There is nothing quite like the delight of biting into these golden, flaky parcels packed with a luscious blend of creamy cheeses, vibrant spinach, and the tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes. This Cheesy Spinach Puffs with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into a show-stopping appetizer or snack. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving a savory treat to brighten your day, these puffs deliver irresistible flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays an essential role in making these puffs truly shine. From the creamy richness of ricotta and feta to the earthy freshness of spinach and the sweet, tangy punch of sun-dried tomatoes, every element contributes to a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Frozen spinach (7 oz): Make sure to thaw and squeeze dry for a fresh, tender filling without excess moisture.
- Ricotta cheese (7 oz): Draining it well ensures your puffs aren’t soggy, while adding a silky richness.
- Puff pastry sheet (approx. 14 x 9 inches): The buttery, flaky crust that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Feta cheese (2 oz): Crumbled for a salty, tangy bite that complements the other cheeses perfectly.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1 oz): Chopped finely to add bursts of vibrant, savory sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring the flavors to life.
- Olive oil spray or brush: For that glorious golden finish on the puff pastry.
How to Make Cheesy Spinach Puffs with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cheeses and spinach
Drain the ricotta cheese by slicing it into quarters and placing the pieces on a plate lined with paper towels for about 10 minutes. This crucial step removes excess liquid, ensuring your filling stays creamy but not runny. Meanwhile, take your thawed spinach and press out all the water, then roughly chop it using kitchen scissors for an even texture that blends beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the filling
In a large bowl, combine the drained ricotta and chopped spinach. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors. Next, crumble in the feta cheese and add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix everything gently but thoroughly, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This mixture is the heart of your Cheesy Spinach Puffs with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the puff pastry cases
Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Cut your puff pastry sheet into nine equal rectangles or squares, depending on the shape of your sheet. Lightly spray a muffin tin with olive oil to prevent sticking, then press each piece of pastry into the muffin wells. Don’t worry about the edges sticking out—these will be folded later to enclose your delicious filling!
Step 4: Fill and fold the puffs
Add a heaping tablespoon of the filling into each puff pastry shell, distributing it evenly. Carefully fold two opposite sides of the pastry over the filling, pressing them to meet in the center, then fold the remaining two sides over and gently press to seal the center. Brush or spray the tops with olive oil to encourage a golden crust that you’ll adore.
Step 5: Bake to golden perfection
Pop the muffin tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the puff pastry has puffed up nicely and achieved a gorgeous light golden brown color. Once done, remove from the oven and let the puffs rest in the tray for five minutes to set.
Step 6: Cool and remove
Gently slide a knife underneath each puff to loosen it from the muffin tin and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool for another five minutes before serving. These are perfect served warm or at room temperature, with that satisfying crisp crust and that unbeatable cheesy, spinach-filled center.
How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Puffs with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
These puffs shine with subtle presentation accents. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a lovely pop of green and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze can bring out the sweet-tangy notes of the sun-dried tomatoes and elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Spinach Puffs with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp mixed greens salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a tomato-cucumber salad that complements the filling’s flavors without overwhelming them. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside a warm bowl of soup for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine these puffs as part of a picnic spread or as elegant finger foods at your next party. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside olives, roasted nuts, and slices of crusty bread. Alternatively, serve them stacked individually on small plates with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side for dipping—a delightful way to enjoy these cheesy delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their delightful texture and flavors for up to three days, making them a convenient snack or quick breakfast treat.
Freezing
These spinach puffs freeze beautifully, making this Cheesy Spinach Puffs with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe perfect for meal prep. Freeze unbaked filled puffs on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave if possible to preserve flakiness. Instead, warm leftover puffs in a preheated oven at 350℉ (175℃) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. This method revives that irresistible texture you love!
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and then sauté or steam until wilted before squeezing out all excess moisture. The recipe works beautifully either way, just make sure to remove as much liquid as possible.
Is it possible to make these puffs dairy-free?
You can substitute the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives like cashew ricotta and vegan feta. The texture and taste will be slightly different, but still delicious and satisfying.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. When ready, just assemble and bake the puffs for a quick, fresh result.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful depth, but you can replace them with roasted red peppers or even finely diced cherry tomatoes for a similar sweet and savory pop.
How can I make these puffs more festive for a party?
Try adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a dash of smoked paprika to the filling for an extra flavor boost. Serving with colorful dipping sauces or fresh herb garnishes will make them stand out beautifully on any party tray.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about creating and sharing the Cheesy Spinach Puffs with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe. These puffs are effortlessly impressive, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that invite smiles and second helpings. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again—whether for a casual snack, a special occasion, or simply a little delicious indulgence.
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Cheesy Spinach Puffs with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
These Spinach Puffs filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, tangy feta, and sun-dried tomatoes wrapped in flaky puff pastry make a perfect savory snack or appetizer. Baked until golden and crispy, they are delicious warm or at room temperature and ideal for entertaining or light meals.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 spinach puffs
Ingredients
Filling
- 7 oz frozen spinach, thawed
- 7 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 oz feta cheese
- 1 oz sun-dried tomatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pastry
- 1 puff pastry sheet (approximately 14 x 9 inches)
- Olive oil spray, for greasing and brushing
Instructions
- Drain Ricotta: Slice the ricotta into quarters and place the pieces on a plate lined with paper towels. Let it sit for 10 minutes to remove excess liquid, which ensures the filling is not too watery.
- Prepare Spinach: Squeeze out all excess water from the thawed spinach thoroughly. Using kitchen scissors, roughly chop the spinach into smaller pieces to help evenly distribute it in the filling.
- Combine Spinach and Ricotta: In a large bowl, mix the drained ricotta and chopped spinach. Season the mixture with a good pinch of salt and black pepper, then stir until well combined.
- Add Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Crumble the feta cheese into the bowl. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces with scissors and add them to the mixture. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the puffs.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Cups: Cut the puff pastry sheet into 9 equal rectangles or squares. Lightly spray a muffin tin with olive oil spray and place each pastry piece into a muffin cup, pressing gently to cover the inside and letting excess pastry hang over the sides.
- Fill and Fold Pastry: Spoon a heaped tablespoon of the spinach and cheese mixture evenly into each pastry cup. Fold two opposite pastry edges together in the center, then fold the remaining two sides, pressing gently in the middle to seal the filling inside.
- Brush and Bake: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the puffs with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry has puffed up and turned a beautiful light golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the puffs from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes in the tray to help set the filling. Carefully remove them from the muffin tin using a knife to loosen, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for another 5 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your golden, crispy spinach puffs.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the ricotta and spinach to avoid soggy pastry.
- Using kitchen scissors to chop spinach and tomatoes ensures even distribution and a finer texture.
- You can use olive oil spray or brush with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- These puffs are best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian