This Cream Cheese Spinach Puff

Description

These Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are golden, flaky pastry pockets filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. They’re elegant enough for parties yet simple enough for a weekday snack. Perfectly crispy on the outside and rich on the inside, these puffs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for This Cream Cheese Spinach Puff

• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought, thawed)

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen, thawed & squeezed dry)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Prepare Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted (if fresh) or warmed through (if frozen). Remove from heat.

2. In a bowl, mix spinach with cream cheese, Parmesan, onion powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.

3. Prepare Pastry: Roll out puff pastry slightly and cut into 6 equal squares.

4. Place 1–2 tablespoons of spinach mixture in the center of each square.

5. Fold pastry over into a triangle or rectangle and press edges with a fork to seal.

6. Brush tops with egg wash.

7. Bake: Place on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.

8. Serve warm.

Notes

• Make sure spinach is completely dry before mixing—extra water can make the filling soggy.

• Use puff pastry while it’s still cold for the best rise and flakiness.

• You can freeze unbaked puffs and bake directly from frozen (add 3–5 minutes to baking time).

Tips

• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.

• Try swapping Parmesan for feta or mozzarella for different flavor twists.

• Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.

Servings

• Makes 6 puffs (can be doubled easily).

Nutritional Info (per puff, approx.)

• Calories: 190 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 14g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 250mg

Benefits

• Spinach adds iron, fiber, and antioxidants.

• Cream cheese gives calcium and protein.

• Puff pastry provides energy and makes it satisfying.

• A fun way to sneak veggies into picky eaters’ diets.

Q & A

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble them, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake straight from frozen.

Q: Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
A: Yes, but the texture will be crispier and more delicate. Brush layers with butter.

Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, not the microwave, for best crispiness.

Q: Can I add meat to the filling?
A: Absolutely—shredded chicken, bacon bits, or ham cubes work great.