Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs: Golden, Flaky Bites of Heaven

If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer that’s easy, elegant, and absolutely irresistible, then these Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are your answer. Imagine a buttery, golden puff pastry filled with a rich and creamy spinach and cheese mixture, delicately seasoned and baked to crisp perfection. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, brunch, or just want a savory snack, these puffs deliver every single time.

They’re like the love child of spanakopita and cheese danish — light, cheesy, flaky, and full of leafy greens. And the best part? You can prep them ahead of time and bake right before serving.

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🧀 What Are Spinach Puffs?

Spinach puffs are a classic appetizer made from puff pastry dough filled with a savory blend of spinach, cream cheese, and often garlic, onion, and seasonings. They’re folded, rolled, or shaped into neat pockets or spirals, then baked until golden and puffed.

They’ve gained popularity for being incredibly versatile, freezer-friendly, and a total crowd-pleaser. With roots in European-style savory pastries, they’ve become a staple at modern gatherings for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

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🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-fail crowd favorite – always disappears from the party tray
• Freezer-friendly – make ahead and bake from frozen
• Quick to assemble – especially with store-bought puff pastry
• Rich, cheesy filling – savory, creamy, and flavorful
• Customizable – add mushrooms, feta, or sun-dried tomatoes

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🛒 Ingredients (Original + Optional Add-ins)

Here’s everything you need to make these flaky spinach bites. This list preserves the original combo of cream cheese and spinach, but also includes real-life tested options for variations.

✅ Original Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and chopped
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

🧄 Optional Add-ins:

• 1–2 tablespoons grated parmesan – boosts cheesy flavor
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder or sautéed diced onion
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes – for mild heat
• Sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or poppy seeds – for topping
• 1 tbsp sour cream – adds a touch of tang and lightens texture

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs

1. Prepare the Spinach

Cook down fresh spinach or thaw frozen spinach. Be sure to squeeze out all the moisture — this is critical to avoid soggy puffs.

2. Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, a pinch of salt and pepper, and any other flavor boosters (garlic, parmesan, etc.). Stir until well combined.

3. Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut into 9 or 12 squares, depending on how large you want your puffs.

4. Fill and Fold

Place a spoonful of spinach filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners toward the center like an envelope, or fold diagonally for triangle puffs. Seal gently and press edges if needed.

5. Brush and Sprinkle

Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg and, if desired, sprinkle with seeds or seasoning mix for added crunch and visual appeal.

6. Bake

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

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✨ Pro Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Bites

• Keep puff pastry cold: Warm dough gets sticky and won’t puff properly.
• Dry the spinach well: Extra moisture = soggy filling.
• Don’t overfill: A teaspoon of filling is enough for each square.
• Seal edges with egg wash: It helps keep them closed during baking.
• Bake right before serving: They’re best hot out of the oven!

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🥗 Serving Suggestions

These spinach puffs are wonderfully versatile and can be served for:

• Holiday parties
• Potlucks and brunch buffets
• Appetizers before dinner
• Lunchbox snacks
• Vegetarian side dish

Pair them with:

• A small dipping bowl of marinara or garlic aioli
• A side of green salad or tomato soup
• A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon

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❄️ Make Ahead & Freezing

These puffs are perfect for prepping ahead — here’s how:

To Make Ahead (Unbaked):

• Assemble and place on a baking sheet
• Freeze until firm, then store in zip-top freezer bags
• Bake from frozen at 400°F for 20–22 minutes

To Store Leftovers:

• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results (avoid microwaving if possible)

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🧂 Variations to Try

• Spinach-Feta Puffs: Add crumbled feta for a Greek twist
• Mushroom & Spinach: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms and mix with spinach
• Cheddar-Broccoli Puffs: Swap spinach for steamed chopped broccoli and cheddar
• Spicy Jalapeño-Cheese: Add diced jalapeños and sharp white cheddar

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📊 Nutritional Info (approx. per puff)

• Calories: ~120
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 1g

(Varies depending on filling additions and size)

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📝 Final Thoughts

Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are flaky, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. They’re the kind of snack you make once for guests — and then keep making because they’re just that good. With simple ingredients and a buttery crunch, these little golden pillows of joy steal the spotlight every time.

They’re make-ahead friendly, freezer-safe, and flexible enough to customize — truly a recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket.

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