Name: Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese – Appetizer Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Appetizer recipes that actually get eaten? Now we’re talking. These spinach puffs with cream cheese are hands-down one of my favorite go-to recipe appetizer picks when I need something warm, creamy, and poppable. They’re flaky, buttery, and stuffed with that cheesy spinach goodness we all pretend is healthy because — well, spinach. They disappear faster than you can say ‘party tray,’ especially if you bring them to a get-together. I once made two batches for a family Thanksgiving, and my aunt asked if I had ‘accidentally left some at home.’ I hadn’t. What I love most is how adaptable they are. Whether you’re into Indian appetizer recipes, crazy about crab appetizer recipes, or you’re just on the hunt for Thanksgiving appetizer recipes that don’t involve a slow cooker, these fit right in. They’re small enough to be guilt-free (ish), and rich enough to keep everyone hovering by the snack table. Party appetizer recipes don’t have to be complicated. These puff up beautifully with barely any effort — and yes, store-bought puff pastry is our best friend. So next time you’re scrolling through recipes appetizer boards, save yourself the scroll spiral. These little guys have your back.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese Recipe
3) Ingredients for Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese
4) How to Make Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese
5) Tips for Making Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese
6) Making Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Spinach Puffs
8) Try these Appetizer Recipes next!
9) Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick and flaky spinach puffs made with puff pastry and cream cheese
Perfect for any gathering, from game day to Thanksgiving
Make ahead and bake just before serving to keep them fresh
Customizable filling for different flavor profiles

2) Easy Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese Recipe

Whenever I need something quick but impressive, I reach for this appetizer recipes staple. These spinach puffs with cream cheese are buttery, cheesy, and totally irresistible. They’re that little bite-sized treat that manages to win over both kids and adults alike.

I usually keep a box of puff pastry in my freezer just for this. The combo of spinach and cream cheese makes them feel comforting, while the flaky crust adds a bit of flair. And when you bring them to a party? Don’t expect to take any home.

This recipe appetizer trick has saved me more than once, especially during Thanksgiving appetizer recipes prep when the oven space is a battle. It’s simple, yet the flavor feels like something you’d find at a fancy catered event. One time, someone even asked where I bought them. I laughed—then gave them the recipe.

3) Ingredients for Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese

1 package frozen chopped spinach: Make sure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry. Too much water in the mix and your puffs won’t puff—they’ll just sulk.

1 sheet puff pastry: Thawed but still cold to the touch. You want that crisp lift that makes these look and taste bakery-worthy.

4 oz cream cheese: Softened, so it blends easily. The creamy base binds everything together and makes every bite melt just a little.

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty edge that sharpens the whole flavor profile. Don’t skip it unless you’re really in a pinch.

1 clove garlic: Minced fresh. It brings a quiet punch that rounds things out. You’ll notice it if it’s missing.

1/4 teaspoon salt: Just enough to balance the cheeses and spinach.

1/8 teaspoon black pepper: A little heat never hurt. It’s subtle but needed.

1 egg: Beaten. This is for the egg wash, which gives that glossy, golden bakery finish on top.

4) How to Make Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the bottoms from getting too dark and helps with cleanup.

Step 2. Mix the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and spinach in a bowl until smooth. You want the spinach well-distributed, not clumped.

Step 3. Roll the puff pastry into a square and cut it into 9 equal pieces. You can use a pizza cutter for quick and straight cuts.

Step 4. Add a spoonful of the filling in the center of each square. Don’t overfill, or the edges won’t seal properly.

Step 5. Fold each square into a triangle. Press the edges gently with a fork. That crimp seals it and gives them a homemade look.

Step 6. Brush each puff with the beaten egg. This step matters—it’s what gives them that golden shine.

Step 7. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Pull them when they’re puffed and golden. Let them cool just enough not to burn your mouth. Or don’t. Your call.

5) Tips for Making Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese

If your puff pastry gets too soft while you’re working, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes. Cold dough puffs better. Warm dough sulks and slouches.

Keep the filling thick. Watery spinach ruins everything. That’s why squeezing it dry matters—it’s not busywork, it’s structure insurance.

Want to lean into Indian appetizer recipes? Add a pinch of cumin or garam masala to the filling. It brings a whole new flavor while staying true to the appetizer recipes theme.

6) Making Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese Ahead of Time

These are party appetizer recipes gold because they freeze well before baking. Make a full tray, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag.

On baking day, you can bake straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the time. No one will know you made them three weeks ago. They’ll still taste warm, cheesy, and fresh.

I’ve used this trick for crab appetizer recipes too. Once you’ve got the method, the fillings can shift with your mood or the occasion.

7) Storing Leftover Spinach Puffs

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven—not the microwave—if you want the puff back in your puff pastry.

If you made a big batch, you can also freeze the extras. I like to wrap them individually and stash them for impromptu snack cravings.

These little recipes appetizer bites actually hold up well after freezing, which makes them perfect for stress-free planning. Just reheat at 350°F until warmed through.

8) Try these Appetizer Recipes next!

9) Spinach Puffs with Cream Cheese