pastry nests.

Step 5: Fill the Pastry Cups

Scoop the spinach-cheese mixture into each pastry cup. Don’t be shy – fill them generously! Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg for a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes wonderfully crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Let the puffs cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Transfer to a serving plate and watch them disappear quickly!

Kitchen Tips For Spinach And Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe

• Prevent Soggy Spinach: Drain excess moisture from sautéed spinach by gently pressing with paper towels to ensure crisp, flaky pastry puffs.
• Cheese Temperature Matters: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, easier mixing and a more consistent filling texture.
• Pastry Handling Pro Tip: Keep puff pastry chilled until ready to use, and work quickly to maintain its delicate, flaky structure.
• Elevate Flavor Depth: Experiment with adding herbs like fresh dill or chives to the cheese mixture for an extra burst of aromatic complexity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare filling and assemble puffs in advance, then refrigerate and bake just before serving for maximum convenience and freshness.

Flavorful Variations On Spinach And Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe

• Keto-Friendly Cheese Puffs: Replace puff pastry with almond flour-based dough, use full-fat cream cheese, and swap out mozzarella for a low-carb cheese option.
• Vegan Veggie Puffs: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and replace eggs with flax egg substitute.
• Mediterranean Herb Puffs: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of dried oregano to the spinach mixture for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Spinach Cups: Use gluten-free puff pastry or create a base with cauliflower crust, maintaining the original spinach and cheese filling.

Top Pairings With Spinach And Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the spinach puffs, cutting through the cheese's richness with its bright, zesty notes.
• Create Herbal Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick tzatziki or herb-infused yogurt dip that adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, cheesy pastry, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Match with Light Salad: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, providing a crisp, peppery counterpoint that balances the puffs' decadent texture.

How To Keep Spinach And Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe Tasting Fresh

• Store leftover puffs in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual puffs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place puffs on a baking sheet, and warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy pastry.

Spinach And Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe FAQ Guide

• What type of pastry works best for this recipe?

Puff pastry is ideal because it creates light, flaky layers that become crispy and golden when baked, providing the perfect texture for these appetizers.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it into the cheese filling to prevent soggy puffs.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! These spinach and cream cheese puffs are vegetarian-friendly and packed with delicious cheese and spinach flavor. They make a great meatless appetizer or snack.

Spinach and Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful spinach and cream cheese puffs deliver a French-inspired appetizer that melts in your mouth with creamy, herbal goodness. Crisp pastry shells cradle a rich filling, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this elegant starter.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheeses:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Pastry and Egg Wash:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten
• Olive oil for sautéing

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a muffin tin with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Introduce chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool briefly.
3. Blend softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cooled spinach in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
4. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 4×4 inch squares that comfortably fit muffin tin cavities. Press each square gently into the prepared tin, creating pastry cups.
5. Distribute spinach-cheese mixture evenly among pastry cups, ensuring generous filling. Delicately brush pastry edges with beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish during baking.
6. Transfer muffin tin to preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until pastry turns a rich, crisp golden brown and filling becomes heated through.
7. Allow puffs to cool slightly before carefully removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm, showcasing the delectable blend of cheese and spinach nestled in crispy pastry.

Notes

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the spinach mixture and cut pastry squares in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time during actual cooking.
• Moisture Management: Ensure spinach is thoroughly drained after sautéing to prevent soggy pastry bottoms, which can compromise the puff’s crispy texture.
• Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese combinations like feta or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles while maintaining the creamy consistency.
• Dietary Adaptations: For gluten-free options, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free alternatives or use thin phyllo dough. Vegetarian version already meets dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg