These Feta and Spinach Puff Pastry Appetizers are loaded with savory flavors of garlic, green onions, artichokes, and salty cheeses. It is a buttery puff of goodness that just about melts in your mouth. Simple make-ahead finger food that your guests will devour.
Itsy-Bitsy Things
I’m a sucker for “itsy-bitsy” things. For example, a newborn’s perfectly wrinkled feet, an eight-week-old golden doodle with puppy breath, a tiny cup of espresso that gets me pumped for action, a flower bulb sprouting in Spring, plus a million more “tiny” things on my list.
When it comes to food, one of my favorite has got to be bitesize appetizers. There’s something cute and enticing about a food item you can just pop in your mouth. Who has the willpower to turn away from Bourbon Candied Bacon or Mini Taco Wonton Cups? I know I don’t!
What I love about this recipe:
The Puff Pastry makes this a simple appetizer to throw together. Open the package, cut the dough, and place the squares into the muffin tins. It doesn’t get any easier than that. No kneading, no rising, no rolling out.
The ingredients together create an explosion of flavors. Whenever you fuse spinach, artichoke hearts, Parmigiano Reggiano, feta cheese and of course fresh garlic it’s like bringing a “party” to your taste buds.
You can make these ahead of time and bake them right before you’re ready to serve them. It’s always a plus, especially when planning a dinner party or a get-together if the recipe can be made a day or two ahead.
This finger food is an ideal bitesize to throw in your mouth without any mess or fuss. They’re so simple for anyone to just grab and go. No need for plates or forks. What a great “on-the-run” snack.
Tips and Tricks for Feta and Spinach Puff Pastry Appetizers
#1 – Squeeze Out As Much Liquid as Possible
One significant step you will NOT want to skip is squeezing as much liquid as possible out of both the spinach and the artichokes, separately. Too much liquid will make for soggy appetizers. I start with a metal strainer to drain the liquid and end twisting each of these in cheesecloth until they’re dry to the touch.
#2 – How to work with Puff Pastry Sheets
Puff Pastry can be a little tricky if you let it set out to room temperature. It becomes sticky and hard to handle. Keep each sheet in the refrigerator and covered in a large ziplock bag until ready to use.
Flour the surface and roll it out to 10 x 10-inch square. You can use a sharp knife but I have found that a pizza cutter works very well to cut nine equal squares per sheet. Unbaked Puff Pastry lasts for about two days, maybe three, in the refrigerator. I tried to use a sheet after 4 days and it didn’t have the same texture and puff as my fresh package did.
#3 – How to Achieve a Beautiful Finished Appetizer
Press the puff pastry square into both the bottom and sides of a greased mini muffin pan. A heaping tablespoon of the spinach mixture is the perfect amount to fill the square. Bring each corner up and twist in order to seal it.
For a pretty look, leave a little bit of the green to show through the cracks. Use an egg wash to brush on the top of the unbaked appetizer. This will give it a glossy sheen and a nice golden hue.
#4 – How Long to Bake these Flaky Delicious Bites
You’ll want to bake these in a preheated 400°F oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are a golden brown. When you remove them from the oven, let them sit for about 5 minutes. Then with a butter knife, gently loosen the appetizers and individually tilt them in the pan until they’re somewhat cooled. You can serve them warm or they are just as awesome at room temperature.
#5 – How to make these Appetizers ahead of time
In my opinion, the most important aspect of preparing for any get-together is “make-ahead” food. This removes the frazzle of the “day-of” prep. I hate being hidden in the kitchen still throwing things together while I miss out on the fun happening in the other room.
Speaking of make-ahead, these Feta and Spinach Puff Pastry Appetizers are so convenient. You can prepare them in mini muffin pans, and freeze them before baking. When they are frozen solid, pop them out of the pans and place them in a freezer bag to head back into the freezer. When ready to bake, place them back in the muffin tins, thaw completely and bake according to the instructions in the recipe.
You can also make them one day ahead of time without freezing. Make them up as usual and place the pan in the refrigerator overnight. Pull them out when ready to make and bake as usual. The main tip here is to make sure ALL the liquid from both the spinach and artichokes have been thoroughly squeezed out before combining the rest of the filling ingredients.
Also, appetizers made with Puff Pastry are best eaten the day they are baked.
Blending of Flavors with the Flaky Puff Pastry
Appetizers, according to Michael Scott of The Office, are “appe-teasers.” They have a flirting aspect that gives us a little taste of yumminess but keeps us coming back for more. And these Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Appetizers are definitely a tasty teaser.
Spinach, artichokes, green onions, garlic, and feta are the ideal blending of savory flavors to accompany the flaky puff pastry. I guarantee you will want to make a double batch if you’re having a party because these little nibbles will be gone in a flash.
One thing that works well to keep a party moving is having different appetizers at different places in your home. You could place a platter of “Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers” on the deck, a plate of “Mini Taco Wonton Cups” on your coffee table, and these Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Appetizers on your kitchen bar. This movement keeps your party from becoming stagnant. It also helps the flow of discussion which allows your guests to become acquainted and relaxed. Food always gets a party started.
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PrintSpinach and Feta Puff Pastry Appetizers
These Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Appetizers are loaded with savory flavors of garlic, green onions, artichokes, and salty cheeses. It’s a buttery puff of goodness that just about melts in your mouth. Simple make-ahead finger food that your guests will devour.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 27 mini spinach cups 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 16 oz. frozen Spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
- 14 oz, can Artichoke Hearts, drained, chopped and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup Green Onions, chopped
- 8 oz. Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 4 oz. Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 6 garlic Cloves, minced
- 1/2 stick of Butter, melted
- 3 Eggs, beaten, divided
- 3 Puff Pastry Sheets
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- Using a cheesecloth, squeeze as much water out as possible of both the spinach and chopped artichokes.
- In a medium-size bowl, combine spinach, artichokes, onions, cheeses, salt/pepper, garlic, butter and 2 beaten eggs.
- Roll each sheet of puff pastry out (separately) to 10 x 10 inches. Using a pizza cutter, divide each sheet of the puff pastry into 9 equal squares giving a total of 27.
- Spray your mini muffin tins with Pam spray. Press each puff pastry square into the bottom and sides of the muffin tins. Place a heaping tablespoon of the spinach mixture into the square. Bring each corner up and twist to seal.
- Brush the additional beaten egg onto each spinach cup.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve either warm or room temperature.
Notes
- Make-ahead instructions. You can prepare them in the mini muffin pans, and freeze them before baking. When they are frozen solid, pop them out of the pans and place them in a freezer bag to head back into the freezer. When ready to bake, place them back in the muffin tins, thaw and bake according to the instructions in the recipe. Appetizers made with Puff Pastry is best eaten the day they are baked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mini spinach cups
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 39 mg
Keywords: spinach puff pastry recipes, feta and spinach puff pastry, appetizers with puff pastry
These apps are so beautiful to behold and so satisfying with gusto ! A bsolutely delicious A real keeper in your winner box ! Thanks, Kristy
★★★★★
I’m so glad you like these appetizers. They are a wonderful starter to any party with the buttery, flaky pastry. Thanks so much for your comment.
YUM!
★★★★★
How long do they take to untoward in the muffin pans?
Hi Pamela! First of all, thanks so much for stopping by my site. And as far as your question, I am assuming you mean how long do they sit in the muffin pans after they are baked. I let them cool just slightly for about 5 minutes before I remove them from the muffin pans. Hope that answers your question. If not, let me know. Thanks again!
Hello! I’m wanting to make these but how would it work if I used a regular size muffin tin? Thanks!
Thanks so much for stopping by. I don’t see why they would not work in regular size muffin tins. You would just need to cut the puff pastry squares larger and add more of the spinach filling.
Only because it sounds good; haven’t made it yet. But, three sheets of puff pastry divided into 9 squares each? Try total of 27, not 24!
★★★★★
Oh! Thanks Paula. Looks like I need to go back to school for math! I will change the total above. Also, if you try these, I would love to know what you think. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Could I use goat cheese instead of feta?
Hi Rachel. Yes, you could substitute goat cheese for feta. I’ve never done that but I’m sure it would be really good. The texture is more creamy and will melt more than the feta but I think the taste will be just as good. Let me know if you try it because I would love to know your results. Thanks for stopping by my site.
Can I refrigerate overnight instead of freezing?
Hi Suzanne. Thanks for stopping by and checking out these appetizers. I have never made these a day ahead of time and stored them in the refrigerator. So I can’t say for sure that they’d be okay. My concern is they could become soggy with the filling sitting in them overnight. Also puff pastry is best when baked fresh. I did a search to see if anyone has actually made unbaked puff pastry appetizers ahead like you’re asking and the most I could find was a couple of hours ahead. If you do go ahead and try this, make sure you squeeze all of the liquid out of both the spinach and artichokes. I hope that helps.
Kristy,
It worked! I did dry the spinach and artichoke THOROUGHLY and refrigerated the pastries in the pans immediately.
I took them out of the refrigerator as the oven was heating. They turned out beautifully. Great recipe! Thank you.
That’s awesome! THANK YOU very much for letting me know this. I’m so happy these turned out for you Suzanne. I will include your “tried and true” method in my post as well for those that would like to make and refrigerate them a day ahead. I really do appreciate your input.
Mmmmm I love the filling, and the pinwheel look is so cute. Truly. Have a merry Christmas!
Thank you so much Mimi! This recipe is one of my favorite appetizers. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
I have used Wewalka puff pastry in the past. One per package. I assume that I use without rolling if the square is 10X10″ ? I just don’t want it to be too thick. Have you used this pastry before?
Thanks so much for checking out this recipe. I’ve not used Wewalka puff pastry before but I would love to check it out. I do roll out the puff pastry just a tiny bit, it seems they are never quite 10×10 when I have used them. The crust isn’t too thick mainly because I heap on the filling. Hope that helps.
Is the butter salted or unsalted
Hi JoAnn. I’ve used them either way and really haven’t noticed a difference. If you’re looking to cut down on your salt intake, go with unsalted. Whichever you choose, I think you will like the recipe. Would love to know what you think if you make them. Thanks for checking with me.
Made these yesterday for a family party and everyone loved them! They asked for the recipe as well. These bites are so flavourful and the kitchen smells delicious as they bake.
★★★★★
Oh I’m so happy that your family loved these appetizers. They have always been a hit every time for me. Thanks so much for taking the time to share.
What size are the puff pastry squares? 2 in, 3, in.??
Hi Toi. The puff pastry squares will be just a little over 3 inches. Hope that helps and hope you enjoy these appetizers.
I’m looking forward to making these! Do you can at least prepare the filling a day ahead?
Hi Jess. Yes, absolutely you can prepare the filling ahead of time. Enjoy!
I’m not one who typically comments on recipes, but I just had to say something about this one. I made these for my semi-annual “girls day” in October and they were a hit. There were only four of us, so needless to say, I had a few left over. My son and his fiance stopped over two days later and I popped the leftovers in the air fryer for just a few minutes and they were just as good as the day I made them. The two of them also loved them as much as the girls did. Tomorrow is Christmas, and I’ll be making them again…I have to admit I can’t wait to have these again!!!
★★★★★
Hi Cindy. I’m so thrilled that you like this recipe so much. And what a great idea about reheating in the air fryer. I’m so glad you shared that tip. Merry belated Christmas. Hope you enjoyed them the second time around as well.
My new favorite appetizer! So delicious thank you for recepie
★★★★★
Hi Lida. I’m so happy you found this appetizer recipe and really enjoy it. It is one of my top viewed posts. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a note.
Can I use fresh spinach?
Hi Tiffany. I’ve never used fresh spinach in this recipe so I can’t guarantee that it would work as well. I would suggest that you sauté the spinach with a little bit of olive oil and then squeeze out any additional liquid. 1 pound of fresh spinach sautéed equals approximately a 10 ounce package of frozen spinach. So you would need quite a bit of fresh spinach for this recipe. If you try it let me know how it turns out. I would love to know. Good luck.
What a great observation about tiny things – I love it! I also happen to love spinach artichoke dip, and the flavors there are mighty similar to the ones in these puff pastry appetizers. I actually have a pack of puff pastry I need to use before we move, and these sound like a great option! I could see making these for dinner actually!
★★★★★
Hi David. It’s such a great idea to always have a pack of puff pastry in the freezer. There are so many delicious recipes to make with it. Also, you absolutely could make a meal out of these.