Cheesy Spinach Puffs: Quick & Flavorful Recipe Everyone Loves

Crispy, golden cheesy spinach puffs promise a delightful twist on classic appetizers that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Flaky pastry shells cradle a creamy, vibrant filling packed with nutritious greens and melted cheese.

Whipping up these delectable bites takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor impact.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly light, these puffs work magic as party snacks or quick weekend treats.

Soft spinach mingles with rich cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination that feels both elegant and comforting.

Impress guests with this simple yet sophisticated recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly these puffs come together, making them a go-to solution for sudden hunger pangs.

What Makes Cheesy Spinach Puffs Irresistible

  • Perfect for gatherings, parties, or game nights, these cheesy puffs will impress guests with their delicious flavor and elegant appearance.
  • Great for quick lunches, after-school treats, or unexpected hunger moments, these puffs can be prepared in advance and reheated easily.
  • Adaptable recipe allows for creative variations like adding different cheeses, herbs, or even switching to alternative fillings to suit personal taste preferences.

Ingredients for Cheesy Spinach Puffs

Main Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: A light and flaky pastry that creates a crispy exterior for the spinach filling.
  • Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that provides a rich and savory flavor to the puffs.
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy cheese that helps bind the spinach filling together.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that adds a delightful stretchy texture to the filling.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the spinach mixture.
Egg Wash Ingredients:
  • Egg: A golden-brown glaze that gives the puffs a beautiful shiny appearance when baked.

How to Bake Cheesy Spinach Puffs Right

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Whip Up the Spinach Filling

Drain the spinach like a pro, squeezing out every last drop of moisture.

In a mixing bowl, toss together:
  • Drained spinach
  • Cream cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Mix everything until it’s perfectly blended and looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Shape the Pastry Pockets

Roll out your puff pastry and slice it into neat squares.

Dollop a generous spoonful of the spinach mixture right in the center of each square.

Fold the pastry over to create adorable triangular pockets.

Crimp the edges with a fork to seal in all that cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Add the Golden Touch

Crack an egg into a small bowl and give it a quick whisk.

Lovingly brush the egg wash over each pastry pocket, ensuring they’ll come out of the oven with a gorgeous golden shine.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the puffs on your prepared baking sheet.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed up and sporting a beautiful golden-brown color that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Tips for Fluffy Cheesy Spinach Puffs

  • Squeeze out as much liquid as possible to prevent soggy pastry and ensure a crisp, flaky texture.
  • Use a mix of cream cheese and mozzarella for creamy, melty goodness that adds rich flavor to the puffs.
  • Press fork edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, keeping your puffs neat and intact.
  • Let puff pastry sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before working with it to make rolling and folding easier.
  • Replace mozzarella with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that still provides a cheesy, savory taste.

Storing Cheesy Spinach Puffs the Easy Way

  • Store cooled spinach puffs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual puffs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw frozen puffs in the refrigerator overnight. Bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain pastry crispness.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed puffs at 350F for 5-7 minutes. Place directly on the rack for extra crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.

What to Serve with Cheesy Spinach Puffs

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc's bright acidity and herbal notes perfectly complement the creamy, cheesy spinach filling, cutting through the richness.
  • Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Light, peppery greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette balance the indulgent puffs, adding a refreshing contrast to the warm pastry.
  • Match with Charcuterie Board: Arrange cured meats like prosciutto and salami alongside the puffs, creating a delightful appetizer spread that highlights the spinach's savory flavors.
  • Complement with Sparkling Rosé: Effervescent and slightly fruity, this wine provides a playful counterpoint to the cheesy, herbaceous puffs, elevating the entire tasting experience.

Cheesy Spinach Puff Variations

  • Gluten-Free Spinach Puffs: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or use almond flour-based dough for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Cheese Spinach Triangles: Swap dairy cheese with cashew or almond-based vegan cheese alternatives and use plant-based egg wash substitute.
  • Low-Carb Spinach Parcels: Substitute puff pastry with thin sliced zucchini or large lettuce leaves as wrapper, reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Protein-Packed Spinach Puffs: Add cooked ground chicken or crumbled tofu to the spinach mixture for extra protein and nutritional boost.

FAQs

  • Are these spinach puffs healthy?

While delicious, they’re more of an indulgent appetizer. Spinach provides some nutrients, but the cream cheese and puff pastry make them a treat to enjoy in moderation.

  • Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and assemble the puffs, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them uncooked for up to 2 weeks.

  • What cheese works best in this recipe?

Mozzarella and cream cheese are ideal, but you can substitute with other melty cheeses like ricotta or gouda for different flavor profiles.

  • Do I need special cooking skills to make these?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic mixing and folding techniques. Even novice cooks can create these impressive appetizers with ease.

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Cheesy Spinach Puffs Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Savory Cheesy Spinach Puffs blend flaky pastry with rich, herbed cheese and tender spinach for an irresistible appetizer. Guests will crave these delicate, golden-brown bites that promise a delightful culinary journey from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 package (17 ounces / 482 grams) puff pastry (thawed)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings:

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Cooking and Finishing:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for crisp, even cooking.
  2. Thoroughly drain spinach by pressing out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent soggy pastry.
  3. Combine spinach with cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl, blending ingredients until uniformly distributed.
  4. Unroll puff pastry and slice into equal-sized squares, creating a consistent base for each puff.
  5. Position a generous dollop of spinach mixture at the center of each pastry square, leaving enough border for sealing.
  6. Carefully fold pastry diagonally to form triangular pockets, pressing edges firmly with a fork to create a secure seal.
  7. Whisk egg until smooth and gently brush over the surface of each puff, ensuring complete coverage for a rich, golden exterior.
  8. Arrange filled puffs on prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow proper heat circulation.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until pastry achieves a deep golden-brown color and appears puffy and crisp.

Notes

  • Squeeze spinach thoroughly to prevent soggy puffs and ensure a crisp, flaky pastry texture.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like feta or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Make these puffs gluten-free by using gluten-free puff pastry or switching to phyllo dough for a lighter alternative.
  • Prepare filling ahead of time and refrigerate to enhance flavor melding and save preparation time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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