Ingredients
4 ounces cream cheese for creaminess and binding
1 large egg for structure
1 tablespoon olive oil for smoothness and flavor
1/2 teaspoon dried dill for herbal brightness
2 cups fresh spinach for color, nutrients, and texture
3/4 cup crumbled feta for flavor
2 teaspoons bacon bits for salty crunch and smoky depth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 sheet frozen puff pastry for crisp, flaky exterior
1 tablespoon butter for golden finish
Instructions
1-First Step: Prep and set up Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray 9 cups in a muffin pan with cooking spray so the pastry will release easily later. Thaw one sheet of puff pastry according to package directions keep it chilled but pliable so it cuts cleanly into squares.
2-Second Step: Soften and blend the cream cheese base Microwave 4 ounces of cream cheese in 10-second intervals until soft and just starting to melt but not steaming. In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon dried dill. Mix until well combined and smooth. This creamy base is important for the cheesy spinach puffs texture and helps bind the filling so it sets without becoming runny.
3-Third Step: Prepare the spinach filling In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped and packed), 3/4 cup crumbled feta, and 2 teaspoons bacon bits. If using frozen spinach instead of fresh, thaw fully and squeeze out excess moisture before measuring extra liquid will make the puffs soggy. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the spinach mixture, season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix with a fork until everything is evenly coated.
4-Fourth Step: Shape the pastry cups Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the sheet into 9 equal squares. Press each square gently into a greased muffin cup, pushing into the bottom and up the sides so there’s room for the filling. This keeps the pastry edges neat while allowing the centers to puff up.
5-Fifth Step: Fill and seal each cup Divide the spinach mixture evenly among the 9 pastry-lined cups. Bring the four corners of each pastry square together over the filling and press to seal. You can leave a small opening at the top for a more open-faced look, or fully seal for a tidy parcel. Brush each pastry lightly with 1 tablespoon melted butter to promote browning and add a buttery flavor.
6-Final Step: Bake, cool, and serve Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until the pastry is golden and puffy. Check at 18 minutes and rotate the pan if your oven has hot spots. When done, let cool for 10 minutes in the tin. Use a knife to loosen edges and gently remove the spinach puffs. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Last Step:
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๐ฅฌ Use frozen spinach but squeeze out all excess moisture to avoid soggy puffs
๐ฅง For bite-sized versions, cut puff pastry into 18 squares and bake for 10 to 15 minutes
๐ง Customize by swapping bacon with diced ham, adding mushrooms, green onions, or bell peppers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 286mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 52mg
