Spinach Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe

Irresistible Spinach Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe Ready in Minutes

Delectable spinach puffs with cream cheese change ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Crisp, buttery pastry encases a luxurious blend of vibrant greens and smooth, tangy cheese.

Elegant yet approachable, these bite-sized morsels promise to elevate any gathering with their irresistible charm.

Layers of flavor dance across your palate, creating a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes.

Their golden-brown exterior hints at the sumptuous filling waiting to be savored.

Surprisingly simple to craft, these puffs blend sophistication with comfort food nostalgia.

You’ll find yourself captivated by their delightful combination of creamy and crisp elements.

What Makes Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese Worth Baking Again and Again

What Makes Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese Worth Baking Again and Again
  • Quickly Create Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers: These spinach puffs deliver restaurant-quality bites without complex cooking skills, perfect for entertaining friends or surprising family with minimal effort.
  • Enjoy Creamy Texture Explosions: Each bite offers a delightful combination of crispy pastry exterior and smooth, melted cheese interior with tender spinach, creating an irresistible sensory experience.
  • Master Fast and Flexible Preparation: From start to finish, these puffs take under an hour, allowing busy home cooks to whip up delicious treats that can be customized with different cheeses or herbs for variety.

Every Ingredient That Gives Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese Their Signature Bite

Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Classic buttery dough that creates a flaky, light exterior for the spinach filling.
  • Egg Yolk: Provides a beautiful golden-brown shine and helps seal the pastry edges.
Filling Components:
  • Spinach: Fresh leafy green that adds nutrition and vibrant color to the puffs.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that binds the filling and adds rich, tangy taste.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that contributes stretch and additional cheesy goodness.
  • Whole Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together and adds richness.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing spinach and garlic, adding subtle flavor and preventing sticking.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the spinach mixture.

Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese: A Quick Walkthrough for Perfect Layers

Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese: A Quick Walkthrough for Perfect Layers

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup and nonstick magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Greens

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts and releases its moisture. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Canvas

Gently roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Slice into neat, even squares that will become your delicious pockets of cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cooled spinach mixture
  • Cream cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • 1 beaten egg

Stir until all ingredients are well blended and create a smooth, irresistible filling.

Step 5: Assemble the Puffs

Spoon the spinach-cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners inward, creating a sealed packet that locks in all the flavors.

Step 6: Add the Golden Touch

Brush the top of each puff with egg yolk. This will create a beautiful, glossy golden-brown exterior during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the puffs in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden color with crispy edges.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the puffs to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as a standalone appetizer.

Smart Tips to Keep Your Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese Flaky and Fresh

Smart Tips to Keep Your Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese Flaky and Fresh
  • Chill the Pastry: Keep puff pastry cold before rolling to ensure flaky, crisp layers that melt in your mouth.
  • Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture from spinach to prevent soggy, wet puffs that lose their crunch.
  • Seal Edges Carefully: Press pastry edges firmly with a fork to lock in the cheesy filling and create beautiful crimped borders.
  • Space Puffs Wisely: Leave enough room between pastries on the baking sheet so they can puff up evenly and develop golden edges.
  • Experiment with Seasonings: Add a pinch of nutmeg, red pepper flakes, or dried herbs to elevate the flavor profile of your spinach filling.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese for Later

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese for Later
  • Refrigeration: Store leftover spinach puffs in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. These delightful pastries will stay fresh for 3-4 days when properly sealed.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual puffs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen spinach puffs can maintain their quality for up to one month without losing flavor or texture.
  • Reheating: Bring refrigerated puffs back to life by warming them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. For frozen puffs, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven until crispy and heated through.

Perfect Pairings for Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese Snacks or Starters

  • Sip Sparkling White Wine: Crisp, bubbly Prosecco or Champagne cuts through the rich, creamy spinach puffs, creating a refreshing contrast that dances on your palate.
  • Pair with Zesty Mediterranean Salad: A light, lemony salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and herbs complements the puffs' cheesy texture, bringing a fresh brightness to each bite.
  • Match with Tangy Tzatziki Dip: This cool, garlicky yogurt-based sauce provides a creamy counterpoint to the warm, crispy pastry, enhancing the spinach puffs' flavor profile.
  • Serve with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The wine's herbaceous notes and high acidity perfectly balance the puffs' richness, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Flavorful Ideas to Elevate Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese

  • Feta Fusion Puffs: Swap mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor explosion.
  • Greek Herbal Spinach Pockets: Incorporate fresh dill, mint, and a pinch of oregano into the filling for a zesty Greek-style variation that brings bright, aromatic notes.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Spinach Parcels: Mix in finely chopped jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to create a fiery version that adds a kick to the classic recipe.
  • Mushroom Spinach Elegance: Replace half the spinach with sautéed wild mushrooms like shiitake or cremini, creating a rich, earthy alternative that elevates the puff's complexity.
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Spinach Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe

Spinach Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Greek-inspired spinach puffs bring Mediterranean elegance to your appetizer spread. Flaky pastry envelops creamy spinach and tangy cream cheese, creating irresistible bites you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) softened cream cheese
  • 7 ounces (198 grams) chopped baby spinach
  • 1 sheet puff pastry

Cheese and Herbs:

  • ½ cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella
  • 2 minced garlic cloves

Finishing and Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 beaten egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, stirring until they wilt and release their moisture, then season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  4. Remove the spinach mixture from heat and transfer to a bowl, allowing it to cool completely to room temperature.
  5. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and slice into precise 3-inch (7.5 centimeters) squares using a sharp knife.
  6. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a lightly beaten large egg until well incorporated.
  7. Place a generous tablespoon of the spinach-cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
  8. Carefully fold the pastry corners toward the center, pinching the edges to create a secure seal and prevent filling from leaking.
  9. Whisk an additional egg yolk and delicately brush the surface of each pastry to ensure a rich, golden-brown finish.
  10. Arrange the filled pastries on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each puff for even cooking.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, watching for a puffy, golden-brown exterior and crisp texture.
  12. Remove from the oven and let the spinach puffs rest for 5-7 minutes to stabilize their structure before serving with a complementary dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Sneak extra veggies into these crispy, cheesy pockets without anyone noticing their hidden nutritional punch.
  • Perfect for sneaking spinach past picky eaters or impressing guests at casual gatherings.
  • Versatile appetizers that work beautifully as game day munchies, party finger foods, or quick afternoon snacks.
  • Make ahead and freeze unbaked puffs for spontaneous entertaining or busy weeknight meal solutions.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, reheating quickly in the oven to maintain their delightful crispness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking, Frying, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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