Spinach Puffs Recipe: Flaky, Cheesy Pastry Bites Perfect for Any Party
Cheesy filling and herby greens hug buttery pastry for an appetizer guests adore.
Spinach Puffs Recipe: Flaky, Cheesy Pastry Bites for Every Occasion
Spinach puffs are the ultimate party snack—flaky, golden pastry cups stuffed with a creamy, herby spinach and cheese filling. Inspired by the flavors of spanakopita and spinach-artichoke dip, these bite-sized appetizers are quick to disappear from any tray. Best of all, they’re easy to make with pantry staples and store-bought puff pastry, so you can impress guests with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, game day party, or casual get-together, these spinach puffs are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Puffs Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, these puffs come together in no time.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of creamy cheeses, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs appeals to almost everyone.
- Versatile: Serve them warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for any event.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and reheat when needed.
- Pantry Staples: Most ingredients are likely already in your fridge or freezer, making these an easy year-round option.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients for maximum flavor and convenience:
- 1 Tbsp. salted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup crumbled feta (about 2 oz.)
- 2 Tbsp. fresh dill or flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp. lemon zest
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- ½ (17.3-oz.) package puff pastry (1 sheet), thawed
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (about 1 oz.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Generously grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with butter.
- Cook the Aromatics: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot, and cook until fragrant—about 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for at least 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Spinach: Squeeze as much water as possible from the thawed spinach. (A clean kitchen towel works perfectly for this—twist it into a tight bundle over the sink.) Finely chop the drained spinach.
- Mix the Filling: Add the cream cheese and 1 egg to the cooled shallot mixture. Use a fork to mash and combine until mostly smooth. Stir in the feta, dill (or parsley), lemon zest, salt, pepper, and chopped spinach. Mix until evenly incorporated.
- Roll and Cut the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry sheet into a 10-by-15-inch rectangle. Cut into 24 squares (roughly 2.5 inches each) by making four cuts on the 10-inch side and six on the 15-inch side.
- Form the Cups: Gently press each pastry square into a muffin cup, letting the corners hang over the sides. Fill each cup with about 2 teaspoons of the spinach mixture. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Chill and Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg and brush the corners of the pastry with the egg wash. Refrigerate the pan for 30 minutes (or freeze for 15 minutes) to help the pastry hold its shape.
- Bake: Bake the spinach puffs until golden and puffed, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Customization & Variations
While the classic recipe is delicious as-is, there are several ways to customize these spinach puffs to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Cheese Options: Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor, or mix in a bit of shredded mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Herbs: Use fresh parsley, chives, or basil instead of dill, or add a pinch of dried oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
- Vegetables: Stir in finely chopped artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free puff pastry if needed.
Making Spinach Puffs in a Regular Muffin Pan
Don’t have a mini muffin pan? No problem. You can make larger spinach puffs using a standard muffin tin:
- Roll the puff pastry into a 12-inch square, then cut it into nine 4-inch squares.
- Press into a greased regular muffin pan and follow the recipe, adding about 5 minutes to the bake time. These make an impressive side dish for a holiday meal or a satisfying snack.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Spinach puffs are a great option for meal prep and entertaining because they can be prepared in advance and reheated easily:
- Storage: Store cooled spinach puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, use an air fryer set at 325°F for 8–10 minutes, or an oven at 325°F for 12–15 minutes, until hot and crispy.
- Freezing: Place cooled puffs on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Simply wilt about 10 ounces of fresh spinach in a pan, cool, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before chopping and adding to the filling.
Can I Substitute Phyllo Dough for Puff Pastry?
What others are reading
While puff pastry gives these bites their signature flaky texture, you can use phyllo dough for a lighter, crispier result. Brush each phyllo sheet with melted butter, stack several, and cut into squares to press into the muffin cups.
How Do I Prevent the Puffs from Getting Soggy?
The key is to remove as much moisture as possible from the spinach. Additionally, letting the filled pastry chill before baking helps maintain the structure and crispness.
Are These Suitable for Vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheese and puff pastry (check labels if you’re strict), these spinach puffs are vegetarian-friendly.
What Can I Serve with Spinach Puffs?
They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or as part of a larger appetizer spread. For dipping, a side of marinara, tzatziki, or garlic aioli is delicious.
Tips for Perfect Spinach Puffs
- Dry Spinach: Removing excess water from the spinach is crucial—soggy spinach leads to soggy pastry.
- Even Filling: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to distribute the filling evenly among the cups.
- Chill Before Baking: This step helps the pastry rise and hold its shape, resulting in flakier puffs.
- Golden Finish: For extra color, brush the tops with a little extra egg wash or sprinkle with extra parmesan before baking.
Nutritional Information
While exact nutritional values will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes, each puff is a tasty, relatively light bite. They provide protein from the eggs and cheeses, fiber and vitamins from the spinach, and a satisfying crunch from the pastry.
Why These Spinach Puffs Stand Out
What sets this recipe apart is its ease and versatility. The combination of creamy, tangy cheeses with fresh herbs and bright lemon zest elevates the humble spinach, while the puff pastry delivers a satisfying crunch. These puffs are just as at home at a formal gathering as they are at a casual movie night. Best of all, they require no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, so anyone can make them successfully.
Conclusion
Spinach puffs are a surefire way to impress your guests with minimal effort. With a flaky, buttery crust, creamy herbed filling, and make-ahead convenience, they’re a perfect addition to any entertaining repertoire. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again for holidays, potlucks, or just because.
Recap Table: Recipe Overview
| Cuisine | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American | 25 min | 30 min | 55 min | 24 mini puffs |
References
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