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Close-up image of a spinach puff with a bite taken out, revealing the filling of creamy cheese, spinach, and bacon inside the flaky golden pastry. Other spinach puffs are in the background, showcasing the appetizing texture and layers of the pastry and filling.
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Spinach Puffs

These savory spinach puffs feature a creamy filling with spinach, bacon, and parmesan, wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for parties or an indulgent appetizer, they combine crispy pastry with a rich, cheesy filling for a delicious bite-sized treat.
Course Appetizer, Brunch
Cuisine American
Keyword pastry, spinach
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12 puffs
Calories 230kcal
Author Camila Hurst

Ingredients

Puff Pastry

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 3/4 cup cream cheese softened (170 grams)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Bacon Spinach Filling

  • 6 slices of bacon 150 grams
  • 2 garlic cloves mashed
  • 6 cups packed baby spinach
  • 1/4 tsp salt plus more to taste

To Assemble

  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg

Instructions

Cream Cheese Filling

  • In a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, egg, parmesan, salt, and black pepper. You can also add other spices such as garlic powder or dried thyme, if desired.
  • Mix the cream cheese, egg, parmesan and seasoning with a fork, until completely incorporated. Set aside.

Bacon Spinach Filling

  • Add the bacon slices to a frying pan on an even layer, without overlapping.
  • Turn the heat to medium and let the bacon slowly cook as the fat renders.
  • Cook for about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes until crispy.
  • Transfer the bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
  • Once the bacon cools down a bit, slice it or crumble it into small pieces. You should have about 1/3 cup of bacon bits.
  • Remove almost all the fat from the pan, leaving about 1/2 tbsp of the bacon fat in the pan.
  • Add the crushed garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until golden.
  • Add the spinach and stir. Let the spinach cook for 2 minutes or until wilted.
  • Add the salt, taste and add more as needed.
  • Mix the bacon in with the spinach. Set aside until it cools down.

To Assemble and Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
  • Lightly grease a muffin or cupcake pan with oil spray, or brush with oil or melted butter. Set aside.
  • Whisk the egg, set it aside, alongside a pastry brush.
  • Place the puff pastry on a lightly floured counter.
  • Roll the pastry into a 1/4” thick rectangle.
  • Cut the pastry into 12 4x4” squares.
  • Place each square of dough on the bottom of a muffin cavity in the greased pan, leaving the edges overhanging at the top.
  • Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture between the cups.
  • Top with the spinach bacon mixture, also dividing it evenly among the cups.
  • Sprinkle the parmesan on top, dividing about 1/4 cup of parmesan between each cup, it will be about 1 teaspoon of cheese per cup. You can add more if you like it extra cheesy.
  • Bring each edge of the pastry dough to the center, covering the filling, and press them together. You can brush with the tiniest amount of egg wash to help the edges stick together.
  • Brush each sealed cup lightly with the egg wash.
  • Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for about 25 minute, or until golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven, let them cool down for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Parmesan cheese: In place of parmesan cheese you can use Parmigiano Reggiano, Asiago, Manchego, or Romano cheese.
Thawing the puff pastry: To thaw puff pastry, place it in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours for the best results. For a quicker option, let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes. In a rush, you can use the microwave, wrap the pastry in paper towels and microwave for 15 seconds on one side, flip it over and microwave for another 15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it. Always work with the pastry while it's still cool to maintain its flaky texture.
Homemade Puff Pastry: For a truly decadent treat, try making your own puff pastry using this recipe. 
Oven Bacon: To cook the bacon in the oven, preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. Lay the bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping, and bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Make Ahead:
  • Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling and Bacon Spinach Filling: Follow the recipe instructions to make both fillings. Once prepared, store the fillings in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
  • Assemble the Spinach Puffs: You can fully assemble the puffs up to the step where you bring the edges of the puff pastry to the center and press them together. Place the assembled unbaked puffs in the muffin tin and cover tightly with plastic wrap, making sure the dough isn’t exposed.
  • Store the assembled puffs in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking.
  • For Freezing: Once the puffs are assembled, place the entire muffin tin in the freezer. Once the puffs are frozen solid (after a few hours), remove them from the tin and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month.
  • When Ready to Bake: If refrigerated, bake as directed, but you may need to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time. If frozen, no need to thaw—bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time, until golden brown.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1puff | Calories: 230kcal