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These flaky spinach parcels with cream cheese turn basic ingredients into showstopping finger food that's always the first to vanish at parties. The buttery, crisp pastry layers wrapped around a rich, savory spinach filling create irresistible bites perfect for any get-together.
I whipped these spinach bites up for an unexpected holiday party when I needed something fancy without much work. They became such a crowd-pleaser that everyone now expects them whenever we hang out together – they've become my go-to party snack!
Ingredients
- Puff pastry: A single sheet defrosted as package says for maximum flakiness. Grab an all-butter type for tastier results.
- Cream cheese: Eight ounces left out until soft makes blending easier. Pick full-fat for the best taste and texture.
- Fresh spinach: One cup finely chopped gives just the right flavor balance. Make sure to dry it well after washing so your pastries don't get soggy.
- Egg: One whisked egg creates that beautiful golden color outside. A pastry brush makes this job super easy.
- Garlic powder: One teaspoon brings lovely flavor without being too sharp like fresh garlic. Feel free to add more if you want.
- Salt and pepper: These basics make everything taste better. Try sea salt and fresh-ground pepper for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Heat your oven to 400℉ which works perfectly for puff pastry. Put parchment on a baking tray to stop sticking and make cleaning up easier. Place the rack in the middle so everything cooks evenly.
- Mix up your filling:
- Grab a medium bowl and mix the soft cream cheese with your chopped spinach using a spatula. Stir in garlic powder salt and pepper until everything looks smooth. Break up any cream cheese lumps for the best texture.
- Cut your pastry:
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the cool but flexible puff pastry into even squares. Don't let the pastry get warm – if it does stick it back in the fridge for 5 minutes before continuing.
- Add filling and fold:
- Put a spoonful of cream cheese mix in the middle of each square but don't overstuff them. Fold from one corner to the opposite making triangles. Press the edges with a fork to make pretty marks that also keep everything inside while baking.
- Finish and cook:
- Brush egg all over the tops so they'll turn beautifully golden. Bake for 15-20 minutes watching carefully since they can burn quickly. They're done when they've puffed up and turned deep gold.
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The real trick with these puffs is getting the cream cheese completely soft. I learned that letting it sit out until truly room temperature makes the filling mix up way better. My grandma showed me this little trick ages ago, and I always think about her when I'm making these.
Make Ahead Options
These spinach triangles are so easy to prep beforehand, which makes hosting way less stressful. You can put them all together then freeze them uncooked on a tray until they're solid. After that, pop them into a sealed container where they'll stay good for three months. When you want to cook them, just add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time right from frozen. This trick has saved me so many times when having people over.
Flavor Variations
The standard spinach and cream cheese combo tastes fantastic, but you can switch things up lots of ways. Try mixing in some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a taste of the Mediterranean. Chopped artichoke hearts go really well with the spinach if you want something fancier. If you like spicy food, throw in some red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce to balance out the creamy filling.
Serving Suggestions
You can offer these tasty bites in so many different ways depending on your event. For laid-back hangouts, just set them out on a wooden board with some warm marinara sauce for dipping. At fancier dinner parties, place single puffs on small plates with a little balsamic drizzle and some tiny greens on top. They taste amazing with bubbly drinks or chilled white wine that cuts through the rich filling.
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These spinach treats will wow your friends without stressing you out. They're a must-have for anyone who wants to serve crowd-pleasing bites that look fancy but aren't hard to make!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these spinach puffs ahead of time?
You bet! You can get these puffs ready and pop them in the freezer unbaked. When you're ready to eat, just bake them straight from frozen - they'll need a few extra minutes in the oven until they turn golden.
- → What can I serve with cream cheese spinach puffs?
These puffs taste great with all sorts of dips like marinara, herb aioli, or tzatziki. They're also a nice addition to a meat and cheese board or can go with a simple salad for something more filling.
- → Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
For sure! Try mixing in some chopped artichokes, cooked mushrooms, crumbly feta, or fresh herbs like dill and chives to make the filling match what you love.
- → How do I know when the puffs are done baking?
The puffs are ready when they've puffed up and turned golden brown, usually after 15-20 minutes at 400°F. The outside should look flaky and feel firm when you touch it.
- → How should I store leftover spinach puffs?
Keep any cooled leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to eat them, warm them up in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to get them crispy again.
- → Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
You can definitely use frozen spinach. Just make sure you thaw it completely and squeeze out all the water before you mix it with the cream cheese so your filling doesn't get too wet.