Spinach & Dill Cream Cheese Pastry Bites
Introduction
These Spinach & Dill Cream Cheese Pastry Bites are flaky, cheesy, and bursting with fresh flavor. Made with puff pastry (or biscuit dough for a shortcut), they’re filled with a creamy blend of spinach, dill, and cheeses that melt together beautifully. Perfect as appetizers, party snacks, or even a light lunch, these golden bites are guaranteed to impress guests and satisfy cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy yet elegant: Puff pastry makes them look bakery-worthy with minimal effort.
Flavor-packed filling: Cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, and dill create a rich, savory bite.
Versatile: Works as finger food, brunch dish, or side.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead and bake just before serving.
##Recipe Details
Yields: 16–20 bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Ingredients
1 sheet (about 8 oz) ready-rolled puff pastry (or 8 large refrigerated biscuit dough rounds)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup grated Parmesan (plus extra for topping)
¼ cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Pinch of salt & black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, spinach, dill, salt, and pepper.
Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Prep the Pastry
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out puff pastry slightly and cut into 2-inch squares (or flatten biscuit rounds).
- Assemble the Bites
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each pastry square.
Fold corners over the filling and pinch to seal, or leave open for a rustic look.
Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top.
- Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Success
Dry spinach well: Prevents soggy filling.
Cold pastry: Keep puff pastry chilled until ready to use for best flakiness.
Don’t overfill: A teaspoon of filling per bite is plenty.
Egg wash: Adds shine and helps toppings stick.
Variations
Garlic lovers: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to filling.
Cheese swap: Try feta, cheddar, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
Herb twist: Replace dill with basil, parsley, or chives.
Sweet-savory: Add a drizzle of honey over baked bites for a gourmet touch.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm as appetizers at parties.
Pair with soup or salad for a light meal.
Add to a brunch spread alongside quiche and fruit.
Dip in marinara or ranch for extra flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked bites for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to bake time.
Conclusion
These Spinach & Dill Cream Cheese Pastry Bites are flaky, cheesy, and full of fresh flavor. With their easy prep and elegant look, they’re the perfect recipe to elevate any occasion.