Delicious Spinach Puffs Recipe for Every Occasion

Ella
Ella
Hi, I'm Ella- the voice and heart behind YummyHorizon. I believe that every dish tells a story, and through this blog, I share recipes inspired by...
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Spinach puffs are the ultimate bite-sized delight you didn’t know you were craving. With their golden, flaky exterior and savory, cheesy spinach filling, these irresistible treats are perfect for parties, snack cravings, or even a gourmet appetizer. Ready to find out why everyone’s obsessed with them? Keep reading—you won’t want to miss this recipe.

This comforting appetizer recipe brings together American flavors with a buttery European twist.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serving Size: 1 plate

Description

Golden, flaky, and irresistibly savory, spinach puffs are the appetizer dreams are made of. Imagine biting into a crisp, buttery pastry that gives way to a rich and creamy spinach and cheese filling—comforting like a warm hug on a cool evening. Perfectly balanced with a touch of garlic and a hint of heat, each puff is a little parcel bursting with flavor.

These bite-sized treats steal the spotlight at any gathering, whether served at a holiday dinner, brunch party, or laid-back movie night. Earthy spinach combines with smooth cream cheese, flavorful shallots, and a touch of nutmeg to create a filling that is both sophisticated and crowd-pleasing. Wrapped in golden puff pastry that shatters with every bite, spinach puffs are a timeless classic with just enough flair to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spinach puffs are the perfect combination of elegance and ease. Using store-bought puff pastry cuts down on prep time while still delivering bakery-style taste and texture. The filling comes together quickly and can be adapted with the cheeses or seasonings you have on hand. Whether you are hosting a party or planning a weekend snack, this recipe fits effortlessly into your schedule.

Not only do spinach puffs taste amazing, but they are also freezer-friendly and easy to reheat, making them a smart choice for meal prep or entertaining. Their versatile, hand-held appeal makes them a hit with kids and adults alike.

Serving and Storage Tips

Spinach puffs are best served warm fresh out of the oven when the pastry is crisp and the filling is creamy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

You can also freeze them either before or after baking. Freeze unbaked puffs on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the baking time. To freeze after baking, let them cool completely, then reheat in the oven as needed.

Course, Cuisine, Keywords

Appetizer, American, spinach, puff pastry, party food, vegetarian appetizer

Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 2 puffs

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach chopped
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 egg beaten for egg wash

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Pastry brush
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Fork

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the chopped shallot. Cook for 2 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and stir for another 30 seconds just until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic—it can turn bitter fast.
  3. Cook Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until completely wilted—about 3 to 4 minutes. Once everything is soft and bright green, transfer it to a plate and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the cream cheese later.
  4. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, stir together cream cheese, one egg, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Once smooth, fold in the cooled spinach mixture. The consistency should be thick and creamy—perfect for spooning.
  5. Roll and Cut Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry into a 12-inch square. Try to work quickly so the dough stays cold. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the square evenly into 12 small squares.
  6. Fill and Fold: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center of each square. Fold each into a triangle and press the edges together firmly with a fork. This step is fun to do with kids around—just make sure the seams are sealed nicely so the filling does not ooze out during baking.
  7. Egg Wash: Place the filled triangles onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to coat each one with the beaten egg. This gives them that irresistible deep golden color and sheen.
  8. Bake: Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The puffs will rise beautifully and turn golden brown. I always rotate my tray halfway through to make sure they bake evenly.
  9. Cool Slightly: Let the puffs cool for about 5 minutes before serving—though I won’t judge if you sneak one early!

Nutrition per serving

Calories 320
Protein 25g
Carbohydrates 3g
Fat 22g
Sugar 0g
Fiber 0g
Sodium 580mg

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What type of Parmesan works best?

Use real Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese will not melt evenly and lacks flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

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Spinach Puffs

Golden, flaky, and irresistibly savory, spinach puffs are bite-sized pastries filled with creamy spinach and cheese. Perfect as an appetizer for parties, brunches, or cozy evenings, these puffs offer a balance of garlic, spices, and buttery pastry and are also freezer-friendly for easy make-ahead meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach chopped
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 egg beaten for egg wash

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the shallot and sauté for 2 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, one egg, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed spinach mixture until fully combined.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a 12-inch square. Cut into 12 equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  • Place a heaping teaspoon of the spinach filling in the center of each square. Fold each square into a triangle and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
  • Arrange the filled triangles on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each puff with beaten egg using a pastry brush.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSodium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Keyword spinach puffs, appetizer, puff pastry, party food, vegetarian appetizer
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Hi, I'm Ella- the voice and heart behind YummyHorizon. I believe that every dish tells a story, and through this blog, I share recipes inspired by home, travel, and the joy of simple ingredients. From cozy comfort food to bold global flavors, YummyHorizon is your place to explore, taste, and create. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just getting started, I'm here to guide you through flavorful journeys- one delicious recipe at a time. Welcome to my kitchen, where every meal opens a new horizon.