Spinach Puffs

Filled with a mixture of sautéed onion, garlic, spinach, and cream cheese baked inside puff pastry cups, Spinach Puffs are the ultimate easy, classic appetizer. Perfect for gatherings like Christmas, Easter, or New Year’s Eve, these delightful bites offer a rich flavor and flaky texture that everyone will love. Their versatility makes them suitable for any occasion, whether served warm or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can whip up these delicious treats.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and savory spinach creates a mouthwatering filling.
• Versatile Appetizer: Perfect for parties or family gatherings, they can be enjoyed at any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These puffs are sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble them later for quick baking.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Spinach Puffs efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Medium skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: This is crucial for shaping the puff pastry into perfect cups that hold the delicious filling.
• Medium skillet: Ideal for sautéing onions and garlic to bring out their flavors before mixing them with other ingredients.
• Rolling pin: Helps to roll out the puff pastry evenly, ensuring it cooks uniformly.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1/3 c. onion, finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs, divided
• 1 (10-oz.) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed as dry as possible
• 3/4 c. crumbled feta
• 2 tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tsp. lemon zest
• Freshly ground black pepper

For Assembly

• Cooking spray
• All-purpose flour, for rolling puff pastry
• 1 sheet from 1 (17.3-oz) package puff pastry, thawed in the refrigerator

How to Make Spinach Puffs

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions and season with salt; cook until softened (about 4 to 5 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic; cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Remove from heat.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, stir together softened cream cheese and 1 egg until smooth.
2. Mix in the garlic-onion mixture along with thawed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, fresh dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Shape Puff Pastry Cups

1. Grease 9 cups of a muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a 12” square.
3. Cut into 9 smaller squares (each about 4” wide).
4. Ease each square into a greased muffin cup with corners hanging over the sides.
5. Add about 2½ tablespoons of filling to each cup.
6. Fold in corners of pastry to meet in center over filling; pinch to seal.
7. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Spinach Puffs

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F while chilling pastries.
2. Beat remaining egg with 1 teaspoon water; brush on top of chilled pastries.
3. Bake until golden brown on bottom (about 25 minutes).
4. Allow cooling slightly before removing from muffin tin; serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your homemade Spinach Puffs! These delicious bites are sure to become a favorite at your next gathering!

How to Serve Spinach Puffs

Spinach puffs are versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions. These delightful appetizers are not only delicious but also easy to pair with other dishes and dips.

With Dips

• Tzatziki sauce – This refreshing yogurt-based dip adds a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy filling of the spinach puffs.
• Garlic aioli – A creamy garlic sauce enhances the flavors of the spinach and feta, making each bite irresistible.

As Part of a Platter

• Antipasto platter – Include spinach puffs alongside cured meats, olives, and cheeses for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
• Vegetable crudités – Pair with fresh veggies like carrots and bell peppers for a colorful appetizer display.

Accompanied by Salads

• Greek salad – The fresh ingredients in a Greek salad complement the richness of spinach puffs beautifully.
• Caesar salad – The crisp romaine and tangy dressing make for a satisfying combination with these savory bites.

For Holiday Gatherings

• Christmas party – Serve spinach puffs as part of your festive appetizer lineup to impress guests.
• Easter brunch – These treats fit perfectly into a springtime brunch menu alongside eggs and pastries.

How to Perfect Spinach Puffs

Achieving the perfect spinach puffs requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they come out just right.

• Use thawed spinach – Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from frozen spinach to avoid soggy pastries.
• Roll pastry evenly – Rolling the puff pastry into an even thickness helps them bake uniformly.
• Chill before baking – Refrigerating or freezing the assembled puffs briefly helps maintain their shape during baking.
• Brush with egg wash – Applying an egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful, golden-brown finish.
• Don’t overfill – Fill each pastry cup generously but avoid overfilling to prevent spillage while baking.

Best Side Dishes for Spinach Puffs

Spinach puffs are delightful on their own but can be even better with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mixed greens salad – Light and refreshing, this salad balances the richness of the puffs with its crisp texture.
2. Roasted vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add color and depth while enhancing your meal’s overall flavor profile.
3. Quinoa pilaf – A nutty quinoa pilaf can provide a healthy grain option that pairs well with the creamy filling of spinach puffs.
4. Stuffed mushrooms – Offer another savory bite; stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and cheese make for an elegant addition.
5. Potato wedges – Crispy potato wedges provide a hearty contrast that complements the lightness of spinach puffs.
6. Fruit platter – A selection of fresh fruits adds sweetness and freshness, creating variety on your serving table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make perfect Spinach Puffs, avoid these common pitfalls that can compromise your dish.

• Skipping the Thawing: Not allowing the frozen spinach to thaw properly can lead to excess moisture in the filling. Always squeeze out as much water as possible before mixing.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: If your cream cheese is cold, it won’t blend smoothly with other ingredients. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for a creamy filling.
• Overfilling the Pastry: Adding too much filling can cause the pastry to burst during baking. Stick to about 2½ tablespoons of filling for each puff.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven can affect how well the puffs rise. Always preheat your oven to 400° before placing them inside.
• Neglecting Egg Wash: Skipping the egg wash on top of the pastry will result in a pale appearance. Brush with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Spinach Puffs in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Spinach Puffs

• Freeze uncooked Spinach Puffs before baking for best results.
• Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to 2 months.

Reheating Spinach Puffs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, but be aware that they may lose their crispiness.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for several minutes, turning occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Spinach Puffs.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté it until wilted and allow it to cool before squeezing out excess moisture.

How do I customize my Spinach Puffs?

Feel free to add ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or different cheeses for unique flavors while keeping the same base recipe.

Can I make Spinach Puffs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them and refrigerate or freeze for later baking. Just adjust cooking times accordingly if baked from frozen.

What dips pair well with Spinach Puffs?

Spinach Puffs go well with yogurt-based dips, marinara sauce, or even a zesty lemon aioli for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Spinach Puffs are an irresistible appetizer that combines creamy filling with flaky pastry. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various ingredients, making them suitable for any occasion. Try this recipe today and impress your guests with these delicious bites!

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Spinach Puffs

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 9 servings 1x

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Description

Spinach Puffs are an irresistible appetizer that combines a creamy, flavorful filling with flaky puff pastry. These delightful bites are perfect for any gathering, be it a festive holiday party or a casual family get-together. Filled with sautéed onions, garlic, spinach, and cream cheese, they offer a rich taste that will have your guests coming back for more. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these versatile puffs are sure to impress and can be made ahead for convenience.

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Ingredients

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• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs (divided)
• 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and salt; cook until softened (4-5 minutes). Stir in garlic; cook until fragrant (30 seconds) and remove from heat.
3. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese with one egg until smooth. Incorporate the sautéed mixture, spinach, feta, dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface into a square and cut into nine squares. Place each square into greased muffin cups.
5. Fill each pastry cup with about 2½ tablespoons of the filling and fold corners over the top.
6. Brush tops with the beaten egg mixed with water.
7. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg