These are the BEST puff pastry appetizers. That’s right. Imagine hundreds of layers of butter and dough puffing up in the oven to create the most airy, crispy, and addictive bite you’ve ever had.
Full disclosure: I usually avoid recipes that require making dough from scratch because I am a lazy girl at heart. But then I remembered that the freezer section exists and it is saving my life right now.
You just thaw, fill, bake, and suddenly you are the most domestically gifted person alive. It is a thing of beauty.
1. Mashed Potato Pastries
Is it just me or is making way too many mashed potatoes a universal experience? I always seem to have enough left over for two or three extra meals.
Say hello to your new favorite solution: potato pastries! We are taking those leftovers and turning them into little golden pockets of joy. You can even add some ham and cheese to make them extra special.
If you have the time to whip up some fresh Irish mashed potatoes for this, it is a thing of beauty.
2. Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels
If you are looking for appetizers then I bet you already have some buffalo chicken dip or wings on the brain. They are basically the king of party food.
Since the hot sauce is already out on the counter, you need to make these buffalo chicken pinwheels.
I recommend chilling the pastry and filling together before you slice them so they hold their shape. Just be careful not to cut them too thick or the centers won’t cook through properly.
3. Tomato Tarts Puff Pastry Appetizer
These look so effective with the round pastry shape and thick slices of tomato. However, you can absolutely make them into squares if you want to avoid wasting any of that precious dough.
They taste just as delicious and you won’t have to deal with the odds and ends.
Mozzarella and tomato are great on their own but a little spread of pesto on the base never hurt anyone!
4. Pigs In a Puff Pastry Blanket
We usually see these made with crescent rolls and they are undeniably a fabulous little snack. But crescent rolls just cannot compete with the flakiness of puff pastry.
This recipe makes them so buttery and crisp.
Here is a pro tip for you: pre-bake your bacon in the oven until it is cooked but not quite crispy yet. Then you wrap the sausages in the bacon and brush them with BBQ sauce before putting them in the pastry for a major flavor win.
5. Feta and Spinach Puff Pastry Appetizers
Spinach and feta are pretty much best friends. It is such a comforting classic combination and these disappear from the plate in minutes.
Please hear me say this: you must drain and squeeze your frozen spinach until all the excess moisture is gone.
Soggy pastry is sad pastry. If you opt for fresh spinach, give it a little chop before sautéing it with the garlic and onions so you don’t end up with huge leaves in your bite-sized treat.
6. Caramelized Onion & Fig Puff Pastry Appetizers
Nothing does the sweet and savory thing quite like caramelized onions. You can lean savory with balsamic glaze or go sweeter by swapping white onions for shallots.
The secret here is cooking them low and slow so they wilt and sweat without burning.
I love to add a drizzle of honey to mine and I always keep a close eye on the pan in case they need a splash of water.
7. Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer
Pinwheels always look great on a platter but the ones made with cold tortillas can be a little lackluster. The best way to fix that is by using puff pastry!
Baking these makes them gooey and golden and amazing. Plus that crispy pastry brings a much-needed texture to the party.
8. Easy Puff Pastry Appetizer with Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is similar to Brie because it softens when hot but it does not fully melt like mozzarella. It has a distinct tang that some people find intense.
This recipe is the perfect solution if you want to give it a try.
The buttery pastry and sweet cranberry sauce mellow out the goat cheese and create a beautiful creamy bite. If you don’t have cranberry sauce, caramelized onions or sweet chili jam are also excellent choices.
9. Puff Pastry Squares with Sundried Tomatoes
This filling is totally irresistible! It is a simple mix of goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes which gives you creamy, tangy, and acidic notes all at once.
I personally am not a huge fan of the square shape because it feels like too much pastry and not enough filling.
So I fold mine over into little empanada shapes and seal the edges with egg yolk. That way you get plenty of the good stuff in every single bite.
10. Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles
These little bundles look like something you would order at a fancy cafe. But they are actually straightforward enough for a busy Tuesday or a Sunday brunch.
Gruyère is a must here if you can find it.
A mature cheddar and smoked ham will also work really well if you are in a pinch. I find that thin asparagus is the best option but you can just cut thicker stalks in half lengthwise.
11. Parmesan Puff Pastry Breadsticks
Homemade breadsticks can be a huge pain to make and require starting hours before dinner. So why not serve up a batch of super fast puff pastry sticks that are just as buttery?
You just let the pastry thaw until you can unfold it without breaking.
Brush it with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, Parmesan, and rosemary, and then gently roll it flat. Cut into strips and bake until golden!
12. Mini-Pear and Goat Cheese Tarts with Puff Pastry
Pear and goat cheese are a match made in heaven just like apple and cheddar. The subtle sweetness of the fruit brings out the tang in the cheese without overpowering it.
This is definitely a savory treat since the cheese gets mixed with garlic, shallot, and thyme.
You could also easily swap the goat cheese for Garlic & Herb Boursin if that is easier for you.
13. Cream Cheese Bacon Puff Pastry Appetizer
I love these because they are simple and perfect for literally any occasion. Bacon and cream cheese is always a yes. I prefer to cut up actual strips of bacon for this.
It gives you a nicer bite and allows the fat to render into the pastry a little bit. But if you need to throw an appetizer together in minutes, bacon bits will totally get the job done.
14. Cheddar Cheese and Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry Appetizer
Speaking of caramelized onions, these vegetarian-friendly pinwheels are going to be the star of your next party.
Try not to overfill them or they will bulk out and look messy.
My favorite trick to ensure they look great is adding a layer of cheese over the top so it melts and covers the surface for a gooey, bubbly finish.
15. Baked Brie Puff Pastry Bites
Baked Brie just sounds so elegant, right? Imagine that baked Brie with a dollop of homemade fig jam.
These pastry bites deliver incredible creaminess and a touch of tang from the cheese along with the sharp sweetness of the jam.
I think these look extra special when you make them into little stars or flowers. Just fold the corners into the center of the muffin tin and gently press before adding the topping.
16. Pulled Pork Pastry Puffs
If you have ever made slow cooker Texas pulled pork then you know it is sweet, tangy, and tender. I am sure you make it often during slow cooker season!
These pastry puffs are the perfect way to use up those leftovers.
I have actually used pre-made pulled pork from the grocery store for this and it was a huge hit and a major time-saver.
17. Pumpkin & Rosemary Puff Pastry Bites
These are honestly so much more than just roasted pumpkin and rosemary sprigs. I guess the full list of pumpkin, rosemary, caramelized onion, garlic, cinnamon, and Gruyère was just too long for the title.
I highly recommend roasting the pumpkin in the oven instead of using a pan.
It needs time to cook and using a skillet runs the risk of burning it or turning the cubes to mush.
18. Mushroom Puff Pastry Appetizers
This mushroom appetizer is lightning fast if you have leftover white sauce on hand. But honestly you can whip up a batch from scratch in just a few minutes.
Mushrooms are fantastic here because they offer such unique flavors.
You can make it interesting by using different varieties like shiitake or oyster, or even packs of mixed dried mushrooms from the grocery store.
19. Creamy Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Squares
This recipe is unique because you cook the pastry first and add the filling after they come out of the oven.
You want to gently score a square into the middle with a knife and poke it with a fork to stop the pastry from puffing up all over. This lets some air out and keeps it from getting too big.
Once they are baked, you gently press the middle with a spoon and add your filling inside the border.
20. Puff Pastry Pesto Chicken Bites Appetizer
These pesto and chicken bites are a lifesaver when you are pressed for time and can be made with leftover chicken and store-bought pesto.
If you have the time, I highly recommend making your own pesto.
It is a great condiment to have in the fridge and makes a super tasty spread for toast or chicken when blended with cream cheese and cheddar. Sundried tomato pesto is another excellent option!
