Looking for an appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests? These Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are the perfect choice. With a flaky puff pastry shell and a creamy, cheesy spinach filling, they’re both delicious and easy to make. Here’s how you can create this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 7 oz baby spinach
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the puffs from sticking.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until soft. Then, add the baby spinach to the pan, season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and sauté until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Take your sheet of puff pastry and cut it into 6 or 12 squares, depending on the size you prefer for your puffs. Place the squares on the lined baking tray.
4. Make the Spinach Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and one beaten egg. Season with another pinch of salt and black pepper, and mix thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
5. Assemble the Puffs
Divide the spinach mixture evenly among the pastry squares. Fold two opposite edges of each square towards the center, pressing them tightly together to seal the filling inside.
6. Brush with Egg Yolk
Brush the tops of the spinach puffs with the egg yolk. This will give them a beautiful golden brown color when baked.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up.
Serving and Storage Tips :
Serving Tips
- Serve Warm: These puffs are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. The puff pastry will be crisp and flaky, while the filling remains creamy and delicious.
- Garnish: For an added touch of elegance, garnish the puffs with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
- Accompaniments: Pair the puffs with a light dipping sauce such as a marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. They also complement a fresh green salad or a platter of assorted appetizers.
- Presentation: Arrange the puffs on a decorative serving platter or tiered stand to create an appealing presentation for your guests.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat the puffs, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the puff pastry soggy.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare the puffs in advance, you can freeze them before baking. Place the assembled but unbaked puffs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Baking from Frozen: To bake frozen puffs, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the frozen puffs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg yolk and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs at their best, whether fresh from the oven or reheated for a later treat.
Variations :
While the classic Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, you can easily tweak it to create exciting new flavors and suit different dietary preferences. Here are some delicious variations you can try:
1. Feta and Spinach Puffs
- Ingredients: Replace the mozzarella cheese with 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
- Instructions: Follow the original recipe but mix the feta with the cream cheese and spinach filling for a tangy twist.
2. Mushroom and Spinach Puffs
- Ingredients: Add 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms.
- Instructions: Sauté the mushrooms with the garlic and spinach until tender. This will add a rich, earthy flavor to the puffs.
3. Ham and Cheese Spinach Puffs
- Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of diced ham and 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
- Instructions: Mix the ham and cheddar into the spinach filling for a savory and hearty variation.
4. Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Puffs
- Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Instructions: Mix the sun-dried tomatoes into the spinach filling for a burst of tangy, sweet flavor.
5. Spicy Spinach Puffs
- Ingredients: Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and 1/4 cup of chopped jalapeños.
- Instructions: Mix the red pepper flakes and jalapeños into the spinach filling to give the puffs a spicy kick.
6. Vegan Spinach Puffs
- Ingredients: Use vegan puff pastry, 1 cup of cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water until smooth), 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
- Instructions: Replace the cream cheese and mozzarella with cashew cream and nutritional yeast. Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for binding the filling.
7. Artichoke and Spinach Puffs
- Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of chopped artichoke hearts.
- Instructions: Mix the chopped artichokes into the spinach filling for a deliciously tangy and creamy variation.
8. Herb and Garlic Spinach Puffs
- Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, and chives) and an extra clove of garlic.
- Instructions: Mix the herbs and additional garlic into the spinach filling for a fresh and flavorful twist.
9. Mediterranean Spinach Puffs
- Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup of chopped Kalamata olives, 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Instructions: Mix the olives, bell pepper, and oregano into the spinach filling for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
10. Chicken and Spinach Puffs
- Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of cooked, shredded chicken.
- Instructions: Mix the shredded chicken into the spinach filling for a protein-packed variation.
Experiment with these variations to find your favorite flavor combination. Whether you’re looking to add more veggies, spice things up, or make a vegan-friendly version, these adaptations will keep your Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs exciting and versatile.
FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh baby spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the filling mixture.
2. How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
To prevent soggy puff pastry, make sure to cool the spinach mixture before adding it to the pastry squares. Additionally, avoid overfilling the puffs to prevent excess moisture from seeping into the pastry.
3. Can I make the puffs ahead of time and bake them later?
Yes, you can assemble the puffs and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, follow the instructions for baking from frozen to ensure they turn out perfectly.
4. What can I use instead of puff pastry?
You can use phyllo dough as an alternative to puff pastry. Layer several sheets of phyllo dough with melted butter in between before cutting and filling them.
5. How can I make these puffs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free puffs, use a gluten-free puff pastry available in stores or make your own gluten-free pastry dough at home.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove any excess moisture.
7. How do I store leftover puffs?
Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving.
8. Can I make these puffs vegan?
Yes, you can make vegan puffs by using vegan puff pastry, cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese substitute, nutritional yeast instead of mozzarella, and a flax egg for binding.
9. What dipping sauces go well with these puffs?
These puffs pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
10. Can I serve these puffs at room temperature?
While these puffs are best served warm, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. If serving at a party, they can be left out for a couple of hours and still taste great.
Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and spinach with the light, flaky texture of puff pastry. Easy to make and delightful to eat, they’re sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Enjoy!