These Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese are a savory, flaky, and delightful snack or appetizer. Packed with creamy spinach and cheese wrapped in golden puff pastry, they are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or even a cozy evening at home. Not only are they delicious, but they also provide a fantastic way to enjoy spinach in a fun and tasty form.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 package (17 oz) frozen puff pastry (thawed)

• 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Prepare the spinach filling:

   • Squeeze out the excess moisture from the thawed spinach using a fine mesh sieve or a clean kitchen towel.

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until fully combined.

3. Prepare the puff pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheets. If using large sheets, cut them into 4×4-inch squares. If smaller, cut them in half for better-sized puffs.

4. Fill and seal the puffs:

   • Place a spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each square.

   • Fold the pastry into a triangle and press the edges with a fork to seal them tightly.

5. Apply the egg wash: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the mixture onto the top of each puff for a golden finish.

6. Bake:

   • Transfer the puffs to the baking sheet, leaving space between them.

   • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.

7. Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving warm.

Nutrients

• Calories: 180

• Sugar: 1g

• Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Fiber: 1g

• Protein: 5g

Why You’ll Love Spinach Puffs

One of the best things about Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese is their versatility. These little pockets of deliciousness can be served in many different settings, from casual get-togethers to more formal parties. They make for an excellent appetizer or snack, and can even be enjoyed as part of a light meal. The puff pastry provides a wonderfully crispy exterior, while the creamy spinach filling inside adds a soft and flavorful contrast. The combination of textures makes them highly satisfying, and they’re easy to pick up and eat, making them perfect finger food.

Not only are these spinach puffs flavorful, but they are also a great way to sneak more greens into your diet. The spinach filling gives you a nutritious boost of vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and fiber. Combined with the creamy texture of cream cheese and the melty mozzarella cheese, you get a delicious and satisfying snack that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health. The addition of garlic and onion powder elevates the flavor, making each bite a savory delight.

An Easy and Quick Recipe

Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese are surprisingly simple to prepare, even for beginners in the kitchen. By using frozen puff pastry, the most time-consuming part of the recipe is already taken care of, so you can focus on making the filling and assembling the puffs. The filling, which includes thawed spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and spices, comes together in a matter of minutes. Once the puff pastry is filled and sealed, the puffs only need a quick egg wash and 20-25 minutes in the oven to become perfectly golden and crispy.

This makes them an ideal choice for a last-minute snack or appetizer, as you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. The process is quick and straightforward, and the result is a batch of warm, flaky, and flavorful puffs that everyone will enjoy.

Perfect for Various Occasions

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, having a cozy night in, or attending a party, Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese can easily fit into a variety of occasions. For holiday parties, they provide a festive touch with their golden, puffy appearance and rich flavors. Their bite-sized format makes them easy for guests to enjoy without needing utensils, which is perfect for a casual gathering or buffet-style meal. They also pair well with other appetizers, such as dips, cheeses, and crackers, allowing you to create a diverse spread of delicious options for your guests.

For family gatherings or casual get-togethers, these puffs are a great way to satisfy hunger between meals. Their small, handheld size makes them a convenient option for both kids and adults, and the spinach filling can be a sneaky way to encourage children to eat more vegetables. You can even customize the recipe by adding other ingredients to the filling, such as mushrooms, artichokes, or even sun-dried tomatoes, to make them your own.

A Nutritious and Flavorful Filling

The star of the Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese is undoubtedly the filling. The mixture of spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese creates a creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavor that complements the crispy puff pastry beautifully. Spinach, a leafy green that is rich in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants, is the perfect base for the filling. While spinach is often considered a “superfood,” its slightly bitter taste is mellowed out by the richness of the cream cheese, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Mozzarella cheese adds a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel of the puffs. The garlic powder and onion powder round out the flavor profile, giving the filling an aromatic and savory depth. These simple yet flavorful ingredients work together to create a filling that’s not only tasty but also nutritious, making these puffs a satisfying snack that you can feel good about eating.

Making the Puffs Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free

While the original recipe for Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese uses puff pastry and dairy-based cream cheese and mozzarella, there are simple substitutions you can make if you need a gluten-free or dairy-free version of the dish. To make the recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the regular puff pastry with a gluten-free puff pastry, which is widely available in most grocery stores. Additionally, if you are following a dairy-free diet, you can replace the cream cheese and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives that have similar textures and flavors. Many brands offer dairy-free cream cheese and vegan mozzarella, allowing you to enjoy this delicious snack without the dairy.

By making these adjustments, you can easily adapt the Spinach Puffs to meet your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. These substitutions make the dish more inclusive and allow everyone to enjoy the flavors of spinach puffs, regardless of their dietary preferences.

Serving and Storing Spinach Puffs

Once the Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese are baked to perfection, they are best enjoyed warm from the oven. The crispy pastry and creamy filling make for a comforting and satisfying snack or appetizer. To serve, arrange the puffs on a platter or in a serving dish for a beautiful presentation. You can pair them with a variety of sauces or dips, such as a tangy tomato chutney, a creamy garlic aioli, or a zesty yogurt dip, depending on your preferences.

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat them, simply place them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave them, though the texture may not be as crispy as when freshly baked. For longer storage, the spinach puffs can also be frozen and reheated later, making them an excellent option for meal prep or make-ahead appetizers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese are a delightful and versatile snack or appetizer that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With their flaky, golden puff pastry and creamy spinach filling, these puffs are both comforting and satisfying. They offer a great way to enjoy spinach in a fun and flavorful form, while also being adaptable to various dietary needs. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, enjoying them as a light snack, or packing them in your lunchbox, Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese are a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy spinach and cheese in a crispy pastry shell is simply irresistible, making these puffs a guaranteed hit wherever you serve them.