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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the spinach mixture
- Begin by thawing the frozen spinach. After it’s thawed, squeeze out as much excess water as possible by pressing it between paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. If you’re using onions, sauté them for about 2 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the spinach to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just to heat it through. Remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined. If you want a bright, zesty flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
Step 2: Prepare the puff pastry
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into small squares (about 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches).
- Brush each square lightly with an egg wash made by whisking the egg with a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Assemble the spinach puffs
- Place a spoonful of the spinach and cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Be sure not to overfill, as the filling may spill out during baking.
- Fold the corners of the puff pastry square to the center, creating a neat little pocket. Pinch the edges to seal the puffs tightly. If you’d like, you can also fold the pastry into a triangle or rectangle shape for a different presentation.
- Place the filled puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the spinach puffs
- Brush the tops of the puffs with the remaining egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the spinach puffs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
- Once they’re done, remove the spinach puffs from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes.
- Serve warm as a delicious appetizer at your next gathering. They’re best enjoyed right out of the oven but can also be served at room temperature.
Tips for Success:
- Make ahead: These puffs can be prepared ahead of time! Assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. You can also freeze them and bake them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Customize the filling: While the cream cheese and spinach combination is classic, feel free to experiment. Add some crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh herbs like dill or basil for a personalized touch.
- Serve with dipping sauces: These spinach puffs are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them further by serving with a side of creamy ranch, tangy marinara sauce, or even a spicy aioli.
Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs:
- Easy and elegant: These puffs are simple to prepare but look and taste like something you’d find at a gourmet restaurant. They’re the perfect balance of comfort food and elegance.
- Versatile: They can be served at nearly any event, from casual family get-togethers to upscale cocktail parties.
- Crowd-pleasing: With a blend of creamy, cheesy spinach wrapped in crispy pastry, these bites are always a hit. Even those who aren’t usually fans of spinach will love these puffs!
These Cream Cheese Spinach Puffs are the ultimate party appetizer—simple, delicious, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you serve them at your next gathering or just make a batch for yourself, they are sure to be a crowd favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Time to get puffin’!
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