If you’re searching for an appetizer that thrills every crowd and absolutely disappears at parties, let me share one of my top go-to recipes: Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious. Imagine crisp, buttery puff pastry hugging a warm, creamy center bursting with spinach and melty cheese, all golden-baked to perfection. These charming bites are a breeze to whip up, yet always feel special—whether you’re hosting friends, need a holiday snack, or just want a little comfort food magic in your afternoon! I promise, every bite is a tiny parcel of joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious is honestly in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, building wonderful layers of texture and flavor. Don’t skip the little details; they’re what transform these from ordinary to unforgettable!
- Puff pastry (17 oz, thawed): This is your golden, flaky base—let it thaw just enough to handle easily.
- Frozen spinach (1 cup, thawed and drained): Packed with color and nutrients, make sure to squeeze out all that extra moisture for the creamiest filling.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret to that irresistibly rich and smooth center.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melty, stretchy goodness that adds another layer of cheesiness.
- Garlic powder (1/4 tsp): Just a pinch brings out those savory notes—don’t be tempted to skip it!
- Onion powder (1/4 tsp): Rounds out the flavor and gives the filling its subtle depth.
- Olive oil or butter (1 tbsp): Either works perfectly for a touch of richness in the mixture.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushing this on gives your puffs that irresistible golden, glossy finish.
How to Make Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup a cinch, and ensures the puffs release effortlessly once baked. This small step sets the stage for pastry perfection!
Step 2: Mix Up the Spinach Filling
Grab your thawed spinach and, with clean hands, really squeeze out all the liquid—you want it dry for the creamiest center. In a mixing bowl, combine the well-drained spinach with cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter. Stir until it’s fully blended; the mixture should be rich, spoonable, and flecked with green. This is the flavor-packed heart of your Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious.
Step 3: Roll and Cut Your Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry to smooth the seams. Slice into even squares—it doesn’t have to be perfect! Each square will cradle a dollop of your savory filling, so aim for a size that you can easily fold and seal.
Step 4: Fill and Shape Your Puffs
Spoon a generous helping of the spinach-cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over to make little triangles (or rectangles, if you prefer), then press the edges with a fork to seal them shut. Not only does this help prevent leaks, but those fork marks also look positively homemade and charming.
Step 5: Top With Egg Wash
Beat the egg and use a pastry brush to add a light coat over the tops of your puffs. This simple step gives your Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious that gorgeous bakery-style sheen when baked. Don’t worry if some drips down the sides—that only encourages golden, crisp edges.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your puffs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each for puffing up. Slide them into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until gloriously golden and the pastry is puffed and crisp. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll know they’re ready when you see that irresistible flaky crust.
How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious
Garnishes
Top your warm Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, a pinch of fresh chopped parsley, or even a dusting of paprika for a pop of color. These little extras bring brightness and make your platter look especially inviting.
Side Dishes
I love to serve these puffs alongside a crisp, simple salad—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette—or pair with a creamy dip like ranch or herby yogurt. If you want to go the comfort food route, a bowl of tomato soup makes these into a dreamy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try stacking Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious on a tiered stand, mixing them with mini meatballs or other hand-held snacks. You can even tuck a little flag pick into each for a festive, easy way to serve guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, and quick snacks don’t get better than this—just make sure to let them cool to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these beauties! Lay the unbaked Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time—no need to thaw.
Reheating
To revive your puffs, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through. The oven keeps them crispy, while a microwave can make the pastry a bit soggy—so stick with the oven for best results.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then let it cool and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it into your filling. One cup of cooked, well-drained spinach will do the trick.
What other cheeses can I add to the filling?
The basic blend is creamy and mild, but feel free to add crumbled feta, sharp cheddar, or even a little Parmesan for an extra kick. Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious thrive on personalization!
Can I make these puffs gluten-free?
Yes! Seek out gluten-free puff pastry at specialty or health food stores. Follow the same filling and assembly instructions—just note that baking times may vary a bit depending on the brand.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to press the edges of the pastry firmly with a fork and avoid overfilling each square. A tight seal keeps all that delicious filling inside for the perfect cheesy bite.
Can I prep Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the puffs, cover them, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, or freeze them unbaked as described above. They’re an entertainer’s dream because you can serve them hot and fresh with zero last-minute stress.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious are true party lifesavers—easy to make, bursting with flavor, and irresistible to kids and adults alike. I hope you give them a try soon; they’re sure to become a regular staple in your kitchen whenever you want something fun, simple, and utterly scrumptious!
PrintCheesy Spinach Puffs: Easy & Delicious Recipe
These Cheesy Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. Filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, encased in flaky puff pastry, these puffs are baked to golden perfection for a delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 package (17 oz) puff pastry, thawed
Spinach Filling:
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Spinach Filling: Squeeze excess moisture from the spinach. Combine spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, and onion powder until well mixed.
- Assemble the Puffs: Roll out the puff pastry, cut into squares, spoon spinach mixture onto each square, fold into triangles, and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush over the puffs for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the puffs on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed.
Notes
- Make ahead: Prepare and freeze puffs, bake from frozen when needed.
- Customization: Enhance with feta, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Serving tips: Enjoy with a creamy dip or fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
