Crispy Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs Recipe

Flaky Golden Spinach & Cream Cheese Puffs Recipe

Golden, flaky pastry meets creamy spinach and tangy cream cheese in these irresistible cream cheese spinach puffs that promise to steal the show at any gathering.

Delicate puff pastry serves as the perfect canvas for a rich, savory filling bursting with vibrant green spinach and smooth cream cheese.

Each bite delivers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

These elegant appetizers come together with surprising ease, requiring minimal culinary skill.

The combination of crisp pastry and velvety filling creates a sophisticated snack that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Light, airy, and packed with robust flavors, these spinach puffs will elevate any menu from ordinary to extraordinary.

Grab a batch and watch them disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 to 35 minutes

Total Time: 40 to 50 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 13

Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs Ingredient Breakdown

For Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Flaky, pre-made wonder that creates an effortless golden-brown foundation for your savory bites.
For Filling Components:
  • Baby Spinach, Garlic: Vibrant green leaves packed with nutrients and aromatic cloves that create a robust flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil: Silky liquid that helps sauté ingredients and adds a luxurious Mediterranean touch.
For Creamy and Cheesy Elements:
  • Cream Cheese, Mozzarella: Velvety smooth cream cheese brings tangy richness while stretchy mozzarella delivers that irresistible melty pull.
For Binding and Finishing:
  • Egg, Egg Yolk: Magical binding agent that holds ingredients together and creates a gorgeous golden-brown sheen.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Tiny flavor enhancers that elevate and balance the entire dish's taste sensation.

Tools You’ll Need for Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs

  • Baking Tray: Lined with parchment paper for easy baking and clean-up.
  • Large Pan: Used for sautéing spinach and garlic.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining spinach, cheeses, and egg.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting puff pastry into precise squares.
  • Measuring Spoons: Great for adding the right amount of salt and pepper.
  • Pastry Brush: Helps apply egg yolk for that beautiful golden shine.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring and mixing ingredients.

Instructions for Making Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs

  • Oven Preparation

Warm the oven to create a perfect golden environment for your delicious pastry treats. Cover a baking tray with parchment to ensure smooth removal.

  • Spinach Transformation

Awaken the spinach with gentle heat, releasing its vibrant green flavor. Soften garlic in a dance of olive oil, then introduce spinach with a whisper of seasoning. Let the leaves relax and surrender their moisture.

  • Pastry Canvas

Transform the puff pastry into delicate squares, choosing between generous or petite portions that suit your gathering’s mood.

  • Flavor Fusion

Blend the cooled spinach with creamy companions – soft cream cheese and melty mozzarella. Introduce an egg to bind these ingredients into a harmonious mixture, seasoning with a playful touch of salt and pepper.

  • Pocket Creation

Carefully nestle the spinach-cheese blend into each pastry square. Fold the corners with precision, creating elegant little packages that seal in all the deliciousness.

  • Golden Finish

Brush each puff with a luxurious egg yolk glaze, promising a shimmering, sun-kissed exterior.

  • Baking Magic

Slide the tray into the heated oven, allowing 25-35 minutes of transformative heat to turn these humble ingredients into crispy, puffy delights.

Spinach Puff Tips and Tweaks for Better Results

  • Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheeses like feta, ricotta, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles that complement the spinach perfectly.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the puffs up to the assembly stage, then freeze them unbaked. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time for a quick and convenient appetizer.
  • Herbal Flavor Boost: Enhance the filling by mixing in fresh herbs like chopped dill, basil, or thyme. These aromatic additions will elevate the taste and add a vibrant touch to your spinach puffs.
  • Veggie Variation Twist: Expand the filling by incorporating other sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted bell peppers for extra texture and depth of flavor.
  • Dipping Sauce Delight: Serve these puffs with complementary dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, marinara, or tzatziki to add an extra layer of deliciousness and make the appetizer even more irresistible.

Serving Up Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these crispy spinach puffs on a beautiful wooden board with fresh herb sprigs and create an elegant appetizer spread that'll wow your guests at any gathering.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve alongside cool tzatziki, tangy marinara sauce, or zesty garlic aioli to add extra flavor dimensions that complement the creamy cheese and spinach filling.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Pair these puffs with a light mixed green salad and fresh fruit for a sophisticated weekend brunch that feels both indulgent and nutritious, perfect for impressing family and friends.
  • Meal Companion Magic: These versatile puffs work wonderfully as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or can be a standalone vegetarian option that satisfies both kids and adults with their cheesy, flaky goodness.

Storing and Reheating Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs

  • Quick Chill Technique: Let the spinach mixture cool completely before adding to pastry to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain crisp texture.
  • Fridge Storage Magic: Keep uncooked puffs in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flexible meal preparation schedules.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Stack unbaked puffs between parchment paper layers in a sealed container, which can stay frozen for 3 weeks – perfect for advance meal planning.
  • Reheat Revival Trick: Warm refrigerated or frozen puffs directly in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore original crispiness and fresh-baked taste, avoiding microwave to maintain pastry's delicate texture.
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Crispy Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs Recipe

Crispy Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 to 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Flaky pastry shells cradle a delightful cream cheese spinach puffs filling that blends tangy cream cheese with earthy spinach. Elegant appetizers promise a delectable start to any gathering, inviting guests to savor each crisp, herb-infused bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
  • 7 oz (198 g) baby spinach
  • ½ cup (50 g) mozzarella cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
  • Pinches of salt
  • Pinches of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for effortless release.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, gently sweating minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately two minutes.
  3. Spinach Wilting: Introduce fresh spinach to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir until leaves collapse and release moisture, then transfer to a cooling plate.
  4. Pastry Preparation: Unfurl puff pastry and slice into six generously sized or twelve petite squares, depending on desired portion size.
  5. Filling Creation: Combine cooled spinach with cream cheese, mozzarella, and egg in a mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly until ingredients meld seamlessly, creating a cohesive and flavorful mixture.
  6. Assembly and Sealing: Distribute spinach-cheese filling across pastry squares, elegantly folding opposing corners toward the center to create sealed, triangular parcels that securely contain the vibrant filling.
  7. Finishing and Baking: Brush pastry parcels with egg yolk for a lustrous finish, then position on prepared baking tray. Bake in preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until puffs rise dramatically and achieve a golden, crisp exterior.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking: Line baking tray with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
  • Garlic Technique: Soften garlic gently without browning to maintain a delicate, sweet flavor profile.
  • Spinach Wilting: Cook spinach just until wilted to preserve nutrients and prevent soggy texture.
  • Pastry Handling: Work with cold puff pastry and avoid overworking to maintain flaky, light texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 to 35 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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