Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Puff Pastry Bites
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 40 minutes
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Yield: 9 to 12 large pastry bites (or up to 24 mini party-sized bites)
Ingredients
The Pastry
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1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
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1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (whisked together for the egg wash)
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
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Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
The Filling
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
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8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
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2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
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1/2 cup mozzarella cheese or Gruyère, shredded
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Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the Filling
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Heat the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
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Stir in the minced garlic and chopped spinach. Sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes just until the spinach wilts.
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Turn the heat down to low. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded mozzarella until fully melted and combined with the vegetables. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Pastry
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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On a lightly floured surface, gently unroll the thawed puff pastry sheets.
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Cut each sheet into equal squares. For large, hearty bites like the picture, cut each sheet into 4 or 6 squares. For bite-sized party appetizers, cut each sheet into 9 or 12 smaller squares.
3. Assemble
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Place half of the pastry squares onto your prepared baking sheet.
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Spoon a generous dollop of the creamy mushroom and spinach mixture onto the center of each square, leaving a small border around the edges.
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Top each loaded square with a second pastry square, creating a sandwich. Gently press the edges to seal them. (Optional: You can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges tightly shut if you want to ensure no filling leaks out).
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
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Brush the tops of the pastries lightly with the whisked egg wash. This gives them that beautiful, glossy sheen.
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Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops.
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Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the puff pastry has puffed up beautifully and turned a deep golden brown.
Serving Suggestion
Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a bit of extra black pepper before serving warm.