The superior quality of ready-made puff pastry, which significantly elevates the appeal of your dishes, is sure to inspire you to try each of these exquisite puff pastry appetizer and dessert recipes from simple ingredients.
It is a type of laminated puff pastry dough, involving repeated rolling and folding with butter to create countless mesmerizing layers.
This pastry was once a delicacy crafted only by the most skilled bakers.
Now, however, you can easily find frozen puff pastry sheets that are perfect for use in home cooking.
These sheets are versatile, suitable for making treats ranging from pumpkin and rosemary bites to divine parmesan cheese breadsticks.
Choosing a high-quality brand is key to achieving the distinct layering effect.
When thawed and filled with ingredients like ham and cheese, the dinner pastry’s rich, buttery layers of puff pastry become irresistible, leaving you craving more.
Be warned: flaky puff pastry recipes are incredibly tempting and simple to prepare.
They’re likely to quickly become an essential part of your regular cooking repertoire.
Contents
41. Pigs In a Puff Pastry Blanket
Crescent rolls are a popular choice for appetizers, known for their delightful taste. However, puff pastry brings an unmatched level of flakiness to the table!
For an exceptional version of pigs in a blanket that are both buttery and crisp, this recipe is the one to try.
A great tip is to partially bake bacon in the oven until it’s cooked but still pliable.
Wrap the sausages in this bacon and coat them with BBQ sauce before tucking them into the pastry. This small step elevates the dish significantly.
40. Pulled Pork Pastry Puffs
Those who have tried the slow cooker Texas pulled pork recipe know its irresistible combination of sweet, tangy, and tender flavors.
It’s a popular choice during slow cooker season, and if you find yourself making it often, these pulled pork pastry puffs are a fantastic way to utilize any leftovers.
I’ve even tried using store-bought pulled pork, and it was a hit, saving lots of time too.
39. Mini-Pear and Goat Cheese Tarts with Puff Pastry
Pairing pear and goat cheese is a culinary delight, similar to the classic apple and cheddar combo.
You could also easily substitute goat cheese with Boursin Garlic & Herb for convenience.
38. Savory Puff Pastry Squares with Sundried Tomatoes
The filling in these puff pastry squares, a blend of goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, is creamy, tangy, and slightly acidic.
However, the square shape can sometimes seem unbalanced with too much pastry and not enough filling.
So, I opted for an empanada-style shape, folding the pastry over and sealing it with egg yolk to ensure a generous filling in every bite.
37. Tomato Tarts Puff Pastry Appetizer
While round pastry with thick tomato slices looks appealing, feel free to shape these into squares for efficiency and to avoid waste.
They taste just as good and eliminate leftover scraps.
These tarts, with just mozzarella and tomato, are delicious, but a hint of pesto can add an extra layer of flavor.
36. Caramelized Onion & Fig Puff Pastry Appetizers
Caramelized onions are a staple in sweet and savory dishes.
You can tilt them towards more savory with balsamic glaze or sweeter with shallots instead of white onions.
Cooking them slowly and carefully to prevent burning is key.
I enjoy adding a touch of honey to mine and regularly check to see if they need a bit of water to cook perfectly.
35. Pumpkin & Rosemary Puff Pastry Bites
These treats go far beyond just roasted pumpkin chunks and rosemary sprigs.
The full name “Pumpkin, Rosemary, Caramelized Onion, Garlic, Cinnamon, and Gruyère Puff Pastry Bites” might be too long for a label, but it captures their essence.
I suggest roasting the pumpkin in the oven rather than pan-cooking it. It requires sufficient cooking time, and pan-cooking could lead to either burnt pieces or mushy pumpkin as you stir.
34. Baked Brie Puff Pastry Bites
Baked Brie has an inherently sophisticated ring to it, right? Now imagine it with a spoonful of homemade fig jam.
Similar to the aforementioned goat cheese bites, these pastries offer a delightful mix of creamy Brie and the bold sweetness of the jam.
For an extra charming presentation, shape them into little stars or flowers instead of simple squares. Fold the pastry corners towards the center, press gently, add your topping, and then bake.
33. Make Puff Pastry Pesto Chicken Bites Appetizer
Short on time? These chicken and pesto bites can be quickly made using leftover chicken and store-bought pesto.
However, if time permits, homemade pesto is highly recommended. It’s a versatile addition to your fridge, and when mixed with cream cheese and cheddar, it becomes an irresistible spread for toast or as a chicken topping.
Another fantastic variant is this extraordinary sundried tomato pesto.
32. Crispy Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels
If you’re exploring appetizer options, chances are you’ve already thought about buffalo chicken wings or dip, a party favorite.
With hot sauce already at hand, why not also whip up these buffalo chicken pinwheels?
For the best presentation, chill the filled pastry before slicing. Also, ensure they’re not cut too thickly to allow thorough cooking.
31. Mashed Potato Savory Pastries
It’s common to end up with an excess of mashed potatoes, often enough for several meals.
Instead of repeating the same leftover dish, I’ve been transforming them into potato pastries.
Enhance them with cheese and ham for an added twist, or if you have more time, try these incredible Irish mashed potatoes – they’re truly exceptional!
30. Cream Cheese Bacon Puff Pastry Appetizer
These are a favorite of mine because of their simplicity and suitability for any event. After all, bacon and cream cheese are a universally loved combo, aren’t they?
I personally prefer using sliced bacon strips in these recipes. This approach ensures a better texture in each bite, and the bacon fat renders beautifully into the pastry.
However, if you’re in a rush and have bacon bits on hand, this recipe is your quick-fix appetizer solution!
29. Parmesan Puff Pastry Breadsticks
Creating homemade breadsticks can be a tedious process, often requiring a head start well before mealtime.
So, why not opt for these quick and easy puff pastry “breadsticks”? They’re just as rich and buttery, with an added crunch.
28. Creamy Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Squares
Unlike the previous recipes, this one involves baking the pastry only, with the filling added afterwards.
To prevent the pastry from puffing up too much, gently score a square within its borders and poke it with a fork.
This technique allows some steam to escape, preventing excessive puffing. Once baked, press the center gently with a spoon, then add the filling, keeping within the scored border.
27. Cheddar Cheese and Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry Appetizer
These vegetarian-friendly caramelized onion pinwheels are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Resist the urge to overfill them to avoid a bulky, messy appearance.
A neat trick is to cover the top with a layer of cheese before baking, which melts to create a gooey, golden, and bubbly finish.
26. Easy Puff Pastry Appetizer with Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, similar to Brie, softens when heated but doesn’t melt like mozzarella. Its distinct tangy flavor can be a bit much for some.
This recipe is a great way to experiment with goat cheese. When combined with buttery pastry and sweet cranberry sauce, the cheese’s intensity mellows, adding a lovely creaminess.
No cranberry sauce? No worries. Caramelized onions or sweet chili jam also make excellent alternatives in this recipe.
25. Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Appetizers
Spinach and feta are a match made in culinary heaven.
The comforting blend of these classic flavors ensures these appetizers won’t last long on any serving plate!
When using frozen spinach, it’s crucial to thoroughly drain and squeeze out any extra moisture to avoid ending up with a soggy pastry.
For fresh spinach, chopping it before sautéing with garlic and onions is wise. This way, you avoid unwieldy leaves in your bite-sized treats.
24. Mushroom Puff Pastry Appetizers
These mushroom appetizers are a breeze to make, especially if you have some leftover white sauce.
Experiment with different types like shiitake or oyster, available at most larger grocery stores. You might even find mixed dried mushroom packs that are perfect for this.
23. Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles
These bundles could easily pass for café-quality but are surprisingly easy to make, fitting both a casual weekday or a fancy brunch.
Gruyère cheese is as essential as prosciutto in this recipe, if available.
Alternatively, mature cheddar paired with smoked ham is a fantastic substitute.
Thin asparagus spears are preferable, but if thicker ones are all you can find, simply slice them lengthwise.
22. Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer
Pinwheels always present well, but those made with cold tortillas can be underwhelming.
Switching to puff pastry is a game-changer! Baking them not only makes the pastry gooey and golden but also adds a delightful crispiness.
21. Chocolate Filled Pastry
For those who fancy dessert-like breakfasts, this quick and easy recipe is perfect. Chocolate-filled pastries can make any morning brighter.
These flaky pastries with molten chocolate inside are scrumptious on their own. Imagine pairing them with a scoop of ice cream – absolutely divine!
20. Fig Brie Pastry Pops
Fig and brie pastry pops are like sophisticated lollipops for adults. They strike a balance between not being too sweet and offering a savory flair.
Get creative with these desserts by shaping the pastry pops in any form you fancy. Pair them with your favorite jam for a delightful afternoon treat.
19. Homemade Puff Pastry Palmiers
Even the chic French palmiers can be easily made with puff pastry, which is fantastic. In under 30 minutes, you can have these elegant treats ready to serve!
For classic palmiers, a sprinkle of sugar does the trick. Or, elevate them with fillings like dried fruits or shredded cheese for a gourmet twist.
18. Puff Pastry Cheesecake Fruit Pizza
This dessert pizza is a testament to the elegance of simplicity. It artfully combines fresh fruits and cream cheese, enhanced with a hint of vanilla.
The recipe is adaptable, allowing the use of various fruits such as plums, apples, peaches, or assorted berries.
With some puff pastry on hand, this luxurious dessert can be quickly assembled and baked.
17. Savory and Sweet Banana Puffs
Creating mini-banana puffs can be a fun and engaging activity with kids, although it might get a bit messy!
These banana tarts are a tasty way to incorporate fruit into your child’s diet. A dash of nutmeg or cinnamon adds an extra layer of flavor and aroma.
16. Puff Pastry Sticky Buns
This recipe for puff pastry sticky buns is a time-saver compared to traditional methods.
15. Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
Rediscover your love for cinnamon rolls with this incredibly easy recipe.
14. Tarte Tatin
Tarte tatin, a French-style upside-down tart, typically includes a pastry crust, butter, sugar, and apples.
Opting for store-bought puff pastry simplifies the process. The caramelized apples on top beautifully contrast with the crispy pastry base.
13. Puff Pastry Almond Croissant
This faux croissant made from puff pastry is surprisingly flaky and rich in flavor.
The croissant, both crispy and tender, is glazed with almond syrup. Sprinkle toasted chopped almonds on top for an added crunch, and consider filling it with almond pastry cream for extra sweetness.
12. Peanut Butter Chocolate Pop Tarts
Transform your snack time with these delightful pop tarts, where the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate comes alive. They boast a tempting golden crust, and the best part? You only need five basic ingredients and a short 30-minute bake. Feel free to experiment with different chocolates and nut butters for a personalized twist.
11. Apple Pandowdy
This autumnal treat, the apple pandowdy, is a household favorite. It offers a delectable mix of soft apple slices and a crispy, sugar-coated puff pastry. A key step: gently press the pastry post-bake to let it absorb the sweet apple juices, enhancing the flavor.
10. Apple Turnovers
These apple turnovers are essentially mini, handheld apple pies, perfect for a leisurely afternoon treat. They’re filled with a sweet apple mixture, wrapped in a flaky pastry, and finished with a glaze. A useful hint: chilling them before baking helps prevent the filling from leaking.
9. Strawberry Puff Pastry Tart
Strawberries, known for their juicy sweetness and hint of tartness, are the stars in this tart. Use fresh strawberries on top of a smooth, butter-rich puff pastry for the best experience. Combine them with strawberry jam for a lusciously glazed topping.
8. Cream Horns
Cream horns, also known as trubochki, are a visually stunning and delicious treat. Resembling waffle cones, they feature a crunchy texture with a creamy filling. Prepare these using special molds, fill them with cream cheese, and dust with powdered sugar for a delightful indulgence.
7. Buttery Pastry Kouign Amann
The Kouign Amann might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. This French classic delivers a pastry experience like no other – crispy, buttery, and sweet with a caramelized crust. You can achieve this with just three ingredients: puff pastry, sugar, and melted butter, and under an hour of prep and bake time.
6. Toaster Strudel
This recipe is a homemade version of the well-known toaster strudel, made easier with frozen puff pastry. Opt for store-bought jam to fill these treats. Despite these shortcuts, you’ll enjoy a freshly baked taste, especially with the unique addition of salted butter and almond extract in the icing.
5. Mini-Peach Puff Pastry Tarts
Experience the wonder of these tiny yet impactful peach tartlets. The fusion of sweet, ripe peaches with a rich, flaky pastry creates an irresistible taste and texture. Enhanced with honey and vanilla, these peaches offer an explosion of flavors. Serve them with ice cream for a quintessential summer delight.
4. Cherry Pastry Pies Favorite Recipe
Picture an upgraded version of the classic Pillsbury toaster strudel, but with a homemade touch and real cherries. These pocket-sized pies, brimming with sweet summer cherries, bake to a perfect crisp and golden hue. Opt for the finest cherries and enhance them with a mixture of lemon juice, sugar, salt, and vanilla for a filling that’s bursting with flavor.
3. Blueberry Galette Puff Pastry Recipe
Embrace the simplicity of a galette, a rustic and charming French cake. This blueberry version offers a buttery, crumbly crust packed with juicy blueberries. Flexible in its preparation, it can be made with homemade or ready-made pie crust, or even puff pastry. Feel free to experiment with other fruits like strawberries, apples, or a medley of your favorites.
2. Puff Pastry Fruity Cream Cheese Danish
Whip up this delightful Danish dessert in no time using frozen puff pastry. It features a luscious blend of sweet cream cheese and vibrant red fruit filling at its heart. The combination of creamy and fruity flavors makes this dessert stand out. Elevate it with a sprinkle of homemade icing or a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect finish.
1. Chocolate Puff Pastry Twists
Indulge in these elegant, braided puff pastry creations, where chocolate hazelnut spread takes center stage. The pastry is rolled, sliced, and then artfully twisted, resulting in a stunning, oversized braided dessert. An egg wash imparts a glistening golden brown finish, complemented by a sprinkle of sanding sugar for added texture and sweetness.
40+ Puff Pastry Appetizers and Desserts
Explore over 40 quick and easy homemade puff pastry recipes – from savory delights to sweet desserts and appetizers, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Pigs In a Puff Pastry Blanket
- Pulled Pork Pastry Puffs
- Mini-Pear and Goat Cheese Tarts with Puff Pastry
- Savory Puff Pastry Squares with Sundried Tomatoes
- Tomato Tarts Puff Pastry Appetizer
- Caramelized Onion & Fig Puff Pastry Appetizers
- Pumpkin & Rosemary Puff Pastry Bites
Instructions
- Choose any Puff Pastry Recipes from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Puff Pastry Recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.