Savory Puff Pastry Appetizers
Introduction
Puff pastry appetizers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser — golden, crispy, buttery layers filled with your favorite savory ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, serving snacks for guests, or craving a quick homemade treat, these bite-sized delights are elegant yet easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create flaky pastries that look and taste like they came straight from a bakery.
Ingredients
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
2 tablespoons cream cheese or ricotta (optional base layer)
¼ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or gruyère)
2–3 cherry tomatoes, sliced
2 tablespoons pesto or tomato sauce (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme) for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven:
Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the puff pastry:
Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Cut into small squares or circles (about 2×2 inches for appetizers).
Place pieces onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Add fillings:
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or pesto on each piece.
Add a pinch of shredded cheese.
Top with sliced cherry tomato or any preferred topping (see ideas below).
Brush with egg wash:
Lightly brush the edges with beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Cool and serve:
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Variations & Ideas
Spinach & Feta: Add sautéed spinach, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.
Mushroom & Swiss: Use caramelized mushrooms with shredded Swiss cheese.
Ham & Cheese: Add diced ham and cheddar for a mini croissant-inspired bite.
Caprese Style: Tomato, mozzarella, and a drop of balsamic glaze.
Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese: Perfect for a sweet-savory combo.
Tips
Always bake puff pastry cold — keep it chilled until it goes in the oven for maximum puff.
Don’t overload with toppings; light layers puff better.
For extra crispness, pre-bake the pastry for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Best served fresh out of the oven, but can be reheated in an air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Final Thoughts
Simple, flaky, and flavorful, these savory puff pastry appetizers are ideal for entertaining or as an afternoon snack. They are the perfect balance of style and simplicity, with countless topping options and little preparation.