If you’re looking for the perfect holiday appetizer — one that’s festive, creamy, flaky, and irresistibly delicious — these Holiday Spinach Artichoke Puff Bites are guaranteed to impress. Each bite features a golden, buttery puff pastry cup filled with warm, cheesy spinach artichoke dip that melts in your mouth. With their elegant appearance and crowd-pleasing flavor, they’re the ultimate party starter for Christmas gatherings, New Year’s Eve celebrations, potlucks, and cozy family nights. Easy to assemble, portable, and packed with creamy flavor, these puff bites will quickly become a holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love Holiday Spinach Artichoke Puff Bites
These bite-sized appetizers are festive, flaky, and full of classic holiday flavor.
- Crisp, buttery puff pastry and creamy spinach artichoke filling.
- Quick to prepare and bake — perfect for busy holidays.
- Great for hosting, entertaining, or snacking.
- Portable, elegant, and easy to make in big batches.
- Look gourmet but require minimal ingredients and effort.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe delivers everything you want in a holiday appetizer: simplicity, beauty, and irresistible flavor. The puff pastry becomes golden and flaky, creating the perfect edible cup for rich spinach artichoke dip. Whether you’re making these for a fancy event or a casual family party, they always disappear fast. You can also prep them ahead, making them ideal for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Puff Bites
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
For the Spinach Artichoke Filling
- 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or thawed & drained)
- ½ cup canned artichoke hearts, finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan
- Crushed red pepper
- Pomegranate seeds for festive pop
How to Make Holiday Spinach Artichoke Puff Bites
- Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
- Cut the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut into 1.5-inch squares. Press each square into the mini muffin tin to form little cups.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, spinach, artichokes, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, sour cream, salt, pepper, and onion powder until smooth and creamy.
- Fill the Cups: Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of filling into each pastry cup.
- Brush Edges: Whisk egg + water to make an egg wash. Brush puff pastry edges lightly for golden color.
- Bake: Bake 12–15 minutes until puff pastry is golden and filling is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with parsley, Parmesan, or festive pomegranate seeds. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per puff bite)
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 120mg
Tips for the Best Puff Bites
- Keep puff pastry cold for maximum flakiness.
- Make sure spinach is fully drained to avoid watery filling.
- Press pastry squares gently so the bottoms stay flat.
- Don’t overfill — filling will bubble as it bakes.
- Bake on the middle rack for even browning.
- Serve warm for the creamiest texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cheesy Garlic Version: Add extra mozzarella + garlic powder.
- Bacon Spinach Bites: Add crisp bacon bits to the filling.
- Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- Healthier Twist: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Artichoke-Free: Replace artichokes with chopped roasted red peppers.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheeses and vegan puff pastry.
What to Serve with These Puff Bites
- Holiday charcuterie boards
- Cranberry brie bites
- Festive dips & spreads
- Hot soups (tomato, potato, broccoli cheddar)
- Sparkling cider, wine, or Christmas punch
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm puff pastry: Makes it sticky and less puffy.
- Too much filling: Can overflow — use small spoonfuls.
- Watery spinach: Always drain and squeeze out moisture.
- Skipping egg wash: Without it, pastry won’t get golden.
- Baking too long: Pastry can brown quickly — check early.
Storing Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days.
- Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
- Freeze unbaked puff bites for up to 2 months — bake straight from frozen.
- Freeze baked bites (without garnishes) and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
These Holiday Spinach Artichoke Puff Bites are everything you want in a festive appetizer — creamy, cheesy, flaky, and beautifully balanced with holiday flavor. Easy to prepare yet elegant to serve, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat for Christmas parties, New Year’s celebrations, and cozy winter gatherings. With irresistible texture and a classic spinach-artichoke taste, these puff bites are guaranteed to be the star of any holiday table.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes — just thaw it in the fridge before using.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely — prepare it 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
Can I use fresh spinach?
Yes — sauté until wilted and squeeze out liquid.
Can I double the recipe?
Easily — use two puff pastry sheets and double filling.
Can I use full muffin tins?
Yes — bake 3–4 minutes longer.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes — reheat at 350°F until warm and crisp.