Description

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.

Notes

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.