Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C).
To ensure easy removal and even baking, prepare a parchment paper lining on the baking tray.
Prepare the Spinach Filling
In a pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Add 7 ounces baby spinach, season with a bit of salt and pepper, and cook until spinach is wilted, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Turn off heat and let the spinach cool completely.
Prepare the Puff Pastry
Place 1 sheet of puff pastry on a clean work surface.
You can cut the pastry up into 6 or 12 squares depending on how big you want your puffs.
Line the squares on prepared baking tray, giving them space in between.
Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, stir the cooled spinach with 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, and one beaten egg.
Stir until smooth and well-mixed.” Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
Assemble the Puffs
Spoon a good-size blob of filling into the middle of each square of pastry.
Fold the opposite edges in toward one another and press to seal, or bring all four corners in toward the center for a different shape.
Be sure to thoroughly seal edges or there will be a lot of filling that leaks out onto the baking sheet while they are baking.
Brush with Egg Yolk
In a bowl, lightly beat one egg yolk.
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the exposed tops of the puffs with egg yolk for a shiny, golden finish.
Bake
Bake (in the now preheated oven) for 25 to 35 minutes, until the puffs are golden brown and puffy.
Serve
Let the puffs cool for a moment on the baking sheet before serving.
Place on platter, and allow guests to serve themselves and enjoy warm!
Tips for Perfect Spinach Puffs:
Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Puff pastry–based recipes are often for desserts like apple tarts or croissants, but the dough matters just as much for savory recipes!
Cool the Spinach: The spinach should be fully cool before you add it to the filling, or it will melt the cream cheese.
Seal edges well: Make sure the pastry edges are sealed so that the filling does not ooze out during baking.
Shape it however you’d like: Feel free to fold those pastry squares in any way that you want! You can create triangles, an envelope, or bring all four corners to the center.
Variations:
There are lots of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
Add Feta Cheese: Set up like cottage cheese for a Mediterranean twist, add magnificently crumbled feta to the stuffing for a dangerous stuffing.
Use Different Greens: Instead of spinach, try using kale or Swiss chard for a different taste.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for some heat.
Herb Addition: Christmas herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives can provide a fresh, aromatic note to the filling.
Serving Suggestions:
These spinach puffs are delicious on their own, but here are ways to work them into a wider meal:
Dip Served: With marinara sauce, ranch or garlic aioli.
Salad Side: Add a crisp side salad for a lighter, healthier meal.
Appetizer Platter: Add these puffs to an appetizer platter that includes other finger foods, such as stuffed mushrooms, mini quiches, and fresh vegetables.
Conclusion:
These Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese are a wonderful, super quick to make, appetizer, or snack tasting, mixture of flaky pastry and creamy cheesy filling. Because the filling is so rich, the lightness of the puff pastry really balances it out. Made with simple ingredients and requiring little prep, these puffs are great for entertaining or for enjoying anytime you’re in the mood for a savory treat.
Buon appetito with every flaky, cheesy bite!
