When I first tried making cream cheese spinach puffs, I had no idea just how much of a hit they’d be! These little bundles of cheesy, flaky goodness quickly disappeared from the table before I could even grab a second helping.
They’re surprisingly easy to prepare, and the combination of creamy cheese, savory spinach, and buttery puff pastry is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, attending a potluck, or just craving a fun snack, these puffs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be a regular feature at your events, too!
What I love most about these? They’re as versatile as they are delicious. You can adjust their flavors to fit your preferences, and they still come out perfectly golden and puffed every time. Plus, they only need a handful of ingredients, making them as simple as they are satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Each bite of these cream cheese spinach puffs is a little moment of joy. Here’s why these are bound to become a go-to recipe for you!
1. Quick and Easy Preparation
With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for moments when you’re short on time but still want something impressive. The steps are simple and beginner-friendly, making it accessible even if cooking isn’t your biggest strength!
2. Bursting with Flavor
The creamy richness of cream cheese, the salty tang of feta, and the subtle smokiness of bacon come together beautifully. Mixed with the fresh, herbaceous notes of dill and spinach, every bite is a carefully crafted flavor explosion.
3. Customizable to Your Preferences
Whether you want to enhance the flavor with spices, make them vegetarian, or switch up the cheese, there are endless ways to customize these puffs. They adapt beautifully to suit your tastes!
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
These puffs are ideal as appetizers at parties, finger food for family game nights, or just an indulgent snack for yourself. Their versatility and portability make them a great addition to any event.
5. Golden Crispiness
That flaky, golden-brown crust wrapped around a creamy center is unbeatable! The puff pastry creates just the right crisp texture to complement the soft filling.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long you’ll need to create these delectable puffs:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Cream cheese
- Egg
- Olive oil
- Dried dill
- Fresh spinach
- Feta cheese
- Bacon bits
- Salt and pepper
- Puff pastry
- Butter
Variations
If you like adding your creative twist to recipes, try these variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon bits or replace them with diced mushrooms or bell peppers for a plant-based alternative.
- Cheese Swaps: Use ricotta, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese for a different taste.
- Seasoning Options: Add a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or even chili flakes for a slight kick.
- Citrus Zest: Brighten the flavors with a little lemon zest mixed into the filling.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s what’s needed to make the process smooth and easy:
- Muffin Pan: To shape and bake the puffs.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients.
- Fork: To mix the filling ingredients evenly.
- Butter Brush: To add a buttery glaze before baking.
- Knife: To loosen up the puff pastries after baking.
How to Make Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs?
Making these delightful puffs is simpler than you think! Follow these easy steps:
Prepare the Muffin Pan
Spray 9 cups of a muffin pan with cooking spray to ensure the puffs don’t stick.
Mix the Cream Cheese Mixture
Microwave the cream cheese for 10 seconds at a time until it softens. Stir in the egg, olive oil, and dried dill until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the base of the filling.
Combine the Filling
In a separate bowl, toss together your fresh spinach, crumbled feta, and bacon bits. Pour the cream cheese mixture over it, season with salt and pepper, and mix well with a fork for a balanced filling.
Prepare the Puff Pastry
Cut your thawed puff pastry sheet into 9 equal squares. Gently press these into the muffin cups, stretching lightly if needed to fit the bottom and sides.
Fill and Shape
Spoon equal amounts of the spinach filling into each pastry cup. Bring the four corners of the puff pastry squares together over the filling and pinch them gently to seal. Brush the tops with melted butter for added golden crispiness.
Bake to Perfection
Bake at 400°F for approximately 20 minutes. Once they’re golden brown and puffed, allow them to cool for 10 minutes before running a knife around the edges to loosen them out. Serve warm!
Tip: Watching the pastries puff up in the oven is an extra treat!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Drain Your Spinach: If using frozen spinach, ensure you squeeze out the excess water. This prevents soggy pastry bottoms!
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Brushing the puffs with melted butter before baking enhances their golden color and crispness.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to adjust seasonings or mix-ins like garlic, chili flakes, or other cheeses to make the recipe your own.
- Thaw the Puff Pastry Properly: Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold when handled. This makes it easier to shape without tearing.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs?
Presentation is key when serving these appetizing puffs! Place them on a decorative platter garnished with fresh parsley or dill. For a gourmet touch, you can drizzle a slight dash of balsamic glaze over them. They pair perfectly with a light dipping sauce like garlic aioli or herbed yogurt.
For more formal events, consider serving them alongside a charcuterie board filled with fruits, nuts, and artisan cheeses for a balanced spread.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an overview of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 265
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fat: 21 g
(Note, this is an approximation.)
Make Ahead and Storage
These puffs are great for preparing in advance! Here’s how you can manage that:
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the filling or fully assemble the unbaked puffs up to 3 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until it’s time to bake.
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the baked puffs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for 5-7 minutes to retain their crisp texture.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the unbaked puffs. Once assembled, place them in the freezer for a couple of hours until firm. Transfer them into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. To bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy these cream cheese spinach puffs fresh out of the oven or make them in advance for a stress-free gathering. Either way, they’ll be a hit!
Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs Recipe
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Egg
- Olive oil
- Dried dill
- Fresh spinach
- Feta cheese
- Bacon bits
- Salt and pepper
- Puff pastry
- Butter
Instructions
- Spray 9 cups of a muffin pan with cooking spray to ensure the puffs don’t stick.
- Microwave the cream cheese for 10 seconds at a time until it softens. Stir in the egg, olive oil, and dried dill until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the base of the filling.
- In a separate bowl, toss together your fresh spinach, crumbled feta, and bacon bits. Pour the cream cheese mixture over it, season with salt and pepper, and mix well with a fork for a balanced filling.
- Cut your thawed puff pastry sheet into 9 equal squares. Gently press these into the muffin cups, stretching lightly if needed to fit the bottom and sides.
- Spoon equal amounts of the spinach filling into each pastry cup. Bring the four corners of the puff pastry squares together over the filling and pinch them gently to seal. Brush the tops with melted butter for added golden crispiness.
- Bake at 400°F for approximately 20 minutes. Once they’re golden brown and puffed, allow them to cool for 10 minutes before running a knife around the edges to loosen them out. Serve warm!
Notes
- Drain Your Spinach: If using frozen spinach, ensure you squeeze out the excess water. This prevents soggy pastry bottoms!
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Brushing the puffs with melted butter before baking enhances their golden color and crispness.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to adjust seasonings or mix-ins like garlic, chili flakes, or other cheeses to make the recipe your own.
- Thaw the Puff Pastry Properly: Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold when handled. This makes it easier to shape without tearing.
