Crispy, flaky, and loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness—these Mini Cheese and Spinach Tartlets are the ultimate bite-sized delight. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a brunch, or just craving something indulgent, these tartlets check all the boxes. The rich combination of cream cheese, feta, and parmesan perfectly balances the earthy notes of fresh spinach, all nestled in a golden puff pastry crust. The best part? They come together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for last-minute gatherings, game nights, or even meal prepping, these tartlets are versatile and easy to customize. Add sun-dried tomatoes, swap feta for goat cheese, or sprinkle in some chili flakes for an extra kick. No matter how you serve them, these little bites will disappear fast—so make a double batch!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 roll puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ cup feta cheese
- ½ cup bacon bits
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin pan and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, feta cheese, bacon bits, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Stir in the shredded spinach, ensuring it is evenly dispersed in the cheese mixture.
- Unfold the puff pastry and cut along the fold marks into thirds. Cut each third in half lengthwise, then into 1-inch squares, making 24 pieces.
- Place one puff pastry square into each mini muffin cup.
- Fill each cup with a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tartlets are golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly, then use a butter knife to loosen and remove them from the pan.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 130 kcal per tartlet | Servings: 24 tartlets
A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer with a Rich History
Mini Cheese and Spinach Tartlets are a modern twist on classic European pastry traditions. Savory tarts have long been a staple in French and Italian cuisine, where flaky pastry crusts are filled with various ingredients like cheeses, vegetables, and meats. These bite-sized versions take inspiration from traditional quiches and spanakopita, combining the creamy goodness of cheese with the rich, earthy flavor of spinach. The beauty of these tartlets lies in their simplicity. While full-sized tarts and quiches require careful handling of pie dough or tart shells, these mini tartlets use pre-made puff pastry for a quick and easy preparation. This makes them perfect for busy home cooks who want to serve something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing for a party, brunch, or a casual gathering, these Mini Cheese and Spinach Tartlets deliver an elegant and delicious experience in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless appetizer recipes out there, but these mini tartlets stand out for several reasons:
Quick and Easy to Make
- Unlike many homemade appetizers that require extensive prep work, these tartlets come together in just 30 minutes. Using store-bought puff pastry eliminates the need to make dough from scratch, making the process hassle-free.
Perfect Balance of Flavors
- This recipe features a blend of three cheeses—cream cheese for a smooth and rich texture, feta for a salty, tangy bite, and parmesan for a sharp, nutty finish. Combined with fresh spinach and crispy bacon bits, the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite irresistibly good.
Bite-Sized Convenience
- Mini tartlets are easier to serve and eat than full-sized tarts. They’re the ideal finger food for parties, making them a go-to appetizer for events like weddings, baby showers, game nights, and holiday gatherings.
Nutrient-Packed Ingredients
- Spinach is one of the healthiest leafy greens, packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Combined with protein-rich cheese and eggs, these tartlets provide a nutritional boost while still being indulgent.
Endlessly Customizable
- This base recipe is just the beginning. You can swap ingredients, add different vegetables, or play with various cheeses to create new flavor combinations (more on this below).
Ingredients Breakdown and Their Benefits
Puff Pastry
- Puff pastry is a versatile ingredient that creates a light, flaky texture without the need for a complicated dough recipe. It puffs up beautifully in the oven, creating a crisp and golden shell that holds the creamy filling.
Spinach
- Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s loaded with antioxidants, iron, and fiber, making these tartlets a sneaky way to add greens to your diet. The mild, slightly earthy taste of spinach pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese mixture.
Cream Cheese
- Cream cheese gives the filling a velvety texture and a slight tanginess that complements the richness of the other cheeses. It also helps bind the ingredients together for a smooth, creamy consistency.
Feta Cheese
- Feta cheese adds a sharp, salty contrast to the richness of the cream cheese. Made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat’s milk, feta has a crumbly texture that melts beautifully when baked.
Parmesan Cheese
- Parmesan is a hard cheese with a bold, nutty flavor. It enhances the depth of taste in the tartlets and adds a slightly crispy texture when baked.
Bacon Bits (Optional)
- Adding bacon bits provides a crispy, smoky element that contrasts with the creamy filling. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions for a similar depth of flavor.
Garlic Powder & Black Pepper
- These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them. Garlic powder adds a warm, savory note, while black pepper brings a slight kick.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about these tartlets is their versatility. Here are some variations you can try:
Cheese Variations
- Goat Cheese: Swap out feta for goat cheese for a tangy and creamy twist.
- Cheddar: For a sharper taste, replace parmesan with aged cheddar.
- Mozzarella: For a gooey, stretchy filling, mix in some shredded mozzarella.
Additional Vegetables
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a slightly sweet, tangy bite.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms give a rich, umami flavor.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Add a sweet and smoky dimension.
Herbs and Spices
- Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg enhances the creaminess of the cheese filling.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a slight heat for spice lovers.
- Fresh Basil or Dill: For a burst of fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped herbs on top before baking.
Dough Alternatives
- Phyllo Dough: For an ultra-light and crispy texture, swap puff pastry for layers of buttered phyllo dough.
- Pie Crust: Use traditional tart dough for a more structured bite.
Serving Suggestions
These tartlets can be served on their own, but pairing them with other appetizers can create a more balanced spread. Here are a few ideas:
Dipping Sauces
- A tangy yogurt or sour cream dip
- A light honey-mustard sauce
- A balsamic glaze drizzle for added richness
Pairing Ideas
- Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Pair with a charcuterie board featuring cured meats, olives, and crackers.
- Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), these tartlets can be stored and reheated easily.
Refrigeration
- Store tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Freezing
- Freeze unbaked tartlets for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, pop them directly into the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Mini Cheese and Spinach Tartlets are a must-try for anyone who loves easy, flavorful, and elegant appetizers. With their flaky crust, creamy filling, and customizable ingredients, they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Make a batch today and watch them disappear before your eyes!
