Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Squares are an irresistible appetizer or snack that combines the flaky, buttery layers of puff pastry with a savory, cheesy spinach filling. These golden parcels are incredibly easy to make, yet fancy enough to serve at a brunch, dinner party, or holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting guests or looking for a simple snack to whip up on a busy weeknight, these puff pastry squares check every box: crisp, creamy, and totally crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 12–16 squares)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach, drained and squeezed dry)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any melting cheese you prefer)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
For Assembly:
- 1 sheet refrigerated puff pastry dough (thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional Toppings: Sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or grated Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cleanup and no sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Wilted or drained spinach
- Shredded mozzarella
- Parmesan cheese
- Cream cheese (if using)
- Minced garlic
- Black pepper
- Optional red pepper flakes
Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly distributed. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Pro Tip: If using fresh spinach, lightly sauté it in a pan for a few minutes until wilted, then let it cool and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide the sheet into equal squares, about 2 to 3 inches each.
You should get 12 to 16 squares, depending on how large or small you cut them.
Step 4: Assemble the Squares
- Spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of filling onto one side of each square.
- Fold over the other side to form triangles or rectangles.
- Press the edges of each piece firmly to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges. This keeps the filling tucked in and prevents leaks.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
- Place the filled pastry squares onto your prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg. This gives them a shiny, golden crust when baked.
- Sprinkle with optional toppings such as sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or extra Parmesan for a decorative and flavorful finish.
Step 6: Bake
Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the tray for a few minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
These pastries are best served warm, but they’re also tasty at room temperature.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra color and freshness.
Serve alongside:
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli
- Or even plain Greek yogurt with lemon and herbs for dipping.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh or Frozen Spinach
Fresh spinach gives a brighter flavor, but frozen works just as well—just be sure to squeeze out all the moisture. Any leftover liquid can make your filling soggy.
Don’t Overfill
A common mistake is adding too much filling, which can cause the pastry to burst. Stick to 1–2 teaspoons for each square.
Seal Well
Use water to moisten the edges slightly before pressing them closed. This helps create a better seal, especially if your pastry is on the drier side.
Chill Before Baking (Optional)
If your pastry warms up too much during handling, place the filled pastries in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking. Cold pastry puffs better in the oven.
Variations to Try
- Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add earthiness to the filling.
- Caramelized Onions: A small amount brings a sweet depth of flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Swap out mozzarella for crumbled feta for a Greek-style version.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of umami.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Assemble the pastries, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked squares on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F, adding 3–5 minutes to the baking time.
- Leftovers: Store cooked pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warm and crispy.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Square)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight or on the counter for 30–40 minutes before using.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free puff pastry and a flour blend in the filling if needed. Keep an eye on the packaging instructions for proper handling and baking times.
3. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. The filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure it’s not too watery before assembling.
4. What dipping sauces go well with this?
Try serving with marinara, tzatziki, garlic butter, ranch, or even spicy sriracha mayo. It depends on whether you want savory, creamy, or spicy!
5. Can I serve these at room temperature?
Yes, they taste great at room temperature, though they’re best warm and crisp. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness.
6. What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
Try kale (lightly cooked), Swiss chard, arugula, or even beet greens. Just make sure any green you use is properly drained and chopped.
Final Thoughts
Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Squares are everything you want in a snack or light appetizer: crisp, creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutrients from spinach. With minimal effort and endless room for creativity, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them for parties, lunchboxes, or just to enjoy with a hot cup of tea.