Cheesy Spinach Puffs

Looking for a way to elevate your appetizers or need a fun, easy snack that looks fancy but is totally doable? These Cheesy Spinach Puffs are the answer! Picture this: golden, flaky pastry filled with creamy spinach and gooey cheese—perfect for any gathering or an afternoon treat. Plus, they come together in a snap using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand!

If puff pastry and cheesy goodness sound irresistible, keep reading because I’ve got all the tips to make these your new go-to. Trust me—they’ll disappear in minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients like spinach, cheese, and puff pastry. Easy to find, easy to use.
Customizable: Want to swap out the cheese or sneak in more veggies? No problem! These puff pastries are flexible, and so are you!
Impressive But Easy: Using store-bought puff pastry makes these look gourmet without any of the stress.
Great for Entertaining: These puffs are perfectly bite-sized, making them a crowd favorite at parties and family gatherings.

Ingredients Breakdown

Essentials

Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry is a total timesaver here. I recommend using all-butter sheets for the flakiest results!
Fresh Spinach: You’ll need about 4 cups of fresh spinach, which cooks down a lot! If you only have frozen on hand, check the pro tips below.
Cream Cheese: You want it nice and soft to make mixing a breeze. If you forget to soften it, a quick run in the microwave for 10 seconds works wonders!
Cheddar or Mozzarella: Either will work beautifully. Cheddar adds a sharp tang, while mozzarella brings that irresistible meltiness.
Garlic: Fresh is always best, but feel free to substitute with garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
Egg Yolk: This gives the pastries that gorgeous golden top after baking.

Pro Tips

Frozen Spinach Substitute: If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out all excess water before mixing it with the cheese. No one wants soggy puffs!
The Cheese Factor: For an even cheesier result, feel free to add some parmesan or Swiss cheese into the filling. Get creative with your cheese choices!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. While that heats up, take your puff pastry out of the fridge (or freezer, if frozen) and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to work with.

Step 2: Cook the Spinach

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in your fresh spinach and cook until wilted—this will only take about 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar or mozzarella, and cooked spinach. Stir until everything is well combined, and taste for seasoning. Need more salt? Add a small sprinkle.

Step 4: Assemble the Puffs

Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and use a knife to cut it into 12 equal squares. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the spinach mixture into the center of each square. Fold the corners together and pinch to seal. Place them on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Brush & Bake

Beat one egg yolk with a tablespoon of water and brush the tops of the puffs. This will give them that gorgeous golden glow. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

Don’t Overload: As tempted as you may be to pack in extra filling, resist! Too much filling can cause the puffs to rupture and leak out during baking.
Crispiness Booster: For extra crispy pastry, chill the filled puffs in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking. This keeps the pastry cold, which equals maximum puffiness!

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

Spice It Up: Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños into the filling for that extra kick.
Vegan Option: Use vegan puff pastry (many store-bought ones are naturally vegan!) and swap in dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese.
Pairings: Serve these with a light side dip like marinara or a lemony aioli. These go great alongside a fresh salad or even a bowl of soup!

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the puffs a few hours ahead and pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Can I freeze these? Absolutely! Assemble and freeze them unbaked. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple more minutes to the baking time.
How do I store leftovers? They’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven until they crisp back up.

Printable Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Servings: 12 puffs

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 10oz frozen, thawed, and drained)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1 egg yolk, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Sauté the spinach and garlic in a skillet until wilted. Set aside to cool.
Mix the cooled spinach, cream cheese, cheddar, salt, and pepper.
Cut the puff pastry into 12 squares. Place filling in the center of each, fold, and seal.
Brush with egg yolk and bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden.

And there you have it! These Cheesy Spinach Puffs are a quick win in the kitchen, bringing restaurant-level flavor right to your table. I’d love to hear how they turn out—be sure to leave a comment or tag me in your creations on social media! Looking for more easy appetizers? Happy cooking!