Creamy Spinach Puff has been a family favorite of ours for years. I can still remember the first time my grandma made it – the aroma filled the entire house and we just couldn’t wait to dig in. There’s something so comforting and indulgent about the creamy spinach filling wrapped in a buttery, flaky puff pastry. It’s the perfect dish to serve for a special occasion or to impress guests. And the best part? This recipe makes 16 servings, so there’s plenty to go around!
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Why This Creamy Spinach Puff Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Creamy Spinach Puff
What makes this Creamy Spinach Puff recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The silky-smooth spinach filling is made extra creamy with a blend of cheeses, and the puff pastry shell provides a delightful crunch in every bite. Plus, this recipe yields 16 servings, so you can feed a crowd or have plenty of leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Creamy Spinach Puff, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
puff pastry, fresh spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a touch of nutmeg. These ingredients come together to create a truly mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Creamy Spinach Puff Instructions
Preparing Your Creamy Spinach Puff
This recipe takes 40 minutes total – 20 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a large skillet, a mixing bowl, and a baking sheet. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by sautéing the fresh spinach in a large skillet until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and set the spinach aside to cool.
2- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg. Fold in the cooled spinach until well-incorporated.
3- Unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut each one into 8 squares, for a total of 16 squares. Spoon the creamy spinach mixture onto the center of each square.
4- Fold the puff pastry over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Place the filled puffs on a baking sheet.
5- Brush the tops of the puffs with a beaten egg to create a golden, shiny finish.
6- Bake the Creamy Spinach Puffs at 400°F for 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best results, be sure to drain the cooked spinach thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. This will prevent the filling from becoming watery. Additionally, don’t overfill the puff pastry squares, as this can cause them to burst during baking. Finally, keep an eye on the puffs in the oven, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Serving and Storing Your Creamy Spinach Puff
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Spinach Puff
This Creamy Spinach Puff makes a wonderful appetizer or side dish. Serve it alongside a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or a glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal. Each serving is one puff, and this recipe yields 16 servings, so it’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying throughout the week.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Creamy Spinach Puffs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the puffs on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the puffs and freeze them before baking. When ready to serve, bake the frozen puffs directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Creamy Spinach Puff
Creative Creamy Spinach Puff Variations
While this classic Creamy Spinach Puff is delicious as-is, you can also get creative with different flavor variations. Try adding diced sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or a sprinkle of feta cheese to the filling. For a seasonal twist, swap the spinach for sautéed kale or roasted butternut squash.
Making Creamy Spinach Puff Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free puff pastry instead of the traditional kind. For a vegan version, replace the cream cheese and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives, and use a plant-based egg wash or brush the puffs with a bit of melted vegan butter. To reduce the carbs, you can serve the creamy spinach filling on its own, without the puff pastry shell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the filling.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 16 servings, with each serving being 1 puff.
Q: Can I prepare the Creamy Spinach Puffs in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the puffs, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. When ready to serve, bake the frozen puffs directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: My puffs didn’t turn out as flaky as I’d like. What went wrong?
A: Make sure to use high-quality puff pastry and handle it gently to maintain the layers. Also, be sure not to overfill the puffs, as this can prevent them from puffing up properly.
Creamy Spinach Puff
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate creamy spinach puff, a heavenly bite-sized appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with rich flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this irresistible puff pastry dish will have your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, cream cheese, parmesan, sour cream, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and roll it out slightly to create a 12×12-inch square. Cut the pastry into 16 equal squares.
4. 4. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the spinach mixture into the center of each pastry square.
5. 5. Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle and press the edges to seal.
6. 6. Transfer the puffs to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7. 7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
8. 8. Serve the Creamy Spinach Puffs warm, garnished with a sprinkle of additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can substitute the sour cream with heavy cream or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. These puffs can be made in advance and frozen, then baked straight from the freezer for a quick and easy appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Creamy Spinach Puff recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its irresistible creamy filling and flaky, buttery crust, it’s the perfect dish to serve for any occasion. And with 16 servings, there’s plenty to go around. So what are you waiting for? Give this Creamy Spinach Puff a try, and let me know how it turns out!
