Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? These Spinach Puffs are the answer! With a buttery puff pastry crust filled with a creamy spinach and feta mixture, these savory bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Learn how to whip up a batch of these delightful puffs with our simple recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped and packed
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 teaspoons bacon bits
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray 9 cups in a muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese in 10-second intervals until it’s soft and easily mixable. Add the egg, olive oil, and dried dill to the cream cheese, and mix until well combined.
- Mix Spinach Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and bacon bits. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the spinach mixture and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together using a fork until evenly combined.
- Prep Puff Pastry: Cut the thawed puff pastry sheet into 9 squares. Line the muffin pan cups with the cut squares, slightly stretching them out if needed. Press the pastry squares into the bottom of the muffin cups to form a base.
- Fill and Seal: Evenly divide the spinach mixture among the pastry-lined muffin cups. Bring the four pastry points together, covering the filling, and press them together lightly to seal the puffs. Brush the tops of the puffs with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the puffs to cool for 10 minutes. Use a knife to loosen the edges and gently pop them out of the muffin pan. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 9
- Calories: (Calories will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used)
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Perfect Party Appetizer: Serve these Spinach Puffs as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering. They’re sure to be a hit among guests!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the Spinach Puffs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving for that freshly baked taste.
- Freeze for Future Enjoyment: These puffs freeze well! Once baked, allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, place the frozen puffs on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy these Spinach Puffs as a tasty snack any time of day. They’re perfect for brunch, lunchboxes, or as a satisfying midday treat.
Variations:
- Mushroom Madness: Add sautéed mushrooms to the spinach filling for an earthy and savory twist.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Surprise: Fold chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the filling for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor.
- Italian Herb Infusion: Mix Italian seasoning into the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Balsamic Bliss: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the baked puffs before serving for a touch of sweetness.
- Smokey Bacon Burst: Incorporate crispy cooked bacon into the spinach filling for a smoky and indulgent treat.
- Greek Inspired: Add chopped Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the spinach filling for a taste of the Mediterranean.
- Sundried Spinach Puffs: Mix chopped sundried tomatoes into the spinach filling for a burst of rich, tangy flavor.
- Spinach and Mushroom Medley: Combine sautéed mushrooms with the spinach filling for a hearty and earthy twist.
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip Puffs: Incorporate chopped artichoke hearts and a dash of garlic powder into the filling for a creamy, indulgent appetizer.
- Spinach and Sausage Savory: Add cooked and crumbled sausage to the spinach mixture for a protein-packed option.
- Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Increase the cheese factor by mixing in extra shredded cheese such as sharp cheddar or Gruyère.
- Herbed Spinach Puffs: Amp up the flavor with a blend of fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and thyme mixed into the filling.
- Spinach and Ham Delight: Fold diced ham into the spinach mixture for a classic combination of flavors.
- Spinach and Onion Fusion: Sauté finely chopped onions until caramelized and add them to the spinach filling for a sweet and savory profile.
- Spinach and Crab Puffs: Add cooked crab meat and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning to the filling for a taste of the coast.
- Spinach and Goat Cheese: Swap feta for creamy goat cheese for a tangy and luxurious twist on the classic.
- Spinach and Pesto Pleaser: Stir in a dollop of basil pesto to the spinach mixture for a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Spinach and Ricotta Rendezvous: Mix ricotta cheese with the spinach filling for a creamy and decadent option.
- Spinach and Smoked Salmon Sophistication: Fold in chopped smoked salmon to the spinach mixture for an elegant appetizer.
- Spinach and Blue Cheese Bite: Crumble blue cheese into the filling for a bold and tangy flavor experience.
- Spinach and Walnut Wonder: Add chopped toasted walnuts to the spinach mixture for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Spinach and Pepperoni Party: Mix diced pepperoni into the spinach filling for a savory and slightly spicy option.
- Spinach and Corn Concoction: Incorporate sweet corn kernels into the spinach mixture for a pop of sweetness and texture.
- Spinach and Pine Nut Paradise: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the spinach filling for a delightful nutty crunch.
- Spinach and Feta Phyllo Cups: Instead of puff pastry, use mini phyllo cups as the base for a lighter alternative.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Thaw and drain it well before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian option?
- Absolutely! Feel free to omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits for a meat-free version.
- Can I use puff pastry sheets instead of a puff pastry sheet?
- Yes, you can use puff pastry sheets instead. Cut the sheets into squares and follow the same assembly instructions.
- Can I substitute another type of cheese for the feta?
- Certainly! Goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, or grated Parmesan are great alternatives.
- How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach and avoid overfilling the pastry cups to prevent sogginess.
- Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried dill?
- Yes, you can use fresh dill or other herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.
- Can I serve these puffs cold?
- While they are best enjoyed warm, these puffs can also be served at room temperature or chilled as a tasty snack.
- Can I make mini versions of these puffs for bite-sized appetizers?
- Absolutely! Use mini muffin tins and cut the puff pastry into smaller squares to make adorable bite-sized puffs.
- Are these puffs suitable for a brunch menu?
- Yes, these Spinach Puffs are perfect for brunch alongside other breakfast favorites like quiche and fruit salad.
- Can I add additional vegetables to the filling?
- Yes, feel free to customize the filling by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
These Spinach Puffs are not only delicious but also versatile. Serve them as an appetizer at your next party, pack them for a picnic, or enjoy them as a light lunch or snack. Get creative with the filling by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Whichever way you choose to enjoy them, these puffs are sure to disappear fast!