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. They are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual parties. Their flaky texture and savory filling make them a delightful addition to your appetizer menu.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these puffs in no time.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of spinach, cream cheese, and feta creates a rich and satisfying flavor that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Appetizer: Ideal for holidays or casual get-togethers, these puffs fit right in at any celebration.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the puffs just before baking for maximum freshness.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: These Spinach Puffs cater to those looking for tasty vegetarian options that don’t compromise on flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious Spinach Puffs, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Medium skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cooking spray
- Knife & cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: This is crucial for shaping the puff pastry into perfect cups that hold the filling.
- Medium skillet: Ideal for sautéing onions and garlic evenly, enhancing their flavors before mixing them with other ingredients.
- Rolling pin: Helps you roll out the puff pastry uniformly so it cooks evenly in the oven.
Ingredients
For these tasty Spinach Puffs, gather the following ingredients:
Puff Pastry Cups
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1/3 c. onion, finely chopped
- Kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs, divided
Spinach Filling
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 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: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and season with salt. Cook while stirring occasionally until softened for about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, stir together cream cheese and one egg until smooth. Then add in the sautéed garlic-onion mixture along with spinach, feta, dill, lemon zest; season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble Puff Pastry Cups
Grease 9 cups of a muffin tin with cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry sheet into a square about 12 inches long. Cut into 9 smaller squares (each about 4 inches wide). Place each square into greased muffin cups allowing corners to hang over sides. Fill each cup with about 2½ tablespoons of filling. Fold corners of pastry to meet in center over filling; pinch together. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat Oven
Adjust an oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 400°F.
Step 5: Egg Wash
Beat remaining egg in a small bowl with one teaspoon water; brush on top of chilled pastry.
Step 6: Bake
Bake until puffed and golden brown on the bottom (about 25 minutes). Allow to cool slightly before lifting out of muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy your homemade Spinach Puffs! They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
How to Serve Spinach Puffs
Spinach puffs are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy family meal, these puffs will surely impress your guests.
As a Party Appetizer
- Serve them warm straight from the oven for a delightful starter.
- Pair with a variety of dipping sauces like yogurt dip or spicy harissa for added flavor.
With a Salad
- Complement spinach puffs with a light green salad. The freshness balances the richness of the pastry.
- Try a lemon vinaigrette to enhance the flavors.
On a Platter
- Arrange spinach puffs on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
- Include cheese and olives for an elegant touch.
As Part of a Buffet
- Place spinach puffs alongside other finger foods for a buffet spread that caters to all tastes.
- Mix with items like stuffed mushrooms and veggie platters for variety.
How to Perfect Spinach Puffs
To achieve the best spinach puffs, keep these tips in mind. They will help ensure your appetizers are crispy, flavorful, and visually appealing.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables elevate the taste significantly compared to pre-packaged options.
- Don’t overfill: Keep the filling amount moderate to prevent spillage and ensure even cooking.
- Chill before baking: Refrigerating the filled pastry cups helps maintain their shape while baking.
- Brush with egg wash: A light egg wash gives your spinach puffs a beautiful golden color and crispy texture.
- Bake at the right temperature: Preheating your oven to 400° ensures even cooking and puffing.
Best Side Dishes for Spinach Puffs
When serving spinach puffs, consider pairing them with these delicious side dishes. They will complement the flavors and add variety to your meal.
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette enhances freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil and roast until caramelized for a sweet contrast.
- Hummus Platter: Serve various hummus flavors alongside fresh veggies for dipping, adding color and nutrition.
- Cheese Board: Assemble assorted cheeses with nuts and fruits for an elegant touch that pairs well with pastries.
- Stuffed Peppers: Mini bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice provide an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Lightly seasoned shrimp add protein, making the meal more filling while still being light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Spinach Puffs from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the thawing step: Always ensure your frozen spinach is properly thawed and squeezed dry. This prevents excess moisture that can make your puffs soggy.
- Not seasoning enough: Failing to season your filling adequately can lead to bland puffs. Taste your mixture before filling the pastry cups and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Overfilling the pastry cups: Adding too much filling can cause the pastry to burst during baking. Stick to about 2½ tablespoons of filling for each puff.
- Neglecting egg wash: Skipping the egg wash on top of the pastry will result in a dull finish. Brush with an egg mixture for a beautiful golden color once baked.
- Ignoring resting time: Refrigerating or freezing the filled pastry cups ensures they hold their shape better while baking. Don’t skip this step!
- Underestimating bake time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your puffs as they bake. They should be puffed and golden brown but not burnt.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Spinach Puffs in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Spinach Puffs
- Place fully cooled Spinach Puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 2 months.
Reheating Spinach Puffs
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This keeps them crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but note that they may lose some crispiness.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through, which helps retain texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Spinach Puffs:
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! You can use fresh spinach; just sauté it until wilted and ensure it’s well-drained before adding it to your filling.
How do I customize my Spinach Puffs?
Feel free to add ingredients like artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for variations.
How can I make these Spinach Puffs vegan?
Replace cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for binding.
How should I serve Spinach Puffs?
Spinach Puffs are great warm or at room temperature and make excellent appetizers for parties or gatherings.
Can I prepare Spinach Puffs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can fill the pastry cups ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Spinach Puffs are a delightful appetizer that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual get-together, these savory bites will impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite ingredients!
Spinach Puffs
Indulge in the delightful experience of our Spinach Puffs, a beloved appetizer that combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy spinach filling. These savory bites are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to casual get-togethers. Each puff is filled with a mixture of sautéed onions, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese, all encased in a golden, flaky shell that melts in your mouth. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they also offer a vegetarian-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Enjoy them warm straight from the oven or at room temperature for an unforgettable treat.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- Cooking spray
- All-purpose flour, for rolling puff pastry
- 1 sheet from 1 (17.3-oz) package puff pastry, thawed in the refrigerator
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and season with salt. Cook while stirring occasionally until softened for about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, stir together cream cheese and one egg until smooth. Then add in the sautéed garlic-onion mixture along with spinach, feta, dill, lemon zest; season with salt and pepper.
- Grease 9 cups of a muffin tin with cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry sheet into a square about 12 inches long. Cut into 9 smaller squares (each about 4 inches wide). Place each square into greased muffin cups allowing corners to hang over sides. Fill each cup with about 2½ tablespoons of filling. Fold corners of pastry to meet in center over filling; pinch together. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes.
- Adjust an oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 400°F.
- Beat remaining egg in a small bowl with one teaspoon water; brush on top of chilled pastry.
- Bake until puffed and golden brown on the bottom (about 25 minutes). Allow to cool slightly before lifting out of muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: For added flavor variation, consider mixing in artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes. You can use fresh spinach instead of frozen; just ensure it’s well-drained after cooking.