Spinach And Cheese Puffs
Delicious spinach and cheese puffs combine creamy cheeses, spinach, and a hint of garlic for a savory snack or appetizer perfect for gatherings or family treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spinach and chopped onion as directed on the package.
- Drain and press the cooked spinach mixture well to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, combine the eggs, Parmesan cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, Blue cheese dressing, melted margarine, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Add the drained spinach mixture and the corn muffin mix to the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly.
- Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator.
- Shape the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Cover and chill or freeze the shaped balls.
- When ready to bake, place the balls on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F until light brown, about 10 to 12 minutes if chilled, or 12 to 15 minutes if frozen.
- Serve the cheese puffs warm. They freeze well for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cheese or substituting Greek yogurt for the Blue cheese dressing. If you don't have corn muffin mix, you can make your own using flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. To enhance flavors, add some crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat. Always ensure to squeeze out as much water from the spinach as possible for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese puffs are fantastic as a party appetizer, paired with a tangy dipping sauce or a fresh salad. Consider serving them alongside a creamy soup for a comforting meal. They also make a great snack with a glass of Daddy'S Coffee. For a festive touch, serve them at gatherings or alongside dishes like Romance Cookies for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spinach and Cheese Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to retain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds, though they may lose some of their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach And Cheese Puffs contains roughly 1048 calories, with 23g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1356mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. You'll need about 10-12 ounces of fresh spinach. Sauté it until wilted, then drain and press out the excess moisture just like you would with frozen spinach. This will ensure that your puffs have the right texture.
How can I make these puffs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Spinach and Cheese Puffs, substitute the corn muffin mix with a gluten-free baking mix. You can also make your own mix using gluten-free flour, cornmeal, and baking powder. Always check your cheese and dressing labels to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare these puffs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape it into balls up to a day in advance. Just cover and chill them in the refrigerator. If you prefer, you can also freeze them after shaping, then bake directly from frozen when you're ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).