Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs: A Cheesy, Flaky Appetizer You’ll Crave
There’s something magical about buttery, flaky puff pastry—and when you fill it with creamy spinach, tangy Parmesan, and garlic, you get an appetizer that disappears fast at any gathering. These Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are the perfect bite-sized treat: golden on the outside, rich and cheesy on the inside.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a holiday menu, or just want a cozy baked snack, these puffs deliver crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal effort.
Why I Love These Spinach Puffs
These spinach puffs are:
- Quick and Easy – Just mix, fill, and bake!
- Crowd-Pleasing – Everyone loves cheesy, garlicky pastry.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prep them ahead and bake fresh.
- Customizable – Add bacon bits, swap cheeses, or go spicy!
They remind me of this baked brie appetizer—simple ingredients, fancy result, no stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
✅ Be sure to squeeze all the water out of the spinach—too much moisture will make the pastry soggy.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Want to get creative? Try:
- Cheese: Swap Parmesan for feta, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach works too—just sauté and drain before using.
- Protein: Add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham.
- Heat: Kick up the spice with extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
How to Make Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs (Step-by-Step)
1. Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, well-drained spinach, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.
2. Prep the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry. Cut it into 9 equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
3. Fill and Fold
Place a spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each square. Fold each square diagonally into a triangle, or pinch the corners together to form a little puff. Seal edges by pressing gently.
4. Bake
Transfer the puffs to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for that perfect golden color. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
5. Cool and Serve
Let cool slightly, then serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or brunch bite.
Tips for Success
- Use cold pastry: Keep your puff pastry cold before working with it for the flakiest result.
- Drain spinach well: Extra moisture = soggy bottoms.
- Egg wash is key: It gives that shiny, bakery-style finish.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve your spinach puffs with:
- A dip like beer cheese for bonus cheese pull power
- A big batch of sheet pan quesadillas if you’re hosting
- As a savory bite next to easy turkey wings for a comfort food spread
These are also perfect for brunch tables, baby showers, or holiday buffets!
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to bring back that crispness.
- Freeze: Freeze before baking for future use. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you love simple savory bites, try these next:
Final Thoughts
Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are everything you want in an appetizer—flaky, cheesy, flavorful, and gone in a flash. Whether you serve them fresh out of the oven or prep a batch to freeze, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Made them? Leave a comment with your twist—feta, bacon, herbs? And follow Chef Maniac for more feel-good, crowd-pleasing recipes that are always worth the bake.
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