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
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray to prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- 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.
- Remove the spinach mixture from heat and transfer to a bowl, allowing it to cool completely to room temperature.
- 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.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a lightly beaten large egg until well incorporated.
- Place a generous tablespoon of the spinach-cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Carefully fold the pastry corners toward the center, pinching the edges to create a secure seal and prevent filling from leaking.
- Whisk an additional egg yolk and delicately brush the surface of each pastry to ensure a rich, golden-brown finish.
- Arrange the filled pastries on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each puff for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, watching for a puffy, golden-brown exterior and crisp texture.
- 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