Mini Cheese and Spinach Tartlets: The Perfect Appetizer

Planning to host a gathering at home? Impress your guests with these easy-to-make cheese, bacon, and spinach tartlets – the perfect appetizer that looks and tastes fancy!

Throwing a party, small or big, is no joke. And when it comes to the food, you need a lineup of party recipes, especially appetizers which are important conversation starters.

These little cheese and spinach tartlets are perfect for parties, game nights, or just when you need a delicious pick-me-up. They’re super easy to make, even if you’re not a kitchen whiz, and they’ll impress your friends and family (or just yourself, no judgment!)

Packed with both bursting flavor and texture, these bite-size treats are guaranteed to be a hit at your gathering. The combination of cheesy goodness, earthy spinach, and crispy bacon is like a flavor explosion in every bite.

Plus, they’re so easy to make, and everyone will love them. Get ready for happy snack faces all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Cheese and Spinach Tartlets

• 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

Step-by-step Preparation With Pictures

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Grease your mini muffin pan and set it aside.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, feta cheese, bacon bits, garlic powder, and black pepper.

3. Mix until well incorporated.

4. Add in the shredded fresh spinach and mix until it’s evenly dispersed in the cheese mixture. Set aside.

5. Unfold the puff pastry on a clean work surface and cut it along the fold marks to make thirds. Cut each third in half lengthwise, then cut each long piece of puff pastry into 1-inch squares, for a total of 24 square pieces.

6. Place one puff pastry square cutout in each mini muffin cup.

7. Fill each cup with a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture.

8. Pop the muffin pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tartlets are golden brown.

9. Once baked, use a butter knife to loosen the edges of the tartlets and pop them out of the muffin cups.

Serve the spinach tartlets warm. Enjoy!

Variation Ideas

The beauty of this recipe is that it offers endless possibilities to customize your mini spinach tarts to suit your taste preferences and experiment with exciting flavor combinations. 

• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Add a tangy burst of flavor to your tartlets with sun-dried tomatoes that pairs perfectly with creamy cheeses and earthy spinach. Just chop them up finely and toss them into the spinach filling before you spoon it into your tart shells.
  
  
• Artichoke Hearts: Their tender texture and subtle flavor will add a delicious twist to your tartlets. Simply chop them up and stir them into the spinach filling along with the cheese.
  
  
• Cheese Blend: Experiment with other types of cheese. Swap out some of the cream cheese for tangy goat cheese for an extra creamy and slightly tangy bite. Or mix in cotija cheeses with a cup of ricotta cheese for a Mexican-inspired flavor profile.

• Veggie Infusion: Feel free to throw in other veggies like diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
  
  
• Herb Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped parsley into the filling mixture.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture for those who like a little heat in their appetizers.
  
  
• Pie Crust Variation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pie crusts like phyllo dough or crescent rolls.
  
  
• Flavorful Spinach Mixture: In a medium skillet over medium heat melt butter, sauté fresh spinach, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic with a pinch of salt until wilted for a more flavorful spinach filling. Avoid overcooking to retain its vibrant color and flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Elevate your delicious appetizer experience with these serving and pairing suggestions that will leave your guests craving more.

• Dipping Sauces and Garnishes: Enhance the flavors of your tartlets by offering a variety of dipping sauces. For garnishes, consider freshly chopped herbs like dill, a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch.

• Pairing Suggestions: Complement your mini cheese and spinach tartlets with other flavorful appetizers such as chicken stuffed crescent rolls, spicy cauliflower bites, stuffed portobello mushrooms, or a charcuterie board that has a variety of cheeses and cured meats.

• Serving Tips: To serve these tartlets at their best, ensure they are warm but not piping hot. Arrange them on a long white platter for a pop of color. 

Tips For Best Results

Here are some foolproof tips to ensure your mini cheese and spinach tartlets turn out flawlessly delicious every time:

• Prep Work: Before you begin, ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes it easier to mix and ensures a smooth, creamy texture in your filling. Here’s how to soften cream cheese.
  
  
• Handle Pie Crusts With Care: When working with a premade pie crust or tart dough, handle them gently to avoid overworking the dough. Use a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface to roll out the dough to your desired thickness for your tart shells. Use a cookie cutter to create squares that fit your mini muffin pan. 

• Avoid Sticking: Ungreased miniature muffin cups will cause the puff pastry dough to stick. Use a nonstick cooking spray to grease your mini tart pans thoroughly. This prevents the tartlets from sticking and ensures they come out easily after baking.
  
  
• Divide Spinach Mixture Evenly: Don’t overfill the tartlet cups with the spinach and cheese mixture. Distribute the filling evenly for a uniform look.
  
  
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your tartlets as they bake. They should be light golden brown when done. Overbaking can result in dry tartlets, so aim for just the right amount of color.

Storage

• Storing: These feta tartlets are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, if you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
  
  
• Making Ahead: If you want to make this tart recipe in advance, you can freeze the tartlets after assembling them. Place the assembled tartlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and covered with plastic wrap and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you need a quick appetizer, simply bake them from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. 

One Last Thing

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a potluck, or just looking for easy recipes for a tasty snack to enjoy with your family, the next time you need a quick and easy appetizer, give these spinach and cheese puff pastry tartlets a try. 

With their rich, savory flavor and crispy puff pastry crust, they’re the perfect combination of comfort and convenience and are sure to become your favorite spinach tart appetizer recipe.

Whip up a batch today and watch as they disappear before your eyes!

Your Turn

If you make these mini cheese and spinach tartlets, please take a moment to let me know how you liked them by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card.

Try These Other Easy Appetizer Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests

• Baked Crispy and Spicy Cauliflower Bites
• Football Buffalo Chicken Pockets For Game Day Snacking
• Easy Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls With Cream Cheese