Spinach puffs have been my go-to appetizer for years, especially when hosting parties. I first tried making them for a holiday gathering, and honestly, I was a little nervous about working with puff pastry. But to my surprise, this easy spinach puffs recipe turned out to be incredibly straightforward! The aroma of garlic and warm pastry filling my kitchen was just heavenly. Each bite is a delightful combination of flaky, golden pastry and a creamy, herbaceous spinach and ricotta filling. They’re so good, they disappear in minutes! Let’s get cooking!
What are Spinach Puffs?
So, what are spinach puffs? Essentially, they are delightful little parcels made from flaky puff pastry filled with a savory mixture, most commonly featuring fresh or cooked spinach and creamy cheese. My favorite version uses ricotta, but variations like spinach and cheese puffs or even spinach and feta puffs are incredibly popular. The exterior boasts a wonderful crisp and golden texture, giving way to a warm, slightly tangy, and herbaceous filling. They’re not just a snack; these delicious bites are a mainstay for parties and gatherings, always disappearing fast!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Spinach Puffs
You’re going to adore making and serving these easy spinach puffs recipe. They’re a guaranteed hit!
- Super Simple to Make: Seriously, this spinach puff pastry creation is beginner-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Everyone loves a warm, savory bite.
- Quick Preparation: Perfect for when you need an appetizer in a pinch.
- Versatile: Great for parties, snacks, or even a light lunch.
- Delicious Flavor: The creamy spinach and cheese filling with flaky pastry is irresistible.
- Visually Appealing: Their golden-brown perfection looks impressive.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the filling to your tastes.
- Homemade Goodness: They taste so much better than store-bought.
Ingredients for Homemade Spinach Puffs
Making these homemade spinach puffs is a breeze with just a few key ingredients. For the filling, you’ll need about 1 bag of baby spinach (fresh or thawed and well-drained frozen), 1 cup of ricotta cheese (make sure it’s at room temperature so it mixes smoothly), and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for that salty kick. I also add 2 cloves of minced garlic for a little punch and a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. The star of the show for the pastry is 1 sheet of puff pastry, fully thawed. You’ll also need 1 whole egg plus 1 yolk for a beautiful golden glaze. For sautéing the garlic, a splash of 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil is perfect, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds makes a lovely garnish.
How to Make Spinach Puffs
Ready to whip up these amazing spinach puff pastry bites? It’s easier than you think! This recipe breaks down exactly how to make them step-by-step, ensuring you get that perfect crispy pastry and flavorful filling every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
First, let’s get that delicious filling ready. Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until it’s wonderfully fragrant, but not browned. Now, toss in your bag of baby spinach, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is completely wilted. Remove it from the heat and let it cool down completely. Once cooled, give the spinach a good squeeze to remove any excess moisture – this is key to avoiding soggy bottoms!
Step 2: Assemble the Puffs
Now for the fun part: assembling these savory delights! Take your fully thawed sheet of puff pastry and cut it into either 6 or 12 squares, depending on how big you want your puffs. Arrange these squares on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. In a separate bowl, combine the cooled, squeezed spinach with 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and the 1 whole egg. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. Season with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Spoon a good dollop of this spinach and cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. To seal them, fold the pastry over to create a half-moon shape or bring the corners together. Pinch the edges firmly to make sure no filling escapes during baking.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Your homemade spinach puffs are almost ready! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved egg yolk with a tiny splash of water. Brush this glaze generously over the tops of your assembled puffs. This is what gives them that beautiful golden-brown sheen. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a little extra texture and flavor. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for them to be beautifully puffed up, golden brown, and wonderfully crispy. The aroma filling your kitchen will tell you they’re nearly done!
Pro Tips for the Best Spinach Puffs
Want to make your spinach puff pastry bites absolutely perfect every time? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really make a difference in achieving that ideal crispy texture and delicious flavor.
- Always use room temperature ricotta cheese; it mixes much more smoothly with the spinach and egg.
- Don’t skip the step of squeezing out excess moisture from the spinach – this is crucial for preventing soggy bottoms!
- A good egg wash is your best friend for achieving that beautiful, golden-brown finish.
- Bake in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness for all your spinach puffs.
What’s the secret to perfect spinach puffs?
The real secret to perfect spinach puffs lies in two things: ensuring your spinach is thoroughly drained of any excess moisture and properly sealing the puff pastry. A good seal prevents the filling from leaking out and keeps the pastry wonderfully crisp. For more tips on working with pastry, check out this guide to puff pastry.
Can I make spinach puffs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the puffs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them unbaked on a parchment-lined tray in the refrigerator, covered tightly. Just be sure to bake them shortly after taking them out of the fridge.
How do I avoid common mistakes with spinach puffs?
The most common mistake is soggy bottoms, which happens if the spinach isn’t well-drained. Another pitfall is not sealing the pastry tightly enough, causing the filling to leak. Always pinch those edges firmly and ensure your oven is fully preheated.
Best Ways to Serve Spinach Puff Appetizers
These delightful spinach puff appetizers are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks and other small bites. For a party setting, I love serving them warm right out of the oven alongside a refreshing white wine or a crisp sparkling cider. They make a fantastic addition to a larger spread of spinach puff pastry bites, charcuterie boards, or dips. For a lighter meal, a couple of these savory puffs alongside a fresh green salad creates a simple yet satisfying lunch. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed warm!
Spinach Puffs Nutrition Facts
When you’re enjoying these delicious spinach puffs, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. Each individual puff offers a satisfying bite without being too heavy.
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your spinach puff pastry recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Spinach Puffs
Don’t worry if you have leftovers of these fantastic spinach puff pastry bites; they store and reheat beautifully! Once your baked spinach puffs have cooled completely to room temperature, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, these homemade spinach puffs freeze exceptionally well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is key to restoring that perfect crispiness.
To reheat your spinach puffs, the oven is your best friend. Place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. This method ensures they retain their delightful flaky texture, unlike microwaving which can make them soft. If reheating from frozen, you might need an extra few minutes in the oven. Enjoy your delicious revived spinach puff pastry snacks!
Variations of Spinach Puffs You Can Try
While this easy spinach puffs recipe is fantastic as is, the beauty of these little bites is their adaptability! You can easily switch up the flavors or even the cooking method to suit your preferences. For a delightful twist, try making spinach feta puffs by swapping half the ricotta for crumbled feta cheese – it adds a wonderful salty tang. If you’re a fan of cream cheese, incorporating some into the filling creates an even richer, creamier texture, making them delicious cream cheese spinach puffs. For a quicker, crispier result, consider using an air fryer; these become amazing air fryer spinach puffs in about 10 minutes! You can also experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of lemon zest to the filling for an extra layer of flavor in your spinach puff pastry creations.


Spinach Puffs: 1 Heavenly Appetizer Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy spinach puffs filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, baked until golden and crispy. These savory spinach puff pastry bites are perfect as appetizers or a delightful homemade snack.
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 1 bag Baby Spinach (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 pinch Salt, to taste
- 1 pinch Black Pepper, to taste
- For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry, fully thawed
- 1 whole Egg plus 1 yolk for glazing
- For Garnish (optional):
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil, extra virgin for sautéing
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant, then add spinach, salt, and pepper until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Cut the thawed puff pastry into 6 or 12 squares. Arrange them on the prepared baking tray.
- Mix the cooled spinach with ricotta, Parmesan, and the whole egg. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Spoon filling onto the center of each pastry square, fold over, and pinch edges to seal.
- Brush tops with reserved egg yolk and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- These Spinach Puffs can be made ahead of time and frozen unbaked for convenience.
- Reheat in the oven for best results.
- If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and drained to prevent sogginess.
- For a golden sheen, brush the tops with egg yolk.
- For consistent results, bake spinach puffs in smaller batches.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
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