Name: Cheesy Spinach Puffs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Light, flaky, and bursting with savory spinach and melted cheese, these cheesy spinach puffs make the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they’re easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked spinach, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until smooth and evenly combined.

Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 9 equal squares.

Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each square. Fold each square into a triangle or puff shape and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.

Brush each puff with the beaten egg to get that beautiful golden finish.

Arrange the puffs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown.

Let the puffs cool slightly before serving them warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 servings.

Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time takes approximately 18 minutes, so the total time from start to finish is around 33 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes switch up the cheeses depending on what I have on hand. Feta or goat cheese adds a nice tangy twist. For extra flavor, I add a pinch of nutmeg or some red pepper flakes to the filling. If I want to make it vegetarian-friendly without cheese, I swap cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and add more herbs like dill or basil for flavor.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to bring back the crispiness. I avoid microwaving because the puff pastry can get soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, I usually thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly before using it to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Can I prepare these puffs ahead of time?

Absolutely! I assemble the puffs and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if they come straight from the fridge.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

Phyllo dough is a possible substitute, though the texture will be a bit different. You can layer and brush with butter for flakiness.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, by using vegan cream cheese, vegan mozzarella, and skipping the egg wash or replacing it with a plant-based milk wash.

How do I prevent the filling from making the pastry soggy?

I make sure to cook the spinach well and drain it to remove as much moisture as possible before mixing with the cheeses.

Conclusion

I always find that these cheesy spinach puffs make a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that’s simple to whip up yet impressive in flavor and texture. They’re versatile, quick, and delicious—perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do!