Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese are the ultimate party appetizer. A buttery, flaked puff pastry surrounds a silky, creamy filling of spinach, melted mozzarella, garlic, and cream cheese. The result is a golden, crisp, flaky shell, and a warm creamy but textured filling. This recipe is quick to prepare and can be made relatively soon before baking. It is a great party treat that will be heartily devoured by family and friends. You should try this recipe because:
the pastry is flaky and buttery. The outer pastry is made up of thin layers that are crisp and contrasting with the creamy filling.
the filling is creamy and cheesy. Cream cheese and mozzarella create a creamy filling with a subtle flavor.
it is quick to prepare with only several ingredients. The puff pastry can be bought frozen, and the ingredients are simple. Try our Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Beef Puff Pastry Twists next.
entertainment versatile. The puffs can be served at any celebration, family gathering, or as a snack.
Key Ingredients
Let’s discuss each ingredient separately and its contribution to the perfect spinach puff.
puff pastry – this light and flaky type of pastry makes up the shell of the puffs. The quality of the puff pastry will determine the light texture. You should let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight if it is frozen.
Baby spinach – unmilked and fast cooking. The baby spinach is easy and tender to cook.
garlic – the whole pound of the minced cloves provides a flavor to the dish.
olive oil – adds flavor the garlic and spinach and enriches its taste.
cream cheese – a base of the filling. The cream cheese serves as a thick base that holds everything together. If you like this, you'll love our Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups.
mozzarella cheese – the creamy mozzarella with a melt texture, does an excellent job when accompanied with cream cheese.
egg – Whipped into the filling, the egg binds the filling together to create an adhesive texture.
egg yolk – egg yolk goes on the top of the pastry aid in browning the pastry.
salt and black pepper – used to season the dish.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C).
To ensure easy removal and even baking, prepare a parchment paper lining on the baking tray.
Prepare the Spinach Filling
In a pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Add 7 ounces baby spinach, season with a bit of salt and pepper, and cook until spinach is wilted, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Turn off heat and let the spinach cool completely.
Prepare the Puff Pastry
Place 1 sheet of puff pastry on a clean work surface.
You can cut the pastry up into 6 or 12 squares depending on how big you want your puffs. For another easy option, see our Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs.
Line the squares on prepared baking tray, giving them space in between.
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Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, stir the cooled spinach with 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, and one beaten egg.
Stir until smooth and well-mixed.” Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
Assemble the Puffs
Spoon a good-size blob of filling into the middle of each square of pastry.
Fold the opposite edges in toward one another and press to seal, or bring all four corners in toward the center for a different shape.
Be sure to thoroughly seal edges or there will be a lot of filling that leaks out onto the baking sheet while they are baking.
Brush with Egg Yolk
In a bowl, lightly beat one egg yolk.
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the exposed tops of the puffs with egg yolk for a shiny, golden finish.
Bake
Bake (in the now preheated oven) for 25 to 35 minutes, until the puffs are golden brown and puffy.
Serve
Let the puffs cool for a moment on the baking sheet before serving.
Place on platter, and allow guests to serve themselves and enjoy warm!
Tips for Perfect Spinach Puffs:
Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Puff pastry–based recipes are often for desserts like apple tarts or croissants, but the dough matters just as much for savory recipes!
Cool the Spinach: The spinach should be fully cool before you add it to the filling, or it will melt the cream cheese.
Seal edges well: Make sure the pastry edges are sealed so that the filling does not ooze out during baking.
Shape it however you’d like: Feel free to fold those pastry squares in any way that you want! You can create triangles, an envelope, or bring all four corners to the center.
Variations:
There are lots of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
Add Feta Cheese: Set up like cottage cheese for a Mediterranean twist, add magnificently crumbled feta to the stuffing for a dangerous stuffing. You might also like our Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents.
Use Different Greens: Instead of spinach, try using kale or Swiss chard for a different taste.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for some heat.
Herb Addition: Christmas herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives can provide a fresh, aromatic note to the filling.
Serving Suggestions:
These spinach puffs are delicious on their own, but here are ways to work them into a wider meal:
Dip Served: With marinara sauce, ranch or garlic aioli.
Salad Side: Add a crisp side salad for a lighter, healthier meal.
Appetizer Platter: Add these puffs to an appetizer platter that includes other finger foods, such as stuffed mushrooms, mini quiches, and fresh vegetables.
Conclusion:
These Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese are a wonderful, super quick to make, appetizer, or snack tasting, mixture of flaky pastry and creamy cheesy filling. Because the filling is so rich, the lightness of the puff pastry really balances it out. Made with simple ingredients and requiring little prep, these puffs are great for entertaining or for enjoying anytime you’re in the mood for a savory treat. Try our Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs next.
Buon appetito with every flaky, cheesy bite! If you like this, you'll love our Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges.
Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese
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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 your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Add chopped spinach, season with salt and pepper, and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Let cool.
- Lay out puff pastry sheet on a flat surface. Cut into 6 or 12 squares, depending on desired size, and place on prepared baking tray.
- In a bowl, combine cooled spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and beaten egg. Mix until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each pastry square. Fold opposite corners toward the center and press to seal.
- Brush each puff with beaten egg yolk for a golden finish.
- Bake in the oven for 25-35 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dip!
Notes
Nutrition
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Nutrition values are estimates based on the listed ingredients and serving count. Actual values vary with brands, cuts and portion sizes.
