These Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are little bites of joy! Flaky pastry filled with smooth cream cheese and fresh spinach makes them a tasty treat for any occasion.
I love how these puffs are perfect for snacking or as party food! They disappear quickly at my gatherings—just call them “magical spinach bites” and watch them vanish! ✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show, creating a flaky and crispy shell. If you can’t find puff pastry, try using phyllo dough, but remember to layer it for a similar texture. I love how easy puff pastry is to work with!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this dish, but if you have frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it well. I often opt for baby spinach for its tender leaves—it’s so easy to prep!
Cream Cheese: Gives the filling a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with ricotta cheese or even a vegan cream cheese for a plant-based version. I love the tanginess of cream cheese here!
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan add flavor and creaminess. If you’re out of Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Mixing cheeses can really elevate the taste, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a lovely aroma and flavor. You can use garlic powder instead if you’re in a pinch—just go easy, as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Ensure My Puff Pastry Stays Flaky?
Getting that dreamy, flaky texture in puff pastry is all in the details! Here are my tips:
- Keep the pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. Cold pastry puffs better!
- Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking, but too much flour can make it tough.
- Don’t overfill the cups; keeping a little space helps them puff up nicely.
- Brushing with egg wash not only adds color but helps achieve that lovely crispiness.
How to Make Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 8 oz fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. So in just 30-35 minutes, you can enjoy warm, cheesy spinach puffs fresh out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While your oven heats up, grease a muffin tin to keep your puffs from sticking.
2. Sauté the Spinach:
In a large skillet, drizzle a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Next, toss in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until it’s wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach cool slightly.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the wilted spinach. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together until the mixture is nice and creamy.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry sheet. Cut it into squares that are about 4×4 inches—big enough to fit into your muffin tin cups. Gently press each square into the prepared muffin tin to make little cups for your filling.
5. Fill and Bake:
Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture evenly into each puff pastry cup, filling them generously. For a pretty finish, brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg. This will give your puffs a lovely golden color when they bake!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. The aroma will be irresistible!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, let your Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve them warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water to avoid a soggy filling. Simply squeeze out the moisture using a kitchen towel or colander before mixing it with the cream cheese and other ingredients.
How Can I Make These Puff Pastry Cups Vegan?
To make these spinach puffs vegan, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use plant-based cheese for the mozzarella and Parmesan. For the egg wash, use a mixture of plant milk and a bit of maple syrup or oil to brush the pastry instead.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover spinach puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help maintain the crispiness of the pastry.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes, you can definitely mix and match! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or cheddar to suit your taste. Each cheese will bring its own flavor to the dish, so choose what you enjoy the most!
