Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
These Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are the perfect appetizer or snack! With a flaky, buttery puff pastry crust and a creamy, cheesy spinach filling, they’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a savory treat at home.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 bites
Ingredients:
1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1 cup fresh or frozen spinach (if frozen, thaw and drain well)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup heavy cream or cream cheese
1 egg (for egg wash)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Spinach Mixture:
In a pan, sauté the garlic in a little olive oil. Add the spinach, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for a few minutes, then remove from heat. Mix in the cheeses and cream.
Prepare Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Cut into squares or circles to fit into a muffin tin.
Assemble:
Press the pastry pieces into a greased muffin tin. Fill each cup with the spinach mixture.
Egg Wash:
Beat the egg and brush the edges of the pastry for a golden finish.
Bake:
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Tips & Variations for Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
Tips for the Best Puff Pastry Bites
✅ Thaw the Puff Pastry Properly – Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for 30-40 minutes. Avoid letting it get too soft.
✅ Drain Excess Moisture – If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess water to prevent soggy pastry.
✅ Pre-Bake for Extra Crispiness – If you like an extra crispy base, pre-bake the puff pastry for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
✅ Use a Mini Muffin Tin – This helps create a nice shape and crispy edges.
✅ Cool Slightly Before Serving – The filling will be hot right out of the oven, so let them sit for a few minutes before eating.
Tasty Variations
Cheese Variations – Swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor. Add ricotta for extra creaminess.
Add Protein – Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier bite.
Spice It Up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to the spinach mixture.
Mushroom & Spinach – Sauté diced mushrooms with the garlic for extra umami flavor.
Mediterranean Twist – Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or a sprinkle of oregano.
Garlic Butter Finish – Brush with melted garlic butter after baking for a richer flavor.
Q&A for Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the bites and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake them fully and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Absolutely! Freeze unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Q: What can I serve with them?
A: These pair well with a yogurt-based dip, marinara sauce, or a simple garlic aioli.
Q: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
A: Yes! Sauté about 2 cups of fresh spinach until wilted, then chop and drain any excess moisture before mixing with the cheese.
Q: Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
A: Yes, but the texture will be crispier and more delicate. Layer multiple sheets with melted butter in between before filling.
Nutrition Information (Per Bite) (Approximate values)
- Calories: 130-150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g