cream cheese spinach puffs

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Introduction:

Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are delightful bite-sized treats that marry the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the earthy freshness of spinach, all wrapped in a flaky puff pastry. Perfect as appetizers, snacks, or party fare, these puffs are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike. In this SEO article, we’ll delve into the savory goodness of Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs and share a simple yet irresistible recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 7 oz baby spinach
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F 200 C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Heat a pan over medium heat, add olive oil and when hot, sautee the garlic for 2 minutes or until soft.
  3. Then, add the spinach, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sautee until soft. Remove the pan and set it aside to cold down.
  4. Cut the puff pastry sheet into 6 or 12 squares, depending on the size you desire, and place them on the baking tray. This recipe makes six big puffs or 12 small puffs.
  5. Into a mixing bowl, add the spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and one egg. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and mix everything.
  6. Divide the spinach mixture into each square and fold two opposite edges of each square, pressing them tightly.
  7. Brush all the spinach puffs with egg yolk. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden.

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve Warm: Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are best served warm, straight from the oven, when the puff pastry is crispy and the filling is creamy and delicious. Arrange them on a serving platter or tray for easy access.
  2. Garnish Creatively: Before serving, garnish the puffs with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds visual appeal and a burst of freshness to the dish.
  3. Pair with Dipping Sauces: Serve Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or sweet chili sauce. Place the sauces in small bowls or ramekins alongside the puffs for dipping.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have leftover Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs, allow them to cool completely before storing. Transfer the cooled puffs to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Reheat Before Serving: To reheat leftover puffs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the puffs on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry is crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm.
  3. Freezing Instructions: Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs can be frozen before or after baking for longer-term storage. If freezing before baking, arrange the assembled but unbaked puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the puffs to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  4. Thaw and Bake: If freezing after baking, allow the puffs to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the puffs to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw the puffs in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
    • Yes, you can use frozen spinach in Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs. Thaw the frozen spinach, then squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it with the cream cheese and other ingredients. This ensures the filling is not too watery.
  2. Can I make Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can assemble the Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply follow the recipe instructions for assembly, then cover the puffs tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  3. Can I use a different type of pastry instead of puff pastry?
    • While puff pastry provides a flaky and buttery texture that complements the creamy filling of the puffs, you can experiment with other types of pastry such as phyllo dough or crescent roll dough. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
  4. Can I freeze Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs after baking?
    • Yes, you can freeze Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs after baking. Allow the baked puffs to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the puffs to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
  5. How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
    • To prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy, make sure to thoroughly drain any excess moisture from the spinach filling before assembling the puffs. Additionally, avoid overfilling the puffs with the filling, as this can cause the pastry to become soggy during baking.

Conclusion: 

Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines creamy richness with vibrant spinach and flaky pastry. With their irresistible flavor and easy preparation, these puffs are sure to become a favorite in your entertaining repertoire. Try this recipe for Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs and delight your guests with their savory goodness.