Ham Cheese Spinach Puffs Recipe

These Ham Cheese Spinach Puffs are a ridiculously tasty little snack or appetizer that you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for every occasion—especially those busy weeknights when you want something warm, satisfying, and easy to make. Flaky puff pastry wraps around savory ham, gooey melted cheese, and vibrant spinach for a golden, buttery bite that hits every craving. They look fancy, taste amazing, and come together faster than you’d expect. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or treating yourself to a cozy treat, these puffs have you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Uses store-bought puff pastry and simple ingredients. Just mix, fill, and bake!
• Comfort Food, Upgraded: Crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy inside—these puffs are pure joy in every bite.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Great way to use up leftover ham or any wilting spinach in the fridge.
• Versatile: Serve them as a snack, lunch, or even brunch—they fit in anywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are everyday staples, which makes this recipe even more approachable:

• Puff Pastry Sheets: The flaky, buttery shell that makes this whole dish feel like magic. Thaw before using.
• Cooked Ham: Diced into small pieces for easy mixing. A fantastic way to use leftover ham or deli slices.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix—choose a cheese that melts well and adds flavor.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy bite. Sauté it briefly to remove moisture so your puffs don’t get soggy.
• Garlic: A small but mighty flavor booster. Mince it and cook briefly with the spinach.
• Cream Cheese or Ricotta: Helps bind everything together and adds creaminess.
• Egg: For brushing the tops, giving that golden, bakery-style finish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, and don’t skip—these little touches make all the difference.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here’s how to keep the core of the recipe while tailoring it to your taste:

• Turkey Instead of Ham: Swap the ham for cooked turkey or shredded chicken.
• Veggie-Only: Skip the meat and bulk up the spinach with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the filling for a little kick.
• Different Cheese: Try feta for tanginess, pepper jack for spice, or Swiss for nuttiness.
• Mini Puffs: Make smaller versions using a mini muffin tin for party-perfect bites.

How to Make Ham Cheese Spinach Puffs

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Sauté the garlic in a little olive oil, then add the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then stir in the diced ham, shredded cheese, and cream cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prep the Puff Pastry

On a floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it into even squares (roughly 9 squares per sheet). If you want larger puffs, cut into six.

Step 3: Fill and Fold

Spoon a generous dollop of the filling into the center of each square. Fold the pastry over into triangles or rectangles, pressing the edges together with a fork to seal.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the tops with beaten egg. Place the puffs on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden.

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let them rest a few minutes out of the oven to set up, then serve warm and melty.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Drain the Spinach Well: If using frozen spinach, squeeze out all the liquid before adding it to the filling. Even with fresh, cook off as much moisture as possible.
• Seal the Edges Tightly: Pressing the edges with a fork helps keep the cheese from leaking out while baking.
• Chill Before Baking: Pop the filled puffs in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to help them puff up better.
• Use Parchment Paper: This keeps the bottoms from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

How to Serve

These puffs are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways:

Brunch:

Perfect alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a green salad.

Lunch:

Serve with a cup of soup or a crisp cucumber salad for a satisfying midday meal.

Appetizer:

Arrange them on a platter with a side of Dijon mustard, ranch, or aioli for dipping.

Party Food:

Make smaller, bite-sized versions and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that flaky texture.

Freezing

These puffs freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.

Reheating

Avoid the microwave if you want them crispy—use the oven or toaster oven for best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out every bit of moisture. You want a dry spinach mix so the puffs don’t get soggy.

Can I prep these in advance?
Yes! Assemble them up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Just add the egg wash right before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked and bake straight from frozen (add a few extra minutes to the bake time).

What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Gruyère is fantastic, mozzarella melts beautifully, and feta gives a salty, tangy twist.

Do I need to thaw the puff pastry first?
Yes, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30–40 minutes. It should be pliable but still cold to the touch when you work with it.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made puff pastry bites at home, this is the perfect place to start. These Ham Cheese Spinach Puffs are easy, delicious, and always a hit—whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need something cozy and satisfying. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you can make a second batch!

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