Get ready to wow everyone at your next gathering with Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs! These little golden parcels are the very definition of irresistible — flaky, buttery pastry wrapped around a luscious spinach and cheese filling that always disappears in a flash. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a holiday spread, or just craving a special snack, this appetizer will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds). Easy to make and even easier to love, Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are about to earn a spot in your entertaining hall of fame!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs is refreshingly short and features simple staples, but every element plays a starring role. Every bite balances creamy, savory, and flaky textures, with pops of color and flavor from fresh spinach and herbs. Here’s what you’ll need (and why!):
- Frozen puff pastry sheets (1 package, 17.3 oz, thawed): These are the secret behind that perfectly crisp, golden exterior—store-bought sheets make prep a breeze without sacrificing wow-factor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and helps sauté the veggies to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For a subtle but unmistakable aromatic backbone in every bite.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Brings a touch of sweetness and texture to the filling.
- Fresh spinach (5 oz, chopped): Adds gorgeous green color and earthy flavor—freshness is key.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The heart of the filling; it melts into a rich, creamy base you’ll crave.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Lends sharp, salty notes and a slightly nutty finish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A vital touch that makes all the other flavors pop.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle kick to balance all the creamy goodness.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds an unexpected warmth and depth that pairs beautifully with spinach.
- Egg (1, beaten—for egg wash): Brushing this over the pastry gives each puff a sumptuous golden brown sheen.
How to Make Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps keep the puffs from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a single golden crumb!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic, Onion, and Spinach
Heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Toss in the garlic and finely chopped onion, letting them sizzle and soften for about three minutes. The aroma is heavenly already! Next, stir in the fresh, chopped spinach and cook until it just wilts. Take the skillet off the heat so everything stays vibrant, not mushy.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Filling
In a big bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Once smooth, fold in your warm spinach mixture. Every scoop should look creamy, flecked with green and dotted with sweet onion—a true sign you’re on the right track with Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs.
Step 4: Shape the Pastry Squares
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Roll them gently to an even thickness, then cut each sheet into nine neat squares for a total of eighteen. Each square is a blank canvas for your delicious filling!
Step 5: Fill and Fold the Puffs
Spoon about one tablespoon of the spinach cheese mixture into the center of each square. Gather the corners and pinch them together to form a charming little pouch—don’t worry if a bit of green peeks out! The sealed edges keep everything tucked inside while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your puffs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Lightly brush the tops with beaten egg to guarantee that irresistible shine and color. Pop them in the oven, and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until puffed and gloriously golden.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
There’s nothing like biting into Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs when they’re fresh from the oven. The cheese is melty, the spinach is vibrant, and the pastry crackles with every bite. Let them cool just enough to handle, then gather your friends—these are best enjoyed slightly warm!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs
Garnishes
Finish your Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a tiny flurry of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives. A little grated lemon zest adds brightness and makes them feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
These puffs are lovely on their own, but pairing them with a simple mixed green salad or crunchy crudités can turn them into a charming lunch or light dinner. For parties, add a medley of roasted vegetables or a bright, tangy dip—something like a roasted red pepper sauce is a winner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs on a big platter, nestled in a napkin-lined basket for a rustic touch, or pile them onto a cake stand for an elevated appetizer display. For cocktail parties, skewer each puff with a festive toothpick and arrange them in a ring around a bowl of your favorite dipping sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the puffs cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—just reheat before serving to restore that crispy pastry exterior.
Freezing
Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are brilliant for freezing! Assemble and shape them as usual, but before baking, pop them onto a tray in the freezer until solid. Then, transfer to a labeled bag and stash away for busy days. They can go straight from freezer to oven, just add a couple minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, reheat puffs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 6–8 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped. Microwaving works in a pinch, but nothing beats the texture from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing it into your filling. Fresh spinach has a wonderful bright flavor, but frozen is a super convenient swap that still tastes great.
Can I make Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the puffs and freeze them before baking. When guests arrive or when the craving strikes, bake straight from frozen, tacking on a few extra minutes to your bake time.
What kind of puff pastry works best?
Store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets are a lifesaver and work beautifully. Look for all-butter versions if you can find them, as they offer the richest flavor and flakiest texture for Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs.
Can I add other cheeses or fillings?
Definitely! Try mixing in some crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, or even chopped sun-dried tomatoes for variety. The filling is flexible—let your fridge (and your cravings) be your guide.
How do I keep the puffs from opening while baking?
Pinch the pastry corners together firmly before baking, and you can even brush a dab of beaten egg between the seams for extra sealing power. If a little filling peeks out, don’t worry—it just adds rustic charm!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting or just treating yourself, Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are sure to become a go-to recipe when you want something warm, flaky, and crowd-pleasing. Give them a whirl—you’ll love how effortlessly impressive these little bites can be!
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Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 18 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, savory spinach and cheese mixture. Perfect for parties or as a tasty snack, these puffs are sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
Spinach Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and spinach mixture.
- Assemble Puffs: Roll out puff pastry, cut into squares, place filling, and seal into pouches.
- Bake: Brush puffs with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm!
Notes
- These puffs can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Try adding feta or mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
