Why do I think you’ll want to try every single one of these puff pastry appetizers? I’m so glad you asked.
- IT’S EASY: You don’t need to be one of the best bakers to get perfect results. Just be sure to get a decent brand of frozen puff pastry, and you are ready to rock and roll.
- IT’S IMPRESSIVE: When cooked, the hundreds of layers will puff up beautifully. The steam adds pockets of air, making the pastry buttery and flaky. It’s a show-stopping ingredient that was once reserved for pros!
- IT’S VERSATILE: You can use it to make everything from heavenly parmesan cheese breadsticks to pumpkin and rosemary bites. Just thaw it, wrap it around some ham and cheese, and get ready for a flavor and texture wonderland.
1. Pigs In a Puff Pastry Blanket
You’ve probably seen these served with crescent rolls, and they’re always a fabulous little bite. But let me tell you, crescent rolls just don’t have that same flaky texture as puff pastry!
If you want your pigs in a blanket to really stand out with a buttery, crisp finish, this is the recipe for you. Want to take it over the top? Pre-bake some bacon until it’s cooked but not quite crispy.
Then, wrap the sausages in the bacon, brush them with BBQ sauce, and pop them into the pastry. It makes all the difference.
2. Mashed Potato Pastries
Is it just me, or do you always make way too many mashed potatoes? I usually have enough to feed my family for another two meals!
Instead of just serving the same old leftovers, I’ve started turning them into these amazing potato pastries. You can add some cheese and ham to make them extra special.
Or, if you have a little more time, using Irish mashed potatoes is a thing of beauty!
3. Baked Brie Puff Pastry Bites
Baked Brie just has a fancy ring to it, doesn’t it? Now, how about baked Brie with a dollop of fig jam? YUM.
Much like the goat cheese recipe, these little pastry bites deliver incredible creaminess and a slight tang from the Brie, balanced by a sharp sweetness from the jam.
I think these look particularly special when you shape them into little stars or flowers. Instead of putting the pastry squares into a muffin tin, just fold the corners into the middle and press gently.
Add the topping right in the center and bake. So good!
4. Caramelized Onion & Fig Puff Pastry Appetizers
When you’re talking about sweet and savory, nothing does it better than caramelized onions. You can definitely make them more savory with some balsamic glaze, or you can go extra sweet by using shallots instead of white onions.
Whatever you decide, the trick is to cook them low and slow, letting them soften without burning. I like to add a little drizzle of honey to mine and always keep an eye on the pan in case they need a splash of water.
5. Feta and Spinach Puff Pastry Appetizers
Let’s be real, spinach and feta just belong together. There’s something so comforting about that classic flavor combination, and you just know these are going to fly off the plate in minutes!
If you’re working with frozen spinach, make sure you drain and squeeze out all the excess moisture. Otherwise, you might end up with a soggy pastry situation.
If you go with fresh spinach, it’s a good idea to chop it up a bit before you sauté it with garlic and onions. Nobody wants big leaves in their bite-sized treats.
6. Cream Cheese Bacon Puff Pastry Appetizer
I absolutely love these because they’re so simple and perfect for any occasion. I mean, who doesn’t love bacon and cream cheese? One thing I will say is that I think cutting up strips of bacon works best.
That way, you get a nicer bite, and the fat can render a little into the pastry. That said, if you only have bacon bits and need an appetizer in just a few minutes, this is definitely the one for you!
7. Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer
Pinwheels always look fantastic on a platter, but let’s be honest, the ones made with cold tortillas can be a little… underwhelming.
The absolute easiest way to elevate them is by using puff pastry! Not only does baking make them gooey and golden, but the crispy pastry also adds a much-needed textural crunch. It’s a total win-win.
8. Pumpkin & Rosemary Puff Pastry Bites
These are so much more than just roasted pumpkin and a few sprigs of rosemary. I guess they couldn’t quite fit “Pumpkin, Rosemary, Caramelized Onion, Garlic, Cinnamon, and Gruyère Puff Pastry Bites” on the page!
I really recommend roasting the pumpkin in the oven instead of adding it to a pan. It needs a good amount of time to cook through, and in a skillet, you risk it either burning or turning to mush as you stir it around.
9. Parmesan Puff Pastry Breadsticks
Let’s face it, homemade breadsticks can be a hassle to make, and you have to start the process hours ahead of time. So why not serve up a batch of incredibly fast puff pastry “breadsticks” that are just as buttery but with an added crunch?
Let the pastry thaw just enough so you can unfold it without it breaking. Then, brush it with some olive oil and sprinkle on salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and rosemary.
Gently roll over it with a rolling pin to flatten it slightly, cut it into strips, and bake until golden. Voila!
10. Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles
These gorgeous little bundles look like they came straight from a fancy cafe. But they’re so easy to make, they’re perfect for a busy Tuesday or a Sunday Brunch.
Gruyère is a must for this recipe, just like the prosciutto, if you can get your hands on it. That said, a simple mature cheddar and some smoked ham will also be delicious.
I find that thin asparagus is the best choice here, but if you can only find thicker stalks, just slice them in half lengthwise.
11. Tomato Tarts Puff Pastry Appetizer
While these look so pretty with the round pastry and thick tomato slices, feel free to just make them into squares if you don’t want any waste. They’ll taste just as good, and you won’t have any leftover pastry scraps to figure out what to do with.
These are super tasty with just mozzarella and tomato, but a light spread of pesto would also be a fantastic addition!
12. Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels
If you’re on the hunt for appetizer recipes, I’m willing to bet you’ve made buffalo chicken wings or dip before, right? They’re a party food staple and everyone loves them!
Since you’ll already have the hot sauce out, why not whip up a batch of these buffalo chicken pinwheels, too?
To make sure these look their absolute best, chill the pastry with the filling inside before you slice it. Also, try not to cut the slices too thick, or they might not cook all the way through.
13. Mini-Pear and Goat Cheese Tarts with Puff Pastry
Just like apples and cheddar are a perfect pair, pear and goat cheese are a match made in heaven. It’s hard to describe, but the subtle sweetness of the pear really complements the tang of the cheese without it being overwhelming.
Since the cheese is mixed with garlic, shallot, and thyme, this is definitely a savory treat. Also, you could easily swap the goat cheese for Boursin Garlic & Herb if that’s easier for you to find.
14. Mushroom Puff Pastry Appetizers
If you happen to have some leftover white sauce, this mushroom appetizer comes together lightning fast. But honestly, you can whip up a batch in just a few minutes with this great recipe.
Mushrooms are fantastic for this because they have such unique flavors and aromas, and you can make it even more interesting by using a mix of different kinds.
Most big grocery stores will have all sorts of dried and packaged mushrooms, like shiitake or oyster. I’ve even seen packs of mixed dried mushrooms that would work so well here.
15. Puff Pastry Pesto Chicken Bites Appetizer
If you’re short on time, these pesto and chicken bites can be made with leftover chicken and store-bought pesto. If you do have a few extra minutes, I highly recommend making your own pesto.
It’s a great condiment to have in the fridge, and if you blend it with some cream cheese and cheddar, it becomes a super tasty spread for toast or chicken. Another wonderful choice is this sensational sundried tomato pesto!
16. Cheddar Cheese and Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry Appetizer
Speaking of caramelized onions, these vegetarian-friendly pinwheels are going to be a huge hit at your next party. It can be tempting, but try not to overfill these, or they might bulk out and look a little messy.
One way to make sure they look amazing no matter what is to add a layer of cheese on top. It will melt and cover the surface, leaving you with a gooey, golden, bubbly finish. Yes, please!
17. Easy Puff Pastry Appetizer with Goat Cheese
Goat’s cheese is a lot like Brie because it softens when heated but doesn’t melt like mozzarella. It also has a very distinct tangy flavor that I know some people find a bit much.
If you want to give it a try, this recipe is the perfect way to do it. When it’s mixed with the buttery pastry and sweet cranberry sauce, the goat cheese becomes a bit milder and adds a beautiful creaminess to the whole thing.
No cranberry sauce? No worries! Caramelized onions or a bit of sweet chili jam would also be a great match in this recipe.
18. Pulled Pork Pastry Puffs
If you’ve ever made slow cooker Texas pulled pork, you know it’s sweet, tangy, tender, and completely irresistible. I’m sure you make it all the time during slow cooker season!
If that sounds like you, these pulled pork pastry puffs are a fantastic way to use up any leftovers. I’ve even used some of that pre-made pulled pork from the grocery store before, and it was such a hit, not to mention a huge time-saver.
19. Puff Pastry Squares with Sundried Tomatoes
The filling for these puff pastry squares is just so good! It’s a simple mix of goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, which makes it creamy, tangy, and a little acidic.
However, I’m not the biggest fan of the square shape because it seems like there’s too much pastry and not enough filling!
With that in mind, I shaped mine like little empanadas, folding the pastry over and sealing the edges with some egg yolk. That way, every single bite is packed with filling!
20. Creamy Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Squares
Unlike the other recipes, this one only needs you to cook the pastry. The filling gets added right after they come out of the oven.
To keep your pastry from puffing up too much, gently score a square in the middle with a knife, leaving a border around the edges, and then poke it with a fork. This will let some air escape and should keep it from getting too big.
Once your pastry is baked, gently press down the middle with a spoon and add your filling, making sure to stay within that little border you created.