If you’re hunting for a delicious appetizer that combines flaky pastry, savory bacon, and vibrant spinach in every bite, then you’ve got to try the Spinach and Bacon Puff Pastry Bites Recipe. These little puffs are bursting with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender spinach encased in perfectly golden, buttery puff pastry that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a tasty snack that feels a little fancy without any fuss, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these puffs so memorable.
- Bacon (4 slices, thick-cut): Provides a smoky, salty crunch that elevates the entire dish.
- Reduced-fat cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds a smooth, creamy base and binds the filling.
- Eggs (2 large, divided): One egg enriches the filling, while the other creates a glossy, golden crust.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses subtle warmth and aromatic depth.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Delivers a gentle kick to balance the richness.
- Dried oregano (¼ teaspoon): Brings a herbaceous note that complements the spinach beautifully.
- Frozen spinach (10 ounces, thawed and squeezed dry): Adds vibrant color, nutrition, and earthy flavor.
- Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Offers a tangy sharpness and creamy texture.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, finely grated): Provides a nutty, savory finish to the filling.
- Frozen puff pastry sheets (2 sheets, thawed): The flaky, buttery vessel that holds everything together in a perfect little bundle.
How to Make Spinach and Bacon Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup and Cook Bacon
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and arrange racks in the upper and lower thirds for even baking. Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners or coat them with nonstick spray. Cook your thick-cut bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. This step is key because the bacon’s texture adds that delightful crunch contrasting the soft filling and flaky pastry.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
Soften the cream cheese by microwaving in short bursts until spreadable—this makes mixing smoother. Stir in one of the eggs, garlic powder, black pepper, and oregano to the cream cheese to infuse it with rich flavor. In another bowl, combine the spinach, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, and the cooked bacon. Then fold the cream cheese mixture into the spinach mixture until everything is evenly combined. This filling is where all the magic happens—creamy, tangy, savory, and packed with color.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry Cups
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 9 equal squares, giving you 18 squares total. Gently press each pastry square into the muffin cups, allowing the corners to overhang a bit so you can gather them later. This creates cute, individual pastry cups that will hold the filling beautifully while baking.
Step 4: Fill and Shape the Pastry Bites
Spoon the spinach and bacon filling into each pastry cup, filling nearly to the top. Gather the overhanging corners of the puff pastry towards the center, pressing lightly to seal the filling inside while still letting the puffs look tender and inviting. Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg; this egg wash gives the pastry its signature golden, glossy finish after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the puff pastry bites for 21 to 24 minutes, switching their position between the upper and lower racks halfway through to ensure even browning. Look for beautifully puffed, golden brown bites that smell as amazing as they taste. Once baked, allow them to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the muffin tin. This resting time helps them hold their shape when served.
How to Serve Spinach and Bacon Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of salty brightness. For a touch of indulgence, a dollop of tangy sour cream or a dollop of herbed cream cheese on the side pairs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These bites shine on their own but pair beautifully alongside a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette or a bowl of warm tomato soup. Their rich, savory filling makes them the perfect complement to lighter, fresh sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the spinach and bacon puff pastry bites on a beautiful wooden platter or tiered serving tray for parties. You can even serve them with colorful dipping sauces like a roasted red pepper aioli or a tangy balsamic glaze to add another layer of flavor and wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain that flaky texture, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave whenever possible.
Freezing
You can freeze these puff pastry bites before baking. Place the filled, unbaked bites on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To enjoy your bites warm and flaky, reheat them in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes or until hot. Avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess—oven reheating keeps that delicious crisp exterior intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and thoroughly squeeze out excess water from fresh spinach to avoid soggy pastry. This helps keep the filling flavorful and the puff pastry crisp.
What can I substitute for bacon if I want a vegetarian version?
Try crispy cooked mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a smoky, umami-packed alternative. Adding a little smoked paprika can also mimic that bacon flavor nicely.
Is it necessary to use puff pastry sheets, or can I make my own dough?
Puff pastry sheets keep this recipe quick and easy, but if you want to make your own, a homemade flaky pastry would work well. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling and puff up beautifully.
Can these bites be made smaller or larger?
Yes! Using mini muffin tins can create bite-sized treats perfect for party appetizers, while larger muffin tins give you more substantial snacks. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, keeping an eye on golden color as your guide.
How long should I thaw puff pastry before using it?
For best results, thaw puff pastry sheets overnight in the refrigerator. This prevents them from becoming too sticky and easier to handle when cutting and shaping.
Final Thoughts
The Spinach and Bacon Puff Pastry Bites Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it’s impossible to resist. Every bite offers a delightful combination of textures and bold flavors that bring comfort and a touch of elegance to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the joy it brings to your table!
Print
Spinach and Bacon Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 puffs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spinach Puffs are a delightful appetizer or snack featuring a savory blend of spinach, feta, Parmesan, and crisp bacon encased in flaky puff pastry. Softened cream cheese and seasonings add richness and flavor, while the golden, baked puffs provide an irresistible flaky texture that pairs perfectly with any gathering or meal.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened
- 2 large eggs, divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 2 ounces)
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce)
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (9- or 10-inch), thawed overnight in the refrigerator
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking tins: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners or grease them thoroughly with nonstick spray. Cook the bacon until crisp and crumble it into small pieces.
- Make the filling mixture: Microwave the cream cheese in short bursts until softened for easier mixing. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 1 egg, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried oregano. In another bowl, mix together the thawed and drained spinach, crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan, and crumbled bacon. Combine the cream cheese mixture with the spinach mixture, stirring well to create a homogenous filling.
- Prepare the puff pastry cups: Roll out each puff pastry sheet and cut them into 9 equal squares, making 18 squares total. Gently press each square into the muffin cups, ensuring the pastry lines the bottom and sides with the corners overhanging the edges to allow for folding later.
- Fill and seal puffs: Spoon the prepared spinach filling evenly into each pastry-lined muffin cup. Bring the corners of the pastry squares upwards over the filling, bringing them together at the center and pressing lightly to seal. Beat the remaining egg to make an egg wash and brush this all over the pastry tops to ensure a golden, shiny finish after baking.
- Bake and cool: Place the muffin tins in the oven and bake for 21 to 24 minutes, switching the rack positions halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Bake until the puffs are puffed and the pastry is golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes in the tins before carefully removing. Serve them warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Be sure to fully squeeze out excess moisture from the thawed spinach to prevent soggy puff pastry.
- Using reduced-fat cream cheese keeps the filling lighter but rich and creamy.
- Prepare the puff pastry squares just prior to filling to maintain their chill and facilitate easier handling.
- Switching rack positions halfway through baking promotes even browning of the puffs.
- These puffs can be made a few hours ahead and served at room temperature for convenience at parties.
