Elevate your appetizer game with Three Cheese & Spinach Puffs, a flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious three-cheese filling. Whether for a festive gathering or an intimate affair, these 24 bite-sized wonders are sure to captivate taste buds, offering a deliciously indulgent start to any occasion. The golden brown exterior gives way to a creamy interior, marrying the rich flavors of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, creating a harmonious blend that’s both elegant and irresistible.
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MY INSPIRATION BEHIND THIS RECIPE
Flaky golden crust enveloped around a savoury cheesy, salty and garlicky filling- need I say more?? It’s giving…. holiday appetizer. I think these Three Cheese & Spinach Puffs are such a perfect appetizer for any holiday such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Mother’s Day or even Super Bowl. I love these puffs, there are so tasty and cheesy. I use pre-made puff pastry to make it even easier! 🧀
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THESE THREE CHEESE & SPINACH PUFFS
- Indulgent Cheesy Goodness: Transitioning into the world of deliciousness, these Three Cheese & Spinach Puffs offer a mouthwatering blend of creaminess from softened cream cheese, gooeyness from mozzarella, and a sharp kick from Parmesan. The combination of three distinct cheeses creates a flavour symphony that cheese lovers won’t be able to resist.
- Perfectly Balanced with Spinach: Seamlessly integrating fresh spinach into the cheesy mix, these puffs bring a wholesome and vibrant element. The finely chopped spinach not only adds a burst of color but also introduces a balance, making these bites not just indulgent but also a slightly guilt-free pleasure. The spinach adds a delightful freshness and nutritional boost.
- Conveniently Bite-sized for Any Occasion: Crafted into convenient bite-sized portions, these puffs are a versatile crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, a family gathering, or just looking for a tasty snack, the mini muffin-sized servings make these bites easy to handle and share. The golden, flaky puff pastry encases the cheesy filling, creating a satisfying, portable treat.
- Effortlessly Elegant Presentation: Elevate your appetizer game with these Three Cheese & Spinach Puffs that not only tantalize the taste buds but also please the eyes. The golden-brown hue of the puff pastry, glistening with the egg wash, gives them an elegant finish. Serving them warm adds to the sensory experience, making them a delightful addition to any table or event.
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INGREDIENTS NEEDED
- Puff Pastry: The foundation of flaky goodness, the thawed puff pastry provides a buttery and airy texture to encase the delectable cheese and spinach filling. Rolled out and cut into circles, it forms the delightful bite-sized cups that make these puffs irresistibly light and crispy.
- Cream Cheese: Acting as the luscious base, the softened cream cheese brings a velvety and rich texture to the filling. Its smooth consistency contributes to the overall creaminess, ensuring a delightful contrast to the flaky puff pastry exterior.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Playing the role of the stringy and gooey element, shredded mozzarella cheese melds seamlessly with the cream cheese, creating a tantalizing blend of textures. Its meltability adds a comforting and savoury layer to each bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese introduces a bold and sharp flavour profile to the filling. Its granular texture ensures that every bite has a burst of savoury intensity, elevating the overall taste and complexity of the cheese mixture.
- Fresh Spinach: Offering a burst of freshness and colour, finely chopped fresh spinach adds a wholesome and vibrant dimension to the filling. While optional, its inclusion introduces a delightful balance and a hint of earthiness to complement the richness of the cheeses.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a robust and aromatic kick to the filling, infusing each bite with a savoury depth. Its presence enhances the overall flavour profile, adding a satisfying complexity to the cheesy concoction.
- Salt and Pepper: Serving as the flavour enhancers, salt and black pepper provide a well-balanced seasoning to the filling. They play a crucial role in harmonizing the various flavours, ensuring each bite is seasoned to perfection.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These powdered elements contribute to the overall flavor profile, enhancing the garlic notes and introducing a subtle onion essence. Together, they add layers of flavour without overwhelming the palate.
- Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions add a mild, fresh onion flavour and a pop of color to the filling. They provide a nuanced taste that complements the richness of the cheeses, creating a well-rounded and flavourful filling.
- Egg (for Egg Wash): The beaten egg serves as a golden finishing touch, creating a shiny and appetizing exterior for the puff pastry bites. The egg wash contributes to the overall visual appeal, making each bite look invitingly golden and perfectly baked.
HOW TO MAKE THREE CHEESE & SPINACH PUFFS
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a mini muffin tray with cooking spray or butter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped green onions. Mix until well combined.
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, cut out 24 equal shaped squares from the puff pastry sheet.
Gently press each puff pastry square into the mini muffin cups, forming a little cup shape. Spoon the cheese filling evenly into each puff pastry cup.
In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each puff pastry bite with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
Allow the bites to cool in the muffin tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. Garnish the bites with chopped parsley. Enjoy! 🙂
VIC'S QUICK TIPS FOR THREE CHEESE & SPINACH PUFFS
- Puff Pastry Handling: Keep the puff pastry cold until ready to use for better handling and a flakier texture.
- Cheese Filling Enhancement: Experiment with different herbs or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick to elevate the cheese filling flavour.
- Customization Options: Customize the filling by incorporating cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms for additional flavour and texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS & STORING
- Presentation: Garnish with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a finishing touch.
- Dipping Options: Provide a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, pesto, or a balsamic glaze for added flavour options.
- Prep Ahead for Convenience: Prepare the puff pastry cups and cheese filling in advance, refrigerate separately, and assemble just before baking.
- Storage Suggestions for Three Cheese Puff Pastry Bites: Store any leftover puff pastry bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While best enjoyed fresh, reheating in the oven for a few minutes can help restore the crispiness.
INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan mozzarella, and a plant-based Parmesan alternative. Ensure the puff pastry is vegan-friendly, as some may contain butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Choose gluten-free puff pastry or make a gluten-free alternative. Verify the gluten-free status of cream cheese and Parmesan.
- Spinach-Free Alternative: Simply exclude the fresh spinach for a spinach-free version. Replace spinach with other finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers if desired.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs for added flavuor. Replace green onions with fresh basil, chives, or parsley.
RECIPE FAQ
Absolutely! You can prepare the puff pastry cups and the cheese filling in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble just before baking. This allows for convenient preparation ahead of your event.
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked filled cups on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply follow the instructions from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh bites.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with the filling. Adjust the quantities of garlic, onion powder, or even incorporate additional ingredients like diced jalapeños or sun-dried tomatoes for a personalized touch. For dietary preferences, explore vegan or gluten-free alternatives for the cheeses and puff pastry.
These bites pair well with a variety of dips, such as marinara, pesto, or a balsamic glaze. Consider including a charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, and a selection of fresh fruits and crackers to create a diverse and appealing appetizer spread.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their crispiness, reheat in the oven for a few minutes. While best enjoyed fresh, this method helps restore the delightful texture and flavor when reheating for later consumption.
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Equipment:
- Mini Muffin Tray
Ingredients:
- Cooking Spray
- 1 (9"x9") Sheet of Puff Pastry thawed
- 4 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 Cup Spinach chopped
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder (each)
- 2 Tablespoons Green Onions sliced
- 1 Egg beaten
- 2 Tablespoons Parsley chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a mini muffin tray with cooking spray or butter.Cooking Spray
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped green onions. Mix until well combined.4 oz Cream Cheese, 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese, 1 Cup Spinach, 2 Cloves Garlic, ¼ Teaspoon Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, 2 Tablespoons Green Onions
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, cut out 24 equal shaped squares from the puff pastry sheet.1 (9"x9") Sheet of Puff Pastry
- Gently press each puff pastry square into the mini muffin cups, forming a little cup shape. Spoon the cheese filling evenly into each puff pastry cup.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each puff pastry bite with the egg wash for a golden finish.1 Egg
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the bites to cool in the muffin tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. Garnish the bites with chopped parsley. Enjoy! 🙂2 Tablespoons Parsley
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