These Elegant Spinach Puffs are the perfect blend of light, flaky pastry and savory spinach filling. Whether you're hosting a formal dinner or just looking for a delicious appetizer, these puffs are sure to impress with their golden crust and rich, flavorful interior. Easy to prepare and bake, they will leave your guests asking for more!
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Key Information:
- Preparation time:
15 minutes
- Cooking time:
25 minutes
- Total time:
40 minutes
- Number of servings:
12 puffs
- Serving size:
1 puff
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories:
130 kcal
- Protein:
4 g
- Carbohydrates:
10 g
- Fat:
8 g
- Fiber:
2 g
- Sodium:
210 mg
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (approx. 230g/8 oz), thawed
- 150g (5 oz) fresh spinach leaves
- 100g (3.5 oz) cream cheese
- 50g (1.7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven
to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the spinach filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced
garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add spinach and cook
until wilted, around 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess water and let it cool
slightly.
- Mix the filling:
In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, feta, nutmeg (if
using), salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured
surface. Cut it into 12 equal squares (approximately 8x8 cm or 3x3
inches).
- Fill the pastry:
Place a tablespoon of the spinach mixture in the center of each pastry
square.
- Shape the puffs:
Fold each square into a triangle or bring the four corners together to
form a pocket. Press the edges lightly to seal them. Use a fork to crimp
the edges for a decorative touch.
- Egg wash:
Brush the tops of the puffs with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake:
Transfer the puffs to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25
minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve warm:
Let the puffs cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Prevent sogginess
by thoroughly draining the spinach after cooking. Excess moisture can
affect the puff pastry.
- Keep the pastry chilled until ready to use; this helps achieve maximum puff
and flakiness.
- Don't overfill
the pastry squares; this could cause them to burst during baking.
- Experiment with flavors by adding sun-dried tomatoes or pine nuts to the
filling for an extra layer of taste.
- Make ahead tip:
You can prepare the puffs ahead of time and freeze them unbaked. Bake them
straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes! Thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible
before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and store
them in the fridge or freeze them unbaked.
- What can I serve with spinach puffs? They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad, a
creamy dip, or even a tomato-based soup.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Ricotta, goat cheese, or even grated
Parmesan can be substituted or combined for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free puff pastry to make the
dish suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.
Elegant Spinach Puffs are a delightful treat that brings together the richness of spinach and cheese encased in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light snack, these savory bites are as versatile as they are delicious. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular feature at your gatherings!