There’s something about biting into a warm, flaky puff pastry filled with savory spinach that feels like pure bliss. I remember the first time I made these vegan spinach puffs—I was craving something indulgent yet plant-based, and after some trial and error, I landed on this recipe. Now, it’s one of my go-to snacks, perfect for parties, lazy weekends, or whenever I need a pick-me-up.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make these delicious puffs step-by-step. No need to stress—you won’t need any special tools or advanced skills! Just a bit of patience and a sprinkle of love, and you’re good to go. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Vegan Spinach Puffs
Before we dive in, let’s talk about ingredients. I always say that the quality of your ingredients can make or break a dish, so here’s what I recommend:
Puff Pastry
You can either buy a store-bought vegan puff pastry or, if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own. I usually go for store-bought because making puff pastry from scratch can be a bit of a project.
Spinach
Both fresh and frozen spinach work well. I’ve tried both, and honestly, it depends on what I have on hand. If you’re using fresh spinach, cook it down and drain the excess moisture. Frozen spinach is super convenient—thaw and squeeze out the water.
Vegan Cheese or Nutritional Yeast
For that cheesy flavor, I like to use either shredded vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. If you haven’t tried nutritional yeast before, it’s a game changer—it adds a nutty, cheesy flavor that works wonders in this recipe.
Seasonings and Aromatics
Garlic and onion are non-negotiable for me. They add depth and richness to the filling. I also like to throw in a pinch of nutmeg—it might sound odd, but trust me, it elevates the flavor beautifully.
Dairy-Free Butter and Plant-Based Milk
Brushing the tops of the puffs with a mix of melted dairy-free butter and plant-based milk helps them bake up golden and gorgeous.
How to Make the Spinach Filling
This is where the magic happens. A well-seasoned filling can turn good puffs into unforgettable ones.
Cook the Spinach
If you’re using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan until it wilts, then drain off the excess liquid. If you’re using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water thoroughly.
Sauté Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped garlic and onion until they’re soft and fragrant. This step smells fantastic—one of my favorite parts of cooking.
Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, mix the cooked spinach, sautéed garlic and onion, vegan cheese (or nutritional yeast), salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Take a quick taste and see if it needs a little more seasoning. Don’t hesitate to adjust it to match your favorite flavors!
Adjust Seasoning: You want the filling to be well-balanced—savory, slightly salty, and cheesy. Feel free to make a few changes to match your taste—don’t hesitate to customize it!
Assembling the Vegan Spinach Puffs
Now comes the fun part—putting it all together!
Get the puff pastry ready by rolling it out on a lightly floured surface.
I like to cut mine into squares, but you can get creative with shapes if you want.
- Fill the Pastry: Spoon a small amount of the filling onto the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill—I’ve learned the hard way that overstuffed puffs can be tricky to seal.
- Seal the Puffs: Fold the pastry over to form a triangle and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges—this not only seals them but also gives them a cute, rustic look.
- Brush with Dairy-Free Butter: Brush the tops with your melted butter and milk mixture. This step makes all the difference—it helps the puffs turn a beautiful golden brown in the oven.
Baking the Spinach Puffs to Perfection
We’re almost there! Here’s how to bake your puffs to perfection:
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bake! I always make sure my oven is fully heated before baking—it really helps with even cooking.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your puffs on it, leaving a bit of space between them.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them—every oven is different, and you don’t want them to burn.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in. Trust me, they’re worth the wait!
Tips and Variations for Vegan Spinach Puffs
Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas:
Additions to the Filling
- Mushrooms: Finely chopped sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with spinach.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They bring a pop of rich, tangy sweetness to the dish.
- Tofu Crumbles: For extra protein, add some crumbled tofu.
Serving Suggestions
- I love serving these puffs with a dipping sauce. Vegan tzatziki, hummus, or even marinara sauce work great.
- Serve them alongside a crisp salad for a simple, refreshing meal.
Make-Ahead Option
You can assemble the puffs in advance and freeze them. When it’s time to bake, place them in the oven directly from the freezer—no need to thaw! Give it a few extra minutes in the oven to bake perfectly.
Gluten-Free Option
- If you need a gluten-free version, look for a gluten-free, vegan puff pastry. They’re a bit harder to find, but totally worth it if you have dietary restrictions.
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh spinach works great. Just cook it down and drain any excess moisture before using it in the filling.
Is puff pastry vegan-friendly?
Many store-bought puff pastries are vegan, but always check the label to be sure. Look for ones made with vegetable shortening instead of butter.
How do I store leftover spinach puffs?
Keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven so they stay crispy.
Can I freeze vegan spinach puffs?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking, then bake straight from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy. Just extend the baking time by a few more minutes.
Conclusion
And there you have it—vegan spinach puffs that are flaky, savory, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a party, these puffs are sure to be a hit.
I hope you give this recipe a try! If you give it a try, I’d love to know how it turned out! Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below or tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see what you make.
Happy cooking!
Read More : How to Make Vegan Linguine with Mushrooms – Easy Recipe
Vegan Spinach Puffs
Ingredients
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry thawed
- 2 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup vegan cheese shredded (or 3 tbsp nutritional yeast)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg optional, for added flavor
- 2 tbsp dairy-free butter melted
- 1 tbsp plant-based milk for brushing
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame until it gently sizzles. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, allowing its rich aroma to fill the space.
- If you’re using fresh spinach, toss it into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it wilts down. Ensure that frozen spinach is completely thawed and squeezed of excess moisture before adding it to the pan. Mix well and remove from heat.
- Transfer the cooked spinach mixture to a bowl. Stir in vegan cheese (or nutritional yeast), along with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg if desired. Stir well and set aside.
- Place the thawed puff pastry on a gently floured surface and roll it out to your preferred thickness. Cut it into 12 equal squares.
- Spoon a generous amount of the spinach filling into the center of each pastry square. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle, then press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
- Mix the melted dairy-free butter with plant-based milk. Brush the tops of the puffs with this mixture to help them turn golden brown while baking.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the puffs on it, ensuring there’s space between each one. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed to perfection.
- Remove from the oven and let the puffs cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve them warm alongside your favorite dipping sauce for the perfect bite!
Notes
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the puffs in advance and freeze them before baking. When ready, bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free vegan puff pastry if needed.
- Storage : Store any remaining portions in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.