Savory Brown Sugar Banana Bread Recipe

Irresistibly Flaky Spinach Puffs: A Treat for Your Taste Buds

Spinach puffs are a tasty treat that combines flaky pastry with fresh, green spinach.

These savory snacks have won over food lovers with their amazing texture and rich taste.

The buttery layers of pastry wrap around a creamy spinach filling that melts in your mouth.

People who cook at home and those who work in kitchens love how these elegant appetizers can turn any event into something special.

Many Mediterranean and European dishes feature these tasty pastries as an essential part of their traditions.

The mix of fresh spinach, herbs, and crisp pastry creates a perfect flavor that everyone can enjoy, whether they eat meat or not.

Why Spinach Puffs Hit The Spot

  • Effortless Entertaining: These spinach puffs are perfect for impressing guests with minimal cooking skills, delivering gourmet-style appetizers without complex techniques.
  • Quick Prep Magic: Whip up these delectable bites in under 40 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings or unexpected company.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Combining creamy cheese, tangy feta, and nutritious spinach, these puffs appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a tasty treat.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Great for brunches, cocktail parties, potlucks, or as a sophisticated side dish that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

What Goes In Spinach Puffs

Main Ingredients:

Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: A delicate, buttery base that creates a flaky and light texture for the spinach puffs.
Filling:
  • Spinach, Feta Cheese: A classic Mediterranean combination providing rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Eggs: Helps bind the filling together and adds smooth, rich consistency.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the spinach mixture.
Egg Wash:
  • Egg, Water or Milk: Creates a golden, glossy finish on the pastry surface.
Preparation Extras:
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures pastry doesn't stick to the muffin tin.

How To Make Spinach Puffs Fast

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm the oven to 400°F. Coat a muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray, ensuring each cup is completely covered.

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Egg
  • Garlic
Stir until smooth. Fold in:
  • Thawed spinach
  • Crumbled feta cheese

Set mixture aside.

Step 3: Shape Pastry Squares

Unroll puff pastry sheet and stretch into a 10-11 inch square. Cut into nine equal squares using a sharp knife.

Step 4: Assemble Puffs

Gently press each pastry square into a muffin cup. Spoon spinach mixture into center of each square, about 2 tablespoons. Carefully fold pastry edges toward center, creating a loose pouch.

Step 5: Add Egg Wash

Whisk remaining egg with water or milk. Brush mixture over top of each pastry, creating a glossy finish.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place muffin tin in preheated oven. Bake for 22-25 minutes until puffs turn rich golden brown. Remove and let rest 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!

Helpful Tricks For Spinach Puffs

  • Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Squeeze out excess water from thawed spinach to prevent soggy puffs and ensure a crisp, flaky pastry texture.
  • Perfect Pastry Folding: Gently fold puff pastry edges towards the center, creating a rustic, elegant look while keeping the filling securely inside.
  • Egg Wash Magic: Brush the egg wash evenly for a beautiful golden-brown color and glossy finish that makes your spinach puffs look professionally baked.
  • Temperature Precision: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and ensure your oven is fully preheated for consistent, even baking.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the spinach filling and assemble puffs in advance, then refrigerate and bake just before serving for a fresh, warm appetizer.

Spinach Puffs: How To Store It Well

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover spinach puffs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them flat to maintain their shape and prevent sogginess.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual puffs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen spinach puffs will stay fresh for 2 months.
  • Reheat Refrigerated: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soft, soggy pastry.
  • Reheat Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return.

What To Serve With Spinach Puffs

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that cuts through the rich, creamy texture of the spinach puffs and complements their tangy feta flavor.
  • Match with Fresh Greek Salad: Create a light, refreshing side dish with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and kalamata olives dressed in olive oil and oregano to balance the puff pastry's buttery richness.
  • Serve with Tzatziki Dipping Sauce: Blend cool Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, and a splash of lemon juice to provide a creamy, herbaceous counterpoint to the warm, golden spinach puffs.
  • Add Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Mix fresh lemon juice, lime juice, sparkling water, and a touch of honey for a bright, effervescent drink that cuts through the puffs' richness and cleanses the palate.

New Ideas For Spinach Puffs

  • Gluten-Free Spinach Puffs: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or use almond flour-based dough for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Spinach Triangles: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use tofu instead of eggs, and substitute feta with nutritional yeast for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Carb Spinach Cups: Use thin slices of zucchini or cheese wraps as a base instead of puff pastry, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious spinach filling.
  • Keto-Friendly Spinach Bites: Replace puff pastry with crispy cheese crisps, use full-fat cream cheese, and add extra herbs like dill or chives for enhanced flavor without added carbs.

Spinach Puffs Answers You’re Looking For

  • Can I use frozen spinach directly from the package?

No, always thaw and drain frozen spinach completely. Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent soggy puffs.

  • Is feta cheese necessary for this recipe?

Feta adds a tangy flavor, but you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta if needed. Each cheese will slightly change the taste profile of the spinach puffs.

  • How do I prevent my puff pastry from becoming soggy?

Ensure spinach is well-drained and pat dry before mixing with other ingredients. Don’t overfill pastry squares and make sure to fold edges neatly to create a sealed pocket.

  • Can I prepare these spinach puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate unbaked puffs for up to 4 hours before baking. Brush with egg wash just before putting them in the oven to maintain crisp pastry texture.

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Savory Brown Sugar Banana Bread Recipe

Savory Brown Sugar Banana Bread Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Crispy, flaky Spinach Puffs blend Mediterranean charm with buttery pastry perfection. Golden appetizers pack savory spinach and creamy cheese into delicate pockets that melt deliciously on your palate, promising a delightful culinary adventure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces (283 grams) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 2 large eggs, divided

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pastry:

  • 1 (17.3 ounces/490 grams) package frozen puff pastry, thawed

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F and thoroughly coat a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a creamy base by whisking cream cheese, an egg, and minced garlic until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
  3. Gently fold thawed spinach and crumbled feta into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  4. Carefully roll out the puff pastry sheet and slice into precise 3×3 grid, creating 9 equal squares for consistent sizing.
  5. Delicately nestle each pastry square into the prepared muffin cups, allowing edges to slightly drape over the sides.
  6. Spoon approximately two tablespoons of the spinach-cheese filling into the center of each pastry square.
  7. Carefully fold the pastry corners towards the center, creating a rustic, partially enclosed pocket that traps the filling.
  8. Prepare an egg wash by combining the remaining egg with water, then tenderly brush the exposed pastry surfaces for a golden, glossy finish.
  9. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes until the puffs transform into a rich, golden-brown color.
  10. Allow the spinach puffs to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps them set and cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

  • Keep cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and prevent lumps when combining ingredients.
  • Squeeze out excess moisture from thawed spinach using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent soggy puffs.
  • Experiment with different cheese variations like goat cheese or ricotta for unique flavor profiles.
  • For a gluten-free option, swap puff pastry with gluten-free phyllo dough or use almond flour-base
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 165
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Reynolds

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

  • 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.

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