Puff Pastry Appetizers

Looking for puff pastry appetizers? Get ready to elevate your starters and finger food game with a collection of delicious savoury treats that are as impressive as they are easy to make. Featuring recipes with meat and seafood, cheese, vegetarian and vegan options.

From luscious tarts and rustic galettes to delicate vol au vents and irresistible savoury palmiers, I’ve gathered a treasure trove of puff pastry appetizers that are bound to delight your taste buds.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking for simple yet scrumptious ideas, these recipes cater to all. With a medley of ingredients that span the spectrum of veggies, meat, and cheese, there’s something to please every palate. 

Plus, I’ve included some mouthwatering vegan and vegetarian options, so everyone can join in on the fun. Roll up your sleeves and let’s embark on a journey of delicious convenience and creativity!

So, What Is Puff Pastry?

Puff pastry is a versatile and flaky pastry that’s primarily made from just a few simple ingredients: flour, water, salt, and butter. Sorry paleo and grain-free friends, this roundup is not for you!

What sets puff pastry apart from crescent roll dough is its unique layering and folding process, which results in countless delicate, buttery layers when baked. 

In contrast to phyllo dough, puff pastry is richer and thicker due to the generous butter content and layers, giving it a more substantial, pastry-like texture.

You can typically find puff pastry in the frozen section of your local grocery store, often near the pie crusts and frozen desserts. It’s conveniently available in both sheets and pre-shaped forms, making it a fantastic time-saver for whipping up delicious, flaky creations in no time.

Frozen vs. Fresh Puff Pastry

The choice between frozen and fresh puff pastry can make a notable difference in your culinary creations. Frozen puff pastry, readily available in most grocery stores, is a convenient option. However, it typically requires thawing before use to achieve the best results. 

On the other hand, fresh puff pastry, which you might find at select specialty markets or bakeries, is a premium alternative. You can also opt to make puff pastry from scratch. It boasts a more delicate, homemade quality and can be a game-changer for recipes where the flakiness and buttery richness of the pastry are critical.

While many recipes work beautifully with the convenience of frozen puff pastry, there’s no denying that certain special occasions or dishes benefit from the luxurious touch of fresh pastry, elevating the final result to a whole new level of deliciousness.

How To Use Puff Pastry For Appetizers

Puff pastry is your best friend when it comes to crafting delectable appetizers. Puff pastry is convenient, cooks quickly, and can be transformed into flaky finger food both sweet and savoury making it the perfect vessel for just about anything you can imagine. 

One classic approach is to create tarts, whether they’re topped with a medley of roasted vegetables, creamy cheeses, or a flavourful blend of herbs and spices. 

Alternatively, you can fashion delightful puff pastry pockets, enclosing ingredients like diced meats, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach and feta for a handheld treat. Puff pastry is great for making pinwheels, too.

The beauty of puff pastry lies in its versatility, so you can let your creativity run wild while keeping your guests’ taste buds thoroughly satisfied.

Can you make them ahead of time? 

Preparing puff pastry appetizers ahead of time may be quite advantageous for planning ahead, whether you’re cooking for an event or to pack up lunchboxes. You could prepare the pastry recipe and store in the fridge or freezer before baking. With most ingredient profiles, you could store the baked puff pastry dish in the fridge or freezer as well.

Puff Pastry Storage Tips

Storing pre-made puff pastry appetizers is a breeze. If you’ve prepared a batch and have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. Most puff pastry appetizers can be kept in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. 

For longer-term storage, the freezer is your best ally. Pop your appetizers in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and once they’re solid, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. When frozen properly, they can last for about 1-2 months without compromising quality.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop your frozen treats into a preheated oven, following the original baking instructions. It’s a handy way to have delicious, homemade appetizers on hand for impromptu gatherings or quick snacks.

Puff Pastry Appetizers – Recipe Ideas

Below are some delicious finger foods and appetizers made with puff pastry, I’ve divided them into categories: meat and seafood, cheesy ones, vegetarian, and vegan puff pastry options.

Meat & Seafood

Pigs In A Blanket with Creamy Dijon Sauce

If you’re on the hunt for the simplest appetizer, it’s hard to beat the classic pigs in a blanket. You can take your pick of your favorite hot dog, sausage, or bratwurst, and don’t forget to pair them with a mouthwatering Dijon sauce for an extra delicious touch. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser! From Aleka’s Get Together.Calories (per serving): 26Cooking time (total): 30 minutes

Get the recipe here

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tarte Soleil

Take the essential (and delicious) components of lox at the best bagel place in town and twist them up in this gorgeous tart, perfectly suited for brunch get-togethers with a pleasing, sunny presentation. From Pardon Your French.Calories (per serving): 404Cooking time (total): 50 minutes

Get the recipe here

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Chicken Chorizo Puff Pastry Rolls

Indulge in the delicious fusion of chicken and chorizo with these hearty puff pastry rolls, a meat lover’s delight that cleverly repurposes leftover pasta sauce. From Kitchen Sanctuary.Calories (per serving): 207Cooking time (total): 45 minutes

Get the recipe here

Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry

Buffalo chicken dip is a decadent appetizer. Skip the dip and bake it instead with a flaky crust to hold in the tender and fiery filling. From Juggling Act Mama.Calories (per serving for 12): 264Cooking time (total): 35 minutes

Get the recipe here

Lobster Roll Puff Pastry

If you’re looking to impress folks, this lobster roll is the way to go. Experience the joy of dining in a quiet fishing town with this appetizer suited for a black-tie event. From Tastefully Grace.Calories (per pastry): 737Cooking time (total): 45 minutes

Get the recipe here

Cheesy

Spanakopita Triangles

This spinach and feta pie from Greece is easy to master the art of with puff pastry. Traditionally made with phyllo dough, this recipe uses puff pastry for a sturdier and more handheld version of this classic dish. From Wandercooks.Calories (per serving): 405Cooking time (total): 45 minutes

Get the recipe here

Cheesy Puff Pastry Jalapeño Bites

Bring some heat to the table with this recipe, taking inspiration from jalapeño poppers with a delightful blend of cheddar and mozzarella to cool things down. From Simply Delicious Food.Calories (per serving for 24): 188Cooking time (total): 25 minutes

Get the recipe here

Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Snowflake

This “snowflake” is reminiscent of monkey bread, perfect for pulling off a piece (and a second, of course). This recipe keeps it simple with dried herbs and cheese making it ideal for last-minute planning. From Recipes by Val.Calories (per serving for 12): 181Cooking time (total): 45 minutes

Get the recipe here

Tomato Tart With Mozzarella

When it comes to pizza, you probably think of pizza dough. Puff pastry can easily stand in for a traditional crust when topped with mozzarella and fresh tomato for something a little more appetizer-friendly. From Jernej Kitchen.Calories (per serving): 318Cooking time (total): 35 minutes

Get the recipe here

Vegetarian

Pumpkin Tart with Caramelized Onions

Summer squash and winter squash are equally as delightful in a tart. This cosy tart is packed with creamy pumpkin and topped with a lovely gremolata. From Justine SnacksCalories (per serving): 153Cooking time (total): 1 hour 30 minutes

Get the recipe here

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Tapenade Palmiers

Palmiers are a French pastry shaped like a palm leaf – hence their apt name. They are often more of a dessert, but this recipe uses a simple mixture of sun dried tomatoes and black olives for a savoury twist. From Beet the Rush.Calories (per serving): 70Cooking time (total): 30 minutes

Get the recipe here

Zucchini Ricotta Tart

Embrace the essence of summer with a delightful ricotta tart that bursts with the freshness of the season. Delicate, paper-thin zucchini takes center stage, plucked straight from your garden, to create this vibrant masterpiece. From Sweet and Savory by Shinee.Calories (per serving): 233Cooking time (total): 1 hour 30 minutes

Get the recipe here

Potato Tart

Thin-sliced potatoes add heft to this summery tart, topped with delicate broccolini. Let the flavours really stand out with a sharp cheddar base in this herby creation. From Wholesome Patisserie.Calories (per serving): 551Cooking time (total): 1 hour 5 minutes

Get the recipe here

Mushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

The harmonious pairing of mushrooms and goat cheese, blending robust flavours with a creamy texture, creates a perfect culinary synergy. This versatile puff pastry recipe transcends seasonal boundaries, allowing you to personalise it with your preferred mushroom varieties. From Spice and Stiletto.Calories (per serving): 551Cooking time (total): 1 hour 5 minutes

Get the recipe here

Everything Bagel Puff Pastries

Indulge in the beloved breakfast classic of bagels and cream cheese with a delightful twist. These pastries offer an effortless way to savour the familiar and nostalgic duo of creamy cheese and the irresistible “everything” seasoning, all in one delectable bite. From Josh Is Baking.Calories (per serving): 191Cooking time (total): 1 hour

Get the recipe here

Samosa Puff Pastry Braid with Tamarind Sauce

Samosas, the beloved deep-fried Indian appetizer, boast a vegetarian filling featuring impeccably cooked potatoes and a medley of aromatic, warm spices. Experience this traditional combination in a unique twist with this braided puff pastry recipe. From Piper Cooks.Calories (per serving): 279Cooking time (total): 50 minutes

Get the recipe here

Mushroom Vol Au Vents

Vol au vents are simply a cup made of puff pastry. With flaky, golden potential, you can fill them with nearly anything savoury or sweet. A popular version includes a creamy mushroom mixture in the centre. From The Twin Cooking Project.Calories (per serving): 205Cooking time (total): 50 minutes

Get the recipe here

Vegan Puff Pastry Appetizers

Cheesy Vegan Potato and Onion Puff Pastries

Many puff pastry appetizers feature dairy, so here’s a hearty and delicious option using your favourite vegan cheddar, Parmesan, and coconut milk to keep the filling creamy. From Make It Dairy Free.Calories (per serving): 459Cooking time (total): 45 minutes

Get the recipe here

Vegan Pesto Twists (4 ingredients)

Pesto, pine nuts, and a little vegan cheese get twisted up for lovely flavour from each simple ingredient in these vegan puff pastry breadsticks. From Lucy and Lentils.Calories (per serving): 113Cooking time (total): 30 minutes

Get the recipe here