Description
Crispy, golden Spinach Cheese Puffs emerge as a delightful French-inspired appetizer that whispers elegance. Light pastry shells cradle a savory blend of spinach and melted cheese, promising a perfect bite for casual gatherings and sophisticated soirées you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients:
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 3 ½ ounces (100 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon mushroom powder
- ⅛ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Egg Wash:
- 1 teaspoon butter
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Black sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Warm the kitchen oven to 356°F (180°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, then gently sauté onions and garlic until they become soft and translucent.
- Introduce chopped spinach to the pan and cook until all liquid dissipates, then allow the mixture to cool briefly.
- Create a smooth blend of cream cheese, parmesan, and egg in a mixing bowl, incorporating parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well integrated.
- Merge the cheese mixture with the cooled spinach, ensuring thorough combination.
- Divide each puff pastry sheet into four equal quadrants.
- Carefully place a generous spoonful of spinach mixture at the center of each pastry square.
- Elegantly fold one corner over the filling, forming a triangular shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to create a secure seal.
- Arrange the pastry triangles on the prepared baking sheet, then delicately brush with egg wash and optionally sprinkle black sesame seeds on top.
- Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the puffs transform into a golden, puffy delicacy.
- Remove from the oven and serve while warm, ready to delight the palate.
Notes
- Prep Ahead for Convenience: Assemble the spinach cheese puffs up to a day in advance and refrigerate, covered, before baking to save time during meal preparation.
- Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain and pat dry the spinach to prevent soggy pastry, ensuring a crisp and flaky texture that maintains structural integrity.
- Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese combinations like feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg