If you need a savory appetizer for a party or other special occasion, these Spinach Puffs are a crowd-pleasing golden brown snack with creamy feta cheese and flaky pastry that are always the first to go! Whether you are serving these as a perfect appetizer for a New Year’s Eve party, an elegant side dish, or a quick savory snack, this recipe is both simple to make and guaranteed to be a big hit!
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I’ll let you in on a little secret: you can use frozen puff pastry to make the easiest, quickest appetizers ever that everybody will rave about. Fill it with a creamy, savory feta & spinach filling that takes less than 10 minutes to throw together and you’ll end up with one of our go-to finger foods.
The buttery, flaky layers of puff pastry balance out the creamy, cheesy filling in the most delightful way. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make using store-bought puff pastry and a few simple ingredients like fresh spinach and feta cheese!
Fun fact: In Disney’s Emperor’s New Groove, Kronk, the comedic sidekick to the villain Yzma, makes spinach puffs and almost burns them, leading him to hilariously exclaim “my spinach puffs!”.
For even more puff pastry magic, take a peek at my favorite recipes for snacks and appetizers like Baked Brie in Puff Pastry, Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket, Puff Pastry Apple Roses, Asparagus Tart, and Easy Peach Turnovers!
Why We Love This Recipe
- The combination of fresh spinach, feta cheese, and puff pastry creates a savory, crispy treat with a perfectly soft center!
- It’s a simple recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or a quick weekday snack.
- The spinach puffs can be prepped ahead, frozen, and then baked fresh when needed, ensuring they’re ready whenever you are!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Puff Pastry Sheet – These are the base for your spinach puffs, giving that golden, flaky crust. You can use store-bought for convenience or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Fresh Spinach – The star of the show! Fresh spinach adds a lovely, bright flavor, but you can also use frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw first and squeeze out all the excess liquid.
- Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta gives the filling a salty, tangy kick. You can swap in goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor.
- Cream Cheese – This makes the filling rich and creamy, binding everything together. You can use vegan cream cheese if you need a dairy-free option.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Essential for adding that irresistible depth of flavor. You can also sauté fresh garlic and onions for an even richer taste.
- Eggs – The eggs go into the filling for a bit of extra structure, and another egg is used as an egg wash to give the pastry that beautiful golden finish.
- Dried Dill – This adds a fresh, herbaceous note. Feel free to use fresh dill if you have it on hand.
- Cooked Bacon (Optional) – Crumbled bacon takes these puffs to the next level, but you can leave it out for a vegetarian version.
How to Make Spinach Puff Recipe
- Thaw pastry. Start by thawing your puff pastry sheets according to the package directions.
- Prepare filling. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, dill, garlic and onion powder, two eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Add spinach and feta. Next, add in the spinach, crumbled feta, and crumbled bacon if using. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Prepare pastry. Once thawed, roll the sheet of puff pastry out on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 9 squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Grease your muffin pan with non-stick spray or cooking spray, then place a square of puff pastry into each greased muffin cup, letting the corners overhang. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.
- Assemble, seal, and chill. Spoon about 2 ½ to 3 tablespoons of the spinach mixture into the center of each muffin cup. Fold the overhanging puff pastry corners over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal them. Place the muffin pan in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill, or freeze for 10-15 minutes if you’re short on time.
- Bake. Brush the tops with an egg wash for that golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe FAQ’s
Absolutely – just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all the excess liquid so your filling doesn’t turn watery.
Yes! You can assemble the puffs, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then store them in an airtight container. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.
Yes, they freeze beautifully! Once cooled, place them in an airtight freezer container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat them directly from frozen for a quick snack.
Pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F. Microwaving will work in a pinch but might make them a bit soggy.
Tips for Success
- Chill the assembled puffs before baking to keep the pastry flaky and prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Don’t skip the egg wash! It’s the secret to getting that gorgeous, golden brown crust that makes these puffs look bakery-worthy.
- If using frozen spinach, make sure you squeeze out every drop of moisture—otherwise, the filling will be too watery.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a little parmesan on top of the puffs before baking for a cheesy, crispy finish.
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs
Spinach puffs make a perfect finger food on their own, but they also shine alongside other appetizers like Crispy Goat Cheese Bites, Grape Jelly Meatballs, and Southern Cheese Straws, or dips such as Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip, Maryland Hot Crab Dip, and Buffalo Chicken Dip – perfect for a party platter!
They pair beautifully with a fresh salad for a light lunch, especially one of my delicious spinach salads like Spinach, Bacon & Egg Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing, Persimmon, Pomegranate, and Spinach Salad, and Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing!
For a more substantial meal, you can also serve them as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled meats, such as Lemon Chicken Piccata, Grilled Ribeye Steak, and Cornell Chicken!
Substitutions and Variations
- You can swap feta cheese for goat cheese or even ricotta if you prefer a milder, creamier filling.
- If you can’t find puff pastry, you could use filo dough as a great alternative. It’s a bit more delicate, but it will still give you those crispy layers. You could also use crescent roll dough instead for a softer, less flaky bite.
- For a different twist you can add crumbled sausage or even diced ham alongside or in place of the bacon. Or, for a vegetarian option, leave out the bacon!
More Easy Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
- Crispy Homemade Onion Rings
- Easy Fruit Dip (only 3 ingredients!)
- Tomato Bruschetta Recipe
- The BEST Homemade Guacamole
- 7 Layer Dip
- Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Spinach Puffs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry thawed (one 17.3-ounce box)
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1-2 Tablespoons fresh dill)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs + 1 additional egg for an egg wash
- 4 cups chopped and packed fresh spinach (or one 10-ounce package thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
- 1 ½ cups crumbled feta cheese
- 4 strips cooked bacon crumbled
Instructions
- Thaw puff pastry sheets according to the package directions.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and two eggs. Mix until smooth.
- Add in the spinach, crumbled feta, and crumbled bacon if using. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Once thawed, roll the sheet of puff pastry out on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 9 squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Repeat with the other sheet of thawed puff pastry.
- Grease your muffin pan with non-stick spray or cooking spray, then place a square of puff pastry into each greased muffin cup, letting the corners overhang.
- Spoon about 2 ½ to 3 tablespoons of the spinach mixture into the center of each muffin cup.
- Fold the overhanging puff pastry corners over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal them.
- Place the muffin pan in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill, or freeze for 15 minutes if you’re short on time.
- Whisk the remaining egg with 1 teaspoon of cold water to make an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to brush the tops of each spinach puff with the egg wash for a golden brown finish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Notes
Storage & Make Ahead
- Store: Once baked, spinach puffs will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place the baked puffs in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warm and crispy.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the puffs and freeze them unbaked. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen for 25-30 minutes.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Delish.
