Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs

Certainly! Here’s a full and detailed breakdown for the delicious Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs recipe:

Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs

Introduction

Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are delightful, savory pastries made with golden, flaky puff pastry, a creamy spinach-cheese filling, and a hint of garlic and herbs. They’re a popular finger food perfect for parties, brunches, or as an elegant appetizer. These puffs are rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and impressive on any platter, making them a versatile go-to for casual and festive occasions alike.

Origin of the Recipe

While there is no singular origin for spinach and cheese-stuffed pastries, this recipe draws influence from European culinary traditions, especially French and Mediterranean cuisines. Spinach and cheese pairings are found in dishes like Greek spanakopita and French quiches. The use of puff pastry brings a French twist, combining rich dairy with buttery layers for a refined yet accessible snack or starter.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 6 oz (170g) fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, classic with spinach)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Optional Ingredients:

• ½ cup crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella (for extra cheesiness)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives)
• A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (for spice)
• Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or cooked bacon for flavor depth
• Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion until translucent (about 3–4 minutes), then add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh) or warmed through (if using frozen). Remove from heat.
4. Let cool slightly, then mix in cream cheese, Parmesan, 1 egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until creamy and smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry

5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry sheets slightly and cut each into 9 equal squares (18 total).
7. Place about 1 heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of each square.

Step 3: Assemble the Puffs

8. Fold each square diagonally into a triangle (or pull corners together for a “pouch” shape).
9. Seal edges by pressing with a fork or pinching together.
10. Beat the second egg and brush over the tops for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake

11. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
12. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Drain spinach well if using frozen to prevent soggy puffs.
• Don’t overfill the pastry to avoid leakage during baking.
• Use cold puff pastry for best flakiness—keep it refrigerated until just before using.
• Allow filling to cool before assembling so the pastry doesn’t soften prematurely.
• Brush egg wash only on the tops to avoid sealing issues with the seams.

Serving Recommendations

• Serve warm or at room temperature as:
  
  • A party appetizer
  • A savory brunch pastry
  • A light lunch with salad or soup
• Great with a dipping sauce like ranch, tzatziki, or garlic aioli
• Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese before baking for extra flair

Nutrition Estimate

(Per puff, based on 18 servings)

Nutrient	Approximate Value
Calories	170–190 kcal
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	11g
Protein	4g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g
Sodium	180mg

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on cheeses used and optional additions.