Delicate and irresistible, these spinach cream cheese puffs dance with rich, velvety flavors that promise pure culinary delight.
Elegant pastry shells cradle a creamy spinach mixture that melts effortlessly on your palate.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smooth cream cheese and tender spinach nestled in a golden, flaky exterior.
The recipe captures the essence of sophisticated appetizers with its simple yet impressive composition.
Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore these delectable bites for their incredible taste and stunning presentation.
Serve these puffs at your next gathering, and watch as guests marvel at your gourmet skills.
Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with this showstopping recipe that guarantees culinary success.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 206 kcal
Servings: 7
What You Need to Make Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese
For Base and Flavor Builders:
Puff Pastry: Delicate, flaky foundation that creates a golden, crispy exterior for your spinach puffs, ensuring a luxurious texture and elegant presentation.
Olive Oil: Enhances sautéing process, adds subtle richness, and helps prevent ingredients from sticking during cooking.
Garlic: Delivers a punchy, aromatic depth that transforms the overall taste profile with its intense, zesty character.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that balance and elevate the entire dish's flavor complexity.
For Creamy Filling Components:
Cream Cheese: Provides smooth, tangy richness that binds ingredients together and creates a luscious, velvety texture.
Mozzarella: Melts beautifully, adding stretchy, mild cheesy goodness and extra depth to the filling.
For Binding and Finishing:
Baby Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color, tender leafy nutrition, and fresh, earthy flavor to the puffs.
Egg: Acts as a crucial binding agent that helps seal ingredients and creates a beautiful golden-brown sheen when baked.
Tools to Help Bake Spinach and Cream Cheese Puffs
Baking Sheet: Essential for evenly cooking and holding the puffs while baking.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting puff pastry into neat squares.
Large Skillet: Ideal for sautéing spinach and garlic with olive oil.
Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining spinach, cream cheese, and other filling ingredients.
Pastry Brush: Great for applying egg yolk wash to create a golden, shiny surface.
Spatula: Helpful for mixing and transferring ingredients smoothly.
Simple Instructions to Prepare Spinach Cheese Puffs
Oven Preparation Kitchen setup is key for creating these mouthwatering pastry treats. Warm your oven to a toasty 400°F and grab a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Spinach Magic Sizzle fresh garlic in olive oil, toss in vibrant green spinach leaves, and let the mixture cool down. This step builds incredible flavor foundation.
Pastry Canvas Roll out soft, buttery puff pastry and slice into perfect little squares. Each square will become a delectable pocket of cheesy goodness.
Flavor Fusion Blend cooled spinach with creamy cream cheese, melty mozzarella, and a whisked egg. This mixture transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.
Pocket Creation Carefully spoon the rich spinach-cheese blend into the center of each pastry square. Carefully fold and seal the edges to create beautiful little parcels.
Golden Finish Brush the tops with egg yolk for a stunning shine. Bake until the pastries puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown, usually around 25-30 minutes.
Serving Moment Allow these irresistible bites to cool slightly before serving. Perfect for gatherings, snacks, or elegant appetizers.
Smart Add Ins for Spinach Cream Cheese Puffs
Pro Tips & Twists
Replace cream cheese with feta or goat cheese for a tangy Mediterranean flavor punch. Experiment with different soft cheeses to create unique taste profiles that make these puffs sing.
Fold in crumbled cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken into the filling for extra protein and depth. These additions transform the appetizer into a heartier snack.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes, za'atar, or everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for an unexpected flavor twist. A little seasoning goes a long way in elevating these elegant bites.
Prepare and assemble these puffs ahead of time, then freeze unbaked. When ready to serve, pop them directly from freezer to oven, adding 5-10 minutes to baking time for a quick and impressive appetizer.
Serve with tzatziki, marinara sauce, or a zesty herb aioli for an extra layer of deliciousness. Matching the right dip can transform these puffs from good to absolutely irresistible.
Serve Spinach Puffs Warm and Tasty
Appetizer Party Platter: Arrange these golden spinach puffs on a beautiful wooden board with small ramekins of marinara sauce, tzatziki, or herbed cream cheese for dipping. Guests will love the interactive and elegant presentation.
Brunch Companion: Serve these warm puffs alongside a fresh green salad and scrambled eggs for a sophisticated weekend brunch spread. The creamy filling and flaky pastry create a delightful morning meal.
Cocktail Hour Delight: Pair these bite-sized treats with crisp white wine or sparkling prosecco during evening gatherings. Their elegant look and rich flavor make them perfect for entertaining friends and impressing guests.
Packed Lunch Star: Wrap cooled spinach puffs in parchment paper for a delicious midday meal. They travel well and taste amazing at room temperature, making them an excellent option for picnics or work lunches.
Keep Spinach and Cream Cheese Puffs Fresh for Later
Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful spinach puffs in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining their crispy texture and delicious flavor.
Freezing Magic: Prepare an extra batch and freeze uncooked pastry squares for future spontaneous snacking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to keep fresh for 2-3 months.
Reheating Brilliance: Revive cold puffs by popping them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This method restores their original crispiness and brings back that just-baked warmth.
Meal Prep Wonder: Create these spinach puffs ahead of time during weekend cooking sessions. Prep the filling and pastry squares in advance, then assemble and bake when unexpected guests arrive or you need a quick appetizer.
Homemade spinach cream cheese puffs offer a delightful blend of creamy and crisp textures. French pastry techniques create elegant appetizers perfect for gatherings or sophisticated snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
1 sheet puff pastry
8 oz (226 g) softened cream cheese
7 oz (198 g) chopped baby spinach
½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella
2 minced garlic cloves
1 tbsp olive oil
1 beaten egg
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep Oven and Surface: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for smooth release.
Sauté Spinach Base: In a skillet, warm olive oil and sauté garlic until aromatic, then add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper, then cool completely.
Pastry Preparation: On a floured surface, unfold puff pastry and slice into 3-inch squares using a sharp knife.
Filling Creation: Blend cooled spinach with cream cheese, mozzarella, and egg in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
Pastry Assembly: Distribute spinach-cheese mixture centrally on each pastry square, then fold corners inward, sealing edges to prevent leakage.
Finishing Touch: Brush pastry surfaces with egg yolk for a glossy, golden appearance.
Baking Process: Position filled pastries on prepared tray, ensuring spacing between puffs, and bake for 20-30 minutes until puffy and golden-brown.
Serving: Allow puffs to rest 5-7 minutes before serving, providing time for structural stabilization and optimal enjoyment.
Notes
Chill Spinach Thoroughly: Drain excess moisture completely to prevent soggy pastry and ensure crisp, flaky texture.
Cheese Temperature Matters: Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
Seal Edges Carefully: Pinch pastry corners tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, maintaining perfect pocket shape.
Golden Brown Secret: Egg wash creates that professional bakery-style shine and enhances overall appetizing appearance of spinach puffs.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.