cream cheese spinach puffs

by

Sure! Here’s a detailed recipe for Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs

These delightful Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are a perfect party appetizer or snack, combining the creamy richness of cream cheese with the vibrant flavors of spinach. They’re easy to prepare and bake up into golden, flaky bites that are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • 1 sheet (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Spinach Mixture:
    • In a medium bowl, combine the drained spinach with cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until well blended.
    • Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
  3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases. If it’s a bit sticky, lightly dust with flour.
    • Cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares or 2-inch circles, depending on your preference. You can use a knife or a pastry cutter for squares, and a cookie cutter for circles.
  4. Assemble the Puffs:
    • Place a small spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each puff pastry square or circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the puffs difficult.
    • Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle or a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal them well. If you’re using squares, you can also fold the edges over to create little parcels.
    • Brush the tops of the puffs with the beaten egg to give them a golden color as they bake.
  5. Bake:
    • Arrange the puffs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are puffed up and golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve:
    • Let the puffs cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. They’re delicious served warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

  • Spinach Preparation: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the thawed spinach. Excess moisture can make the filling too runny and the pastry soggy.
  • Freezing: You can prepare these puffs ahead of time. Assemble them and freeze them on the baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time.
  • Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped artichoke hearts, cooked bacon, or fresh herbs like dill or chives, for extra flavor.

These Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser with their crispy exterior and creamy, savory filling. Enjoy them at your next gathering or as a delicious treat any time!

Leave a Comment