These Feta-Spinach Puff Pastry Bites are crispy and delicious! The flaky pastry wraps around a tasty filling of creamy feta cheese and fresh spinach. Perfect for snacks or parties!
Whenever I make these, my friends can’t get enough! They disappear faster than I can put them on the table. Try serving them warm for that extra wow factor! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the dish! You can buy it in the frozen section. If you’re short on time, store-bought is perfect. For a homemade touch, you can make your own, but it does take effort!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a bright flavor and nice texture. If you can’t get fresh, frozen works fine; just make sure to drain it well. Kale or Swiss chard can also be good substitutes if you want to experiment.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings tanginess to the bites. If you’re not a fan, try goat cheese or even ricotta for a creamier texture. Just be aware that ricotta is milder in flavor.
Cream Cheese: It adds creaminess and helps bind the filling. Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter alternative if you’re looking for something lower in fat. Keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the taste. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh gives a deeper flavor. If garlic isn’t your thing, feel free to skip it or use onion powder.
How Do I Get the Puff Pastry to Rise Perfectly?
Getting that delicious puffiness in your pastry is all about temperature and technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to bake. Warm pastry doesn’t puff as well.
- When rolling out, be gentle to avoid losing the layers. A bit of flour on your surface helps prevent sticking.
- After piping in your filling, don’t over-pack—leave a little space for the pastry to rise and expand.
- Brush the edges with the beaten egg; this not only helps with color but also seals the pastry nicely.
How to Make Feta-Spinach Puff Pastry Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pastry Cups:
- 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- Olive oil (for brushing, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, so you’ll be ready to enjoy your tasty bites in about 35 minutes total. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners to keep your pastries from sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, take your thawed puff pastry sheets and roll them out gently. This will help to smooth them and make them easier to work with.
3. Cut the Pastry Squares:
Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the rolled pastry into squares that are about 3×3 inches. You should end up with around 12 squares per sheet.
4. Form the Pastry Cups:
Carefully place each square into the muffin tins, pressing them down gently to create little cups. This is where your delicious filling will go!
5. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined—this is the tasty filling for your pastry cups!
6. Fill the Cups:
Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each puff pastry cup, making sure to fill them generously. Don’t be shy; they’re meant to be stuffed!
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
Take your beaten egg and brush it gently around the edges of the pastry for a lovely golden finish. If you like, you can also drizzle a little olive oil over the tops for extra flavor.
8. Bake Them Up:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown and the filling looks set.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the muffin tin. They’ll be deliciously warm and ready to enjoy!
10. Enjoy Your Treats:
Serve these delightful feta-spinach puff pastry bites warm as a tasty appetizer or snack. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and drain out any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will prevent your puff pastry from becoming soggy.
How Can I Store Leftover Puff Pastry Bites?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Microwaving can make them soggy, so the oven is preferred!
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly—goat cheese will be tangier, while ricotta is milder.
Can I Make These Puff Pastry Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the bites ahead of time! Just store the assembled pastries in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. When ready to bake, simply brush with egg wash and pop them in the oven as directed.
