Warm, savory, and wonderfully flaky – these Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are guaranteed to be a hit! Imagine a golden-brown puff pastry encasing a rich, creamy, and flavorful spinach and cheese filling.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for last-minute gatherings or as a satisfying snack. Get ready to impress with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs
These delightful savory pastries offer so much to love, especially for busy home cooks and beginners. You’ll quickly see why they become a staple in your recipe rotation.
- Flaky Puff Pastry Exterior: Every bite delivers that irresistible crispness from golden, baked puff pastry.
- Creamy, Cheesy Spinach Filling: The center is a luscious blend of softened cream cheese, savory spinach, and tangy feta.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With pre-made puff pastry, assembly is a breeze, making it ideal for impromptu occasions.
- Crowd-Plasing Appetizer: These Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs disappear fast at parties, potlucks, and family dinners.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve them for brunch, as an appetizer, or alongside a light meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly Options: You can prepare components in advance or even freeze them for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of irresistible Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped and packed
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons bacon bits
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Notes & Substitutions
- Feel free to customize these creamy spinach bites to suit your preferences! You can easily adjust the cheese types; try ricotta or grated Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Swap out the bacon bits for diced cooked ham or even a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts if you prefer.
- Both dried dill and fresh dill (use 1 ½ teaspoons) work wonderfully, so use what you have on hand.
- If using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out all excess water thoroughly to prevent a soggy filling. Always season the mixture to your personal taste before baking.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to create these fantastic cream cheese spinach puffs.
- Standard muffin pan (12-cup)
- Two mixing bowls (small & medium)
- Whisk or fork
- Sharp knife or pastry cutter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spray
- Pastry brush (optional, but helpful for butter)
Instructions For Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs
Creating these delicious Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs is straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare Muffin Pan: First, generously spray 9 cups in your standard muffin pan with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Combine Cream Cheese Mixture: Microwave your cream cheese in a small bowl for 10 seconds at a time until it’s soft and melted but not steaming. This ensures a smooth base. Add the large egg, olive oil, and dried dill to the softened cream cheese. Whisk or use a fork to mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Prepare Spinach Filling: In a separate medium bowl, combine the chopped fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and bacon bits. Pour the cream cheese mixture directly over the spinach and feta. Season generously with salt and black pepper to your liking. Use a fork to mix and combine everything together until the spinach is fully coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed. This forms the heart of your Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the pastry sheet into nine even squares. You might need to gently stretch the pastry a little.
- Assemble Puffs: Line each prepared muffin cup with one of the pastry squares. Press the pastry gently into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cups, creating a small well. Evenly divide the flavorful spinach mixture among the nine pastry-lined cups. Gather the four corners of each pastry square and bring them together over the filling, pinching them tightly in the center to seal. Lightly brush the tops of the assembled cream cheese spinach puffs with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake Puffs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, place the muffin pan into the oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully golden brown and visibly puffy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle. Then, use a small knife around the edges to loosen them. Carefully remove each puff from the muffin pan and serve warm.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs is easy with a few insider tips. Keep these in mind for optimal results.
- Thaw Puff Pastry Completely: Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold. This is key for it to puff up beautifully and prevent tearing during handling. For best results, it’s recommended to thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- Squeeze Spinach Dry: If using frozen spinach, squeeze out every last drop of moisture. Excess water is the enemy of a crisp pastry bottom.
- Don’t Overfill: Fill each pastry cup just enough. Overfilling can lead to spillage in the oven and messy results.
- Seal Pastry Tightly: When bringing the pastry corners together, pinch them firmly to create a good seal. This keeps the creamy filling securely inside.
- Golden Brown Crust: Watch your puffs closely during the last few minutes of baking. You want them to be a rich golden brown for maximum flakiness and flavor.
- Troubleshooting: Pastry Not Puffing? Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and the pastry was thawed correctly. A cold oven or under-thawed pastry can inhibit puffing.
- Troubleshooting: Filling Too Runny? This usually means the spinach wasn’t drained enough. Next time, squeeze it even drier.
Common Mistakes
- Using cold cream cheese: This makes it lumpy and hard to incorporate smoothly into the egg mixture.
- Not draining spinach enough: Leads to a watery filling and a soggy pastry base.
- Overworking the puff pastry dough: Handle it gently; too much manipulation can prevent it from puffing properly.
- Opening oven door too early: Avoid this, especially during the first 15 minutes, as it can cause the pastry to deflate.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are incredibly versatile and easy to adapt for any occasion. They’re delicious on their own or as part of a larger spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these savory puffs warm, fresh from the oven, as a delightful appetizer. They also make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread or a light lunch. Pair them with a simple fresh green salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Make Ahead
You can prepare the spinach and cream cheese filling 1-2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Assemble the puffs up to 3 hours before baking; keep them covered loosely in the fridge until ready to bake.
Storage
For food safety, cream-filled pastries like these should be refrigerated for storage and are typically safe for up to 3 days. Refrigerate any leftover cooked puffs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cooked
Once completely cooled, freeze the baked Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave briefly until warmed through.
Freezing Uncooked
Assemble the puffs as directed, but do not bake or brush with butter. Freeze them in the muffin tin until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, brushing with butter halfway through.
Variations
- Add other vegetables: Incorporate finely diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or caramelized onions into the filling for extra flavor.
- Spice it up: A pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes adds a nice kick to the creamy spinach mixture.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like shredded mozzarella, crumbled goat cheese, or a sharp cheddar for different taste profiles.
- Herbs: Fresh chives, parsley, or oregano can enhance the herbaceous notes.
- Mini Puffs: Cut the puff pastry into smaller squares (e.g., 16 squares) and bake in mini muffin tins; adjust baking time accordingly.
- Phyllo Cups: For an even quicker option, use pre-made phyllo shells and simply fill and bake.
Nutrition
Understanding the approximate nutritional values per puff can help you make informed dietary choices. Please remember these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 265 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 52 mg |
| Sodium | 286 mg |
| Potassium | 91 mg |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 920 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1.9 mg |
| Calcium | 87 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid a watery filling.
How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
The key is to thoroughly drain your spinach and ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature so the pastry bakes quickly.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, if you can find gluten-free puff pastry, these can easily be adapted. Follow the package directions for handling.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the crispiest results, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. Microwaving is faster but may result in a softer pastry.
Conclusion
These delightful Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are truly a testament to how simple ingredients and minimal effort can create something incredibly satisfying. With their flaky crust and creamy, savory filling, they are perfect for busy parents and beginners looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch for your next gathering or simply to enjoy as a delicious treat. We encourage you to try this easy recipe today! Share your creations and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite.
Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray 9 cups of a standard muffin pan with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, microwave cream cheese intermittently until softened but not hot. Add egg, olive oil, and dried dill; whisk until smooth.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and bacon bits. Pour the cream cheese mixture over and season with salt and pepper. Mix until evenly coated.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold thawed puff pastry sheet and cut into nine equal squares.
- Press each pastry square into a prepared muffin cup. Divide spinach‑filling among the nine cups. Pinch the four corners of each square together over the filling, and brush the tops with melted butter.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove each puff and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- Feel free to swap feta for ricotta or Parmesan, replace bacon bits with diced cooked ham or pine nuts, or use a dairy‑free cream cheese alternative.
- Make‑ahead friendly: assemble in advance or freeze before baking.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Looking for more comfort recipe like this? Come hang out with me over on Facebook and Pinterest where I drop new recipes, family favorites, and quick how-to guides almost every day.
