These Spinach and Bacon Puff Pastry Puffs are a delicious and savory treat perfect for any occasion. The crispy, flaky puff pastry holds a creamy, flavorful filling made with spinach, bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers, snacks, or party hors d’oeuvres, these puffs are sure to be a crowd favorite.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 puffs
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, cleaned and chopped
- 4 slices bacon
- ¼ cup diced onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
For the Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour for dusting
- 1 egg for egg wash
Directions
1. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Drain the excess bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons for sautéing the vegetables.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pan with the reserved bacon grease, add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, then add the chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the spinach, onions, and garlic from the pan and set them aside to cool.
3. Make the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach mixture with the chopped bacon and grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 egg, garlic powder, dried dill, oregano, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add the cream cheese mixture to the spinach mixture and stir until evenly combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped green onions.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Flour a clean surface and roll out the sheet of puff pastry until smooth and even.
- Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 12 squares, each large enough to fit into a greased muffin tin.
5. Assemble the Puffs:
- Place each puff pastry square into the greased muffin tin, letting the edges hang over the sides.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of the spinach and bacon mixture into each puff.
- Fold the edges of the pastry toward the center, covering part of the filling. The edges should be slightly overlapping the filling, forming a rustic, open-topped puff.
- Brush the exposed pastry edges with a little egg wash (1 beaten egg) for a golden, shiny finish.
6. Bake the Puffs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the puffs for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer: These puffs make a great starter for a dinner party or casual get-together.
- Pair with a salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy as a snack: Perfect for snacking during movie night or game day.
- Serve with dipping sauces: Try pairing with a creamy ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
- Great for lunchboxes: These savory puffs are perfect for packing in lunchboxes for work or school.
Cooking Tips
- Puff Pastry: Make sure the puff pastry is cold when handling it. If it becomes too warm, it may get sticky and difficult to work with.
- Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the puffs with filling. A little goes a long way, and too much filling can make the puffs soggy.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or olives for a unique twist on the flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Spinach: Packed with iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, spinach supports healthy skin, boosts immunity, and improves digestion.
- Bacon: Provides a good source of protein and healthy fats, though it should be consumed in moderation.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a good dose of calcium, protein, and healthy fats to your diet.
- Eggs: A great source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, eggs are essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: These puffs are not vegetarian due to the bacon, but you can easily substitute the bacon with a plant-based alternative or omit it for a vegetarian version.
- Gluten-Free: Puff pastry is typically made with wheat flour, so these puffs are not gluten-free. Consider using gluten-free puff pastry if needed.
- Low-Carb: These puffs are not low-carb, as puff pastry is made from refined flour. You could experiment with low-carb pastry alternatives for a keto-friendly option.
Storage
- Store leftovers: These puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
- Freeze for later: You can freeze the unbaked puffs for up to 1 month. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze them individually before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Spinach and Bacon Puff Pastry Puffs are easy to make and packed with flavor. The crispy puff pastry gives way to a rich, creamy filling made with spinach, bacon, and Parmesan cheese—creating a mouthwatering combination of textures and tastes. They are versatile enough for any occasion, from family dinners to parties. Plus, the recipe is simple, and you can prepare them ahead of time for convenience.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious snack, these Spinach and Bacon Puff Pastry Puffs are sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a savory treat that’s flaky, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. The combination of spinach, bacon, and Parmesan cheese offers a delightful balance of richness and freshness, while the puff pastry provides the perfect golden, crispy base. Make a batch today and enjoy the satisfying taste of homemade puff pastry perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the puffs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake. Bake them fresh for the best results. - Can I use store-bought cream cheese?
Yes, store-bought cream cheese works perfectly in this recipe. - Can I make these puffs without bacon?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or substitute it with a plant-based bacon alternative to make it vegetarian. - How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Be sure to cook the spinach thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the filling. Also, don’t overstuff the puffs with too much filling. - Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, homemade puff pastry works just as well as store-bought. Make sure it’s cold when working with it to prevent it from sticking. - How long will the puffs keep in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. - Can I freeze the puffs?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked puffs for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time. - Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even bell peppers for extra flavor. - What kind of puff pastry should I use?
You can use any type of puff pastry, either pre-rolled or sheet form. Make sure it’s thawed before use. - Can I make these puffs without an egg wash?
Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the egg wash, though it helps give the puffs a nice golden color.