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Kronk’s spinach puffs are savory, buttery, cheesy snacks straight out of Emperor’s New Groove. Keep an eye on them in the oven so you don’t have to yell, “My spinach puffs!!”
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The dinner scene in Emperor’s New Groove is one of my favorites! I love how dedicated Kronk is to making a delicious dinner, even though it is just part of the deception. Of course, the most memorable quote is Kronk yelling “My spinach puffs!” when he thinks they are burning. The phrase “Kronk’s spinach puffs” has become iconic among fans and our family. It has also inspired some real-life recipes for spinach puffs that attempt to recreate the fictional dish from the movie.
Spinach puffs are depicted as a delectable and mouth-watering snack in the Emperor’s New Grove movie. Kronk makes them by taking a sheet of puff pastry, filling it with a mixture of spinach and cheese, and then baking it until it is golden and crispy. The result is a savory and delicious treat that is coveted by many characters in the film. These spinach puffs are a family favorite and everyone loves how quick and easy they are to make!
Kronk’s Famous Spinach Puffs
Kronk’s spinach puffs recipe is a fictional dish featured in the animated film “The Emperor’s New Groove,” which was released by Walt Disney Pictures in 2000. The film is a comedy that tells the story of an arrogant Incan emperor named Kuzco, who is transformed into a llama by his advisor Yzma. Kronk, Yzma’s henchman, is a lovable character who has a talent for cooking spinach puffs.
Ingredients for the Best Spinach Puffs
Your kids may turn up their noses when they hear “spinach” but trust me, they will love these! The spinach gets mixed in with bacon, garlic, fresh dill, and two types of cheese! In this spinach puff recipe, I used cream cheese and feta cheese. It would be delicious with parmesan cheese, fontina, mozzarella cheese, Swiss, or even goat cheese!
- Spinach – Fresh spinach or frozen spinach that has been thawed and thoroughly drained works well.
- Olive oil – This is used to saute the shallots, garlic, and dill. Heat the oil in the pan and add the ingredients to be softened.
- Flavor – Shallots, garlic, and dill are all flavorful ingredients commonly used in cooking to enhance the taste and flavor of various dishes. Each of these ingredients has its own unique flavor profile and cooking uses.
- Bacon – Cook the bacon ahead of time and chop it into smaller pieces to add to the spinach mixture.
- Cream cheese – Cream cheese is important to forming the right texture for the filling, but as for the flavor, you can switch up the feta cheese if you’d like!
- Feta – Choose a flavorful cheese, such as feta, Parmesan, or mozzarella, to complement the spinach.
- Eggs – You will make an eggwash with the egg and egg whites to help bind and hold the puff pastry together. This will also give the outside of the pastry a golden brown color when baking in the oven.
- Puff pastry sheets – Use high-quality puff pastry dough. You can buy pre-made sheets of puff pastry at most grocery stores or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. If using premade frozen sheets, make sure to thaw them prior to using.
- Optional filling add-ins – Include but are not limited to mushrooms, ham, lemon zest, red onions, or ricotta cheese.
How to Make Kronk’s Spinach Puffs
These easy spinach puffs make great appetizers for parties! They are easy to make and the muffin shape makes them easy to eat in a reception-type setting. Every bite is filled with a savory and comforting snack everyone loves! Kids to adults rave about Kronk’s famous spinach puffs! They are requested at all our gatherings!
- Cook – Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add shallots and cook until transparent. Add spinach, garlic, and dill. Cook until spinach has wilted and garlic is fragrant.
- Mix together – In a large mixing bowl, mix the spinach mixture with bacon, cream cheese, feta, one egg yolk, and salt and pepper. Stir until combined together.
- Prepare dough – Roll the puff pastry dough out and cut it into 12 squares. Then, place the puff pastry dough squares in a cup of the muffin tin.
- Spoon – Fill each cup with a rounded tablespoon of the spinach mixture.
- Bake – Pinch the corners of the pastry squares together. Before baking, mix the remaining egg and egg white together and brush over each pastry. Use cooking spray to cover the muffin pan before adding in the filled pastry squares. Bake at 450 for 25 minutes. Serve them hot.
Tips for Making the Kronk’s Easy Spinach Puffs
Making spinach puffs can be a delicious endeavor, whether you are inspired by Kronk’s fictional creation or just looking to enjoy a tasty snack. These helpful tips will guarantee perfect puffs every time you make them. Use these tips when making your favorite appetizer!
- Don’t overfill – Be mindful not to overfill the pastry. A moderate amount of filling will make it easier to fold and seal the puffs.
- Eggwash – Brushing the tops of the pastry with an egg wash (a beaten egg with a bit of water) before baking will give the spinach puffs a beautiful golden color and a slightly shiny finish.
- Cutting – Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the puff pastry into squares or rectangles. Make sure the edges are well-sealed. Press the edges together with a fork or your fingers. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Variations – Get creative with your spinach puffs by adding other ingredients like chopped artichoke hearts, caramelized onions, or diced cooked bacon for extra flavor and texture.
- Dipping sauce – Serve spinach puffs with a dipping sauce like marinara, tzatziki, or a simple yogurt-based dip with herbs and lemon juice for added enjoyment.
“I’m OBSESSED these are super easy and definitely a family favorite! Love to make these when anyone is over because there quick, delicious, and super fun!”
-Millie
Frequently Asked Questions
Kronk’s spinach puffs are a fictional snack featured in “The Emperor’s New Groove” movie. They are also portrayed as a delicious pastry filled with spinach and cheese, prepared by Kronk, a character in the film.
Ensure there’s no excess moisture in the spinach to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy. The soggy filling will not bake properly and leak out of the puff pastry squares.
Pre-made puff pastry is usually in the frozen section by the pies and whipped cream.
Disney has not released an official recipe for Kronk’s spinach puffs. However, there are fan-created recipes and adaptations inspired by the movie available online.
Yes, you can find healthier versions of spinach puffs that use whole wheat puff pastry or reduced-fat cheeses. You can also modify recipes to suit your dietary preferences by using less butter or oil and adding more vegetables.
Storing Spinach Puffs
Spinach puffs are a popular appetizer or a snack! These are made with a puff pastry and a flavorful spinach and cheese filling. These puffs can be made ahead, frozen, or store the leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat these spinach puffs in minutes for another delicious snack time in your home!
- Storing – If you have leftover spinach puffs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
- Freezing – Spinach puffs can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble them and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. To freeze after baking, allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat frozen spinach puffs in the oven to maintain their texture.
- Making ahead – Puff pastry appetizers are best served the day they are made. You can prep all the ingredients and then bake the day of!
- Reheating – My favorite way to reheat spinach puffs is in the air fryer. They come out so flaky and crispy. But you can also reheat in the oven or microwave too!
Read Next: 25+ Easy Appetizers: Classic & Creative Dishes To Make
Kronk’s Spinach Puffs
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot finely diced
- 3 cups spinach finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 3 slices of bacon cooked and chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 2 eggs separated
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1.1 pounds puff pastry two sheets of frozen pre-made puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add shallots and cook until transparent. Add spinach, garlic, and dill. Cook until spinach has wilted and garlic is fragrant.
- In a large bowl, mix the spinach mixture with bacon, cream cheese, feta, one egg yolk, and salt and pepper.
- Roll the puff pastry dough out and cut into 12 squares. Place each square in a cup of the muffin tin.
- Fill each cup with a rounded tablespoon of the spinach mixture.
- Pinch the corners of the pastry squares together. Mix the remaining egg and egg white together and brush over each pastry.
- Bake at 450 for 25 minutes. Serve hot.
I’m OBSESSED these are super easy and definitely a family favorite! Love to make these when anyone is over because there quick, delicious, and super fun!
I’m a bit confused about one part, bacon is in the ingredients list but nowhere in the instructions. So which part is the bacon added in?
Oh I apologize, thanks for catching that! It goes in with everything in step 2. I will update the recipe to reflect that.
I actually have a question… I really don’t like the flavor of,dill, what can I use instead.
You can just leave out the dill! If you want to add in another herb you could try rosemary!
These are so easy. I will definitely make it again!
I will definitely be making this again!