Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites
Quick & easy spinach puffs recipe! Flaky puff pastry filled with spinach & feta – perfect as spinach feta puff pastry appetizers! Get the recipe now. ... Vegetarian Delights
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook to Amazing Spinach Puffs
Fancy a nibble that's both posh and proper tasty? ever wondered what to do with that rogue bag of spinach lurking in the freezer? these spinach puffs are your answer! they're savory, cheesy, and oh-so-flaky.
Brief Overview of Spinach Cheese Puffs
These are essentially fancy spanakopita bites , without all the fuss. originating from a love of greek flavors and a desire for something quick, they're a breeze to make.
We're talking easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy! prep takes about 20 minutes, baking another 20- 25 minutes, for a total time of under 45 minutes.
This spinach puffs recipe makes around 24 delicious puffs - perfect for sharing (or not!).
Main Benefits of Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Recipes
Honestly, the best thing about these is how secretly healthy they are. they're packed with spinach, which is full of vitamins! these spinach feta puff pastry appetizers are brilliant for parties, picnics, or just a cheeky afternoon snack.
What makes them special? the perfectly balanced flavors and that irresistible flaky crunch. oh my gosh, you just have to try them!
Ready to get started? First, let's talk ingredients. I used to be intimidated by puff pastry appetizers until I realized it's basically magic in a box. Don't be shy, you've got this!
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up these amazing spinach puffs . honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, nothing too cheffy, promise.
Think of these spinach feta puff pastry appetizers as posh cheese and onion rolls, but with spinach. bet you fancy a try now, eh?
Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Getting Your Gear Sorted
Main Ingredients for the Spinach Puffs Recipe
Okay, first the bits that actually go into the Spinach Puffs . This makes 24 little pastries, perfect for sharing (or not!).
- Frozen Spinach: 10 ounces (283 grams). Top tip: Give it a proper squeeze after thawing! Get rid of all that extra water or you'll end up with soggy bottoms. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
- Feta Cheese: 4 ounces (113 grams), crumbled. Now, don't go cheap on the feta. Proper Greek feta makes all the difference. Salty and creamy? Yes, please!
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. I'm a garlic fiend, so sometimes I sneak in an extra one. Don't tell anyone!
- Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
- Parmesan Cheese: 2 tablespoons (30 ml), grated.
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon , ground.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Salt: A pinch. Careful with the salt, the feta's already quite salty!
- Puff Pastry: 1 package (14-17 ounces / 397-482 grams) frozen. You'll need to thaw this according to the packet instructions, usually about 30- 40 minutes.
- Egg Wash: 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk or water. This gives them that lovely golden shine.
- Optional: Sesame or poppy seeds for sprinkling on top. Makes them look fancy!
Seasoning & Flavour
The secret to great spinach cheese puffs is all about balancing the flavours. feta and spinach are a classic combo, but the garlic and nutmeg really lift it.
If you fancy a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of chili flakes.
Spanakopita Bites Inspiration: Think Mediterranean flavours. For a twist, a dash of lemon zest can work wonders. If you're out of nutmeg, a pinch of mace will do in a pinch.
Essential Kit
Right, you don't need a fancy kitchen for these. I made them in my student digs with, like, two pans and a dodgy oven!
- A large mixing bowl: For getting all the filling mixed up.
- A baking sheet: To bake your delicious triangles.
- Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat: Stops them from sticking.
- A fork: For crimping the edges. Makes them look all professional.
- A pastry brush: To brush on the egg wash. A small paintbrush will do if you haven't got one.
Honestly, that's it. Easy peasy! Let's move on to making these Savory Puff Pastry beauties.
Alright, mate! let's talk spinach and feta puff pastry appetizers. these aren't your average cheese and crackers, oh no. we're talking about elegant little bites, a step up from the classic spanakopita bites.
Think flaky pastry hugging a savory spinach and feta hug. honestly, who can resist?
Prep Steps: The Key to Success
First things first: mise en place. Proper prep is your best mate in the kitchen. Nobody wants to be scrambling when they should be baking.
- Essential mise en place: Thaw your puff pastry. Squeeze that spinach DRY. Crumble the feta, mince the garlic.
- Time-saving organization tips: Get all your ingredients out. Measure 'em into bowls before you even think about turning on the oven. It's like having a mini cooking show, but you're the star!
- Safety reminders: Mind your fingers when chopping. Don't lick the raw egg (salmonella's a right pain!). Oven gloves are essential.
Step-by-Step to Glorious Spinach Puffs
Right then, let's get to the nitty-gritty of these Spinach Puffs Recipe. Don't worry, it's easier than putting on your socks in the morning.
- Squeeze every last drop of water from that thawed spinach. Seriously, squeeze it till it cries.
- Mix spinach, feta, garlic, egg, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Get it all nicely combined.
- Cut your thawed puff pastry into 12 squares.
- Spoon a little bit of that delicious filling onto each square.
- Brush the edges with egg wash. Fold into triangles. Press those edges with a fork – we don't want any explosions in the oven.
- Brush the tops with egg wash, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if you're feeling fancy.
- Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 25 minutes . Until golden and puffed.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Puff
Want to take your Spinach Cheese Puffs to the next level? Of course, you do!
- Expert technique: Keep your puff pastry COLD. It's the secret to flaky perfection.
- Common mistake: Overfilling. Resist the urge. Trust me on this one.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble the puffs ahead of time. Store them in the fridge (unbaked) then bake them when you're ready.
Savory puff pastry like this is a crowd-pleaser, and you can even turn them into spinach and cheese triangles, and they're far easier than spanakopita.
And you know what else? if you don't have feta, some goat cheese will do the trick! they're incredibly versatile.
So there you have it. A guide to Spinach Puffs that's sure to impress your friends (and yourself!). Get baking, and remember to have a little fun.
Recipe Notes: Secrets to the Best Spinach Puffs
Alright, before you get stuck in making these spinach puffs recipe , let’s have a proper natter about a few things.
We want your spinach feta puff pastry appetizers to be absolutely banging, yeah? let's dive into some spinach feta puff pastry recipes notes that'll help you whip up some brilliant spinach cheese puffs every time.
Serving Ideas for your Spinach Puffs Recipe
These little triangles are like the little black dress of the appetizer world. dress them up, dress them down, they just work .
I like to think of these not just as puff pastry appetizers , but as spanakopita bites .
For presentation, a simple platter with a dollop of tzatziki. sorted! for sides, think light and fresh. a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is magic.
A nice glass of chilled sauvignon blanc? even better.
How to Store Spinach Puffs
Okay, so you’ve made a batch of these golden feta cheese puffs and, by some miracle, there are leftovers. first off, congrats on the willpower.
Pop the savory puff pastry into an airtight container once they're cool.
They'll happily hang out in the fridge for up to 3 days . if you want to freeze them, lay them out on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid.
You can keep them frozen for up to a month . to reheat, bung them in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) for about 10- 15 minutes.
They are the best when reheated in the oven.
Switching Things Up: Variations on Spinach and Cheese Triangles
Fancy a change? You know, put your own spin on it?
- Dietary Adaptation: You can totally use vegan feta. There are some really good ones out there now!
- Seasonal Swaps: I've swapped the feta for crumbled goat cheese in the autumn when they're at their best. Trust me, its amazing!
Spinach Puffs : The Nutrition Lowdown
Right, let’s talk about the good stuff. i am not a nutritionist! however, one spinach puff will give you around 80-100 calories.
There's some protein from the cheese and eggs and vitamins from the spinach. not bad for a little treat!
Honestly, baking should be fun. Don’t be scared to experiment. Give these Spinach Puffs a go and let me know what you think!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my spinach puffs soggy? I thought puff pastry was supposed to be, well, puffy!
Soggy spinach puffs are usually down to excess moisture in the filling. Make sure you really squeeze all the water out of the thawed spinach – think you've squeezed enough? Squeeze it again! You want that filling as dry as a bone to get the best puff.
Can I make these spinach puffs ahead of time? I'm planning a right knees-up!
You can definitely prep these in advance! Assemble the spinach puffs, but don't bake them. Place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with cling film, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush with egg wash and bake just before your guests arrive. You can also freeze them unbaked for up to a month, baking from frozen (you might need to add a few minutes to the baking time).
Are there any variations I can try with these spinach and feta puff pastry bites? I fancy something a bit different!
Absolutely! For a Mediterranean twist, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives to the filling. If you're feeling spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes will give them a lovely kick. You could even try different cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for these spinach puffs? I've got a glut growing in the garden!
You certainly can! Simply blanch the fresh spinach in boiling water for a minute or two until wilted. Then, drain it very well and chop it finely. Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible – even more so than with frozen spinach – to avoid soggy puffs.
How do I store leftover spinach puffs, if there are any? And how do I reheat them?
Store leftover spinach puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker crisp-up.
Are these spinach puffs healthy? I'm trying to be a bit more virtuous these days.
While puff pastry isn't exactly a health food, these spinach puffs do pack in some nutrients from the spinach and feta. They contain protein, calcium, and vitamins. To make them healthier, you could use whole wheat puff pastry or reduce the amount of cheese. Remember that nutritional information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the ingredients and serving size!
