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Easy and Elegant Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs

Looking for an appetizer that’s easy to make, absolutely delicious, and looks like it came straight from a fancy café? These Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are your answer.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach (or ½ cup thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional additions:

  • A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat
  • Crumbled feta or mozzarella for a tangy twist
  • Nutmeg for depth
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes or cooked mushrooms for variety

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the spinach
If using fresh spinach, add it to the pan and sauté until wilted. If using frozen, just mix it in after the onions and garlic are softened. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach mixture with cream cheese, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Prepare the pastry
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 9 equal squares for larger puffs or 12 for smaller bites.

Step 5: Fill and fold
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the spinach filling into the center of each square. Fold the corners toward the center and pinch lightly to seal, or fold diagonally for a triangle shape. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Brush with egg wash
Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the tops of each puff. This gives a beautiful golden finish during baking.

Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Serve warm or let cool on a rack.

Notes

  • Keep your puff pastry cold: Work quickly so it doesn’t soften too much—chilled dough rises better.
  • Don’t overfill: A heaping tablespoon is plenty. Overfilling can cause leaks.
  • Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking and helps with even browning.
  • Egg wash is key: Don’t skip this step—brushing the tops ensures that rich, golden

Nutrition

Keywords: Spinach Pastry Puffs