If you love a perfect bite-sized treat that combines savory, creamy, and flaky textures, then you’re going to be obsessed with the Spinach and Bacon Fluffernutter Puffs Recipe. This delightful dish takes classic spinach puffs to a whole new level by adding crispy bacon and a luscious blend of cheeses inside golden, buttery puff pastry. It’s the kind of recipe that makes every appetizer or snack feel like a special occasion – and trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy bite, these puffs deliver all the comforting flavors with a light, flaky finish that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect puff: helping deliver creamy richness, savory depth, vibrant color, and that irresistible crispy texture.
- Bacon: Four slices of thick-cut bacon provide smoky crunch and savory depth.
- Reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel): Eight ounces of softened cream cheese bring a creamy, tangy base to the filling.
- Eggs: Two large eggs, divided, help bind the filling and give the pastry a shiny finish.
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon adds a warm, mellow garlicky note without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper: A quarter teaspoon adds just the right kick to the flavor profile.
- Dried oregano: A quarter teaspoon offers a subtle herby earthiness that complements the spinach.
- Frozen spinach: Ten ounces, thawed and squeezed dry, gives the puffs vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
- Feta cheese: Half a cup crumbled, adding tangy, creamy, salty bursts in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A quarter cup finely grated, brings a nutty, savory finish.
- Frozen puff pastry: Two sheets, thawed, provide the perfect flaky, buttery casing for the filling.
How to Make Spinach and Bacon Fluffernutter Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Cups
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the racks in the upper and lower thirds for even baking. Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners or lightly grease them with nonstick spray. This prepares the perfect space for the puff pastry to bake up beautifully and keeps cleanup easy.
Step 2: Cook and Crumble Bacon
Cook your thick-cut bacon until crisp, then crumble it finely. The crispy texture will offer amazing contrast to the soft filling, and bacon’s savory flavor is simply unbeatable in this recipe.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
Microwave the cream cheese in short bursts until it’s softened but not hot. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with one of the eggs, garlic powder, black pepper, and oregano. This creamy mixture binds the filling and infuses it with a gentle garlicky and herby aroma.
Step 4: Combine Spinach, Cheeses, and Bacon
In a separate larger bowl, blend together the thawed and squeezed spinach, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, and the crispy bacon. Add the cream cheese mixture and stir everything together until perfectly combined. The filling will be thick, flavorful, and ready to stuff!
Step 5: Prepare Puff Pastry Cups
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into 9 equal squares. Place each square into your prepared muffin cups, pressing gently into the bottom and allowing the corners to extend slightly over the edges. This creates lovely, rustic “cups” to hold all that delicious filling.
Step 6: Fill and Fold the Puffs
Spoon your spinach and bacon mixture evenly into each pastry cup. Then carefully bring the overhanging corners together over the filling, pressing lightly at the center to seal, but leaving the top somewhat open to give a peek of the golden filling inside.
Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the remaining egg and brush it generously over the pastry tops. This will give your puffs a gorgeous golden sheen once baked. Bake them on the upper and lower rack positions for 21 to 24 minutes, switching the trays halfway through to ensure even color and puffiness. When done, they will be golden brown and perfectly puffed up.
Step 8: Cool and Remove
Allow the puffs to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before gently removing them. This resting time helps them set slightly so they hold together beautifully when served warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Spinach and Bacon Fluffernutter Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
These puffs shine on their own but garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan adds a lovely fresh touch and an inviting look that makes them even more tempting.
Side Dishes
Serve your Spinach and Bacon Fluffernutter Puffs Recipe alongside a crisp green salad or roasted cherry tomatoes for a balanced meal. A bright, tangy dipping sauce like a lemony yogurt dip or a roasted red pepper aioli also pairs wonderfully for an added burst of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange these delightful puffs on a platter lined with fresh spinach leaves or kale for a pop of color. You could also serve them with toothpicks topped with a small cherry tomato or olive to double as elegant finger foods.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Spinach and Bacon Fluffernutter Puffs Recipe leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just store them once completely cooled to maintain that flaky texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the puffs once baked and cooled. Arrange them on a baking sheet so they don’t stick, freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months, ideal for quick snacks anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place frozen or refrigerated puffs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then drain and squeeze out all excess moisture before using it in the recipe to avoid soggy filling.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Spinach and Bacon Fluffernutter Puffs Recipe?
You can easily omit the bacon and add extra cheese or sautéed mushrooms to keep the flavor rich and satisfying without the meat.
Can I prepare these puffs ahead of time before baking?
Yes, assemble the filled pastry cups, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes party prep even easier!
What type of puff pastry works best?
Look for high-quality frozen puff pastry sheets, preferably made with real butter for the best flavor and puff. Thaw overnight in your fridge before using.
How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Make sure to squeeze the thawed spinach very dry and bake the puffs until golden brown and puffed, which keeps the pastry flaky and prevents sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the crunch of puff pastry combined with creamy spinach, salty bacon, and tangy feta. This Spinach and Bacon Fluffernutter Puffs Recipe is more than just a snack – it’s a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a must-have in your recipe collection. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible bite of savory comfort. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Spinach and Bacon Fluffernutter Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spinach Puffs are delicious, flaky pastries filled with a savory mixture of spinach, cheeses, and crumbled bacon. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these golden brown puffs combine creamy, cheesy filling with crisp puff pastry for a crowd-pleasing bite.
Ingredients
Filling
- 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)
Pastry
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (9- or 10-inch), thawed overnight in the refrigerator
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), positioning the racks in the upper and lower thirds. Prepare 18 muffin cups by lining them with paper liners or greasing with nonstick spray. Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Make Filling. In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the cream cheese in short bursts until softened. Stir in one egg, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried oregano until well combined. In another bowl, mix the thawed and drained spinach with feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the crumbled bacon. Combine the cream cheese mixture with the spinach mixture, stirring thoroughly.
- Fill Pastry Cups. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 9 equal squares, yielding 18 squares total. Line each muffin cup with a pastry square, pressing the dough into the bottom and allowing the corners to hang over the sides. Spoon the spinach filling evenly into each pastry-lined cup.
- Fold and Bake. Bring the corners of the puff pastry together over the filling and press lightly to seal in the center. Beat the remaining egg to make an egg wash, then brush it over the pastry tops for a beautiful golden finish. Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 21-24 minutes, switching the positions of the racks halfway through baking, until the puffs are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve. Remove the spinach puffs from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes in the muffin tins. Carefully remove the puffs and serve them warm or at room temperature as a savory snack or appetizer.
Notes
- For best results, thaw puff pastry sheets in the refrigerator overnight before use.
- Make sure to squeeze excess moisture from the spinach to prevent soggy pastry.
- You can substitute bacon with cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Serve these puffs warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
