Finger Food With Puff Pastry

Finger Food With Puff Pastry. There are times when you want a snack that is filling, and there are times when you want a snack that can be easily eaten in one bite. Today, we’re looking at the latter. Whether for parties or for a quick bite, here are some simple finger food recipes that you can make with puff pastry.

Finger Food With Puff Pastry

Puff pastry appetizers add instant elegance to any spread. Keeping frozen puff pastry on hand is a great way to be prepared for a fabulous party to break out at any time. From simple cheese straws to decadent beef Wellington bites, these quick and easy puff pastry recipes are all you need to impress your guests without adding stress. Wish your party could throw itself? 

Parmesan Twists

Parmesan Twists are the new breadstick.

Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies

These savory pastries make the perfect handheld snack.

Beef Wellington Bites

Get your fancy on with these crowd-pleasing beef Wellington bites.

Caramelized Carrot and Onion Tart

Be still our beating tarts.

Peach Roses

They taste as good as they look.

Tomato Tart

This tomato and feta tart is stunning and super easy.

Caramelized Onion Tart with Goat Cheese and Thyme

This super fancy tart is so much easier than it looks.

Bacon-Asparagus Tart

This cheesy tart is the ultimate party staple.

Maple Bacon Baked Brie

Brie is living its best life.

Crunchy, flaky, and cheesy. What’s not to love?

Puff Pastry Baked Brie with Cherry Preserves

All the sweetness of cherries plus melty, cheesy goodness.

Asparagus and Chive Tart

This stunning side dish showcases fresh asparagus in a buttery crust.

Maple Bacon Baked Brie

Brie is living its best life.

Puff Pastry Appetizers

Given the high quality of store-bought puff pastry and the fact that it makes your food a million times better, I just know you’ll want to try every single one of these perfect puff pastry appetizers.

Puff pastry is a laminated dough, which means it gets rolled out and folded with butter until you see hundreds of incredible layers.

When cooked, the layers will start to puff up, and the steam will add pockets of air, allowing the pastry to cook and become buttery and flaky.

It’s truly something special and was once reserved for only the best of bakers. 

But now, you can buy frozen sheets of puff pastry that work beautifully at home.

They can be used to make everything from pumpkin and rosemary bites to heavenly parmesan cheese breadsticks. 

Just be sure to get a decent brand, or those layers won’t be as pronounced. 

Once it’s thawed and wrapped around some ham and cheese, the rich buttery flakes will melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more.

Full disclosure: these recipes are dangerously addictive and super easy to make.

I’ll bet they’ll become a staple part of your weekly routine in no time.SaveHam & Cheese Puff Pastry AppetizerCooking on the Front BurnerEnjoy this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer for your next party, game day or happy hour.  The smoky ham and cheese are nestled inside a flaky puff pastry roll that has a honey Dijon mustard spread.  Absolutely delicious!

1. Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer

Pinwheels always look great on the plate, but those made with cold tortillas can be a bit… sad. 

The easiest way to elevate them is to use puff pastry!

Not only will baking these make them gooey and golden, but the crispy pastry provides much-needed texture to boot. Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!SaveProsciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles (appetizer) – Fox and BriarFox and BriarThese  Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles are an easy and elegant appetizer or brunch idea!  Perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day or any other spring brunch!

2. Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

These little bundles look like they came straight out of a cafe.

But they’re so straightforward; they work just as well on a busy Tuesday as they do for a Sunday Brunch.

Gruyère is a must in this, much like the prosciutto, if you can find it.

That said, a simple mature cheddar and smoked ham will also work super well. 

I find thin asparagus the best option for these, but if all you can see are thicker, just cut them in half length-ways.SaveMushroom Puff Pastry AppetizersAn Italian in my KitchenMushroom Puff Pastry Appetizers – An Italian in my Kitchen

3. Mushroom Puff Pastry Appetizers

If you have leftover white sauce, this mushroom appetizer is lightning fast to make.

But to be honest, you can quickly whip up a batch in just a few minutes with this great recipe.

Mushrooms are fantastic for this because they give off unique flavors and aromas, and you can make it interesting by using a variety of different kinds. 

Most larger grocery stores will have all kinds of dried and packaged mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster.

I’ve even seen packs of mixed dried mushrooms that would work very well. SaveFeta and Spinach Puff Pastry Appetizerslingeralittle.com

4. Feta and Spinach Puff Pastry Appetizers

It’s safe to say that spinach and feta go hand in hand.

There’s something so comforting about the classic combination of flavors, and you know these will fly off the plate in a matter of minutes!

If you’re using frozen spinach, be sure you drain and squeeze it until all that excess moisture is out.

Otherwise, you’ll end up with soggy pastry.

If you want to use fresh spinach, it’s a good idea to chop it up a little before you sauté it with the garlic and onions.

Nobody wants big leaves in their bite-sized appetizers.SaveEasy Puff Pastry Appetizer with Goat CheeseModern Glam

5. Easy Puff Pastry Appetizer with Goat Cheese

Goat’s cheese acts a lot like Brie in that it will soften when heated, but it won’t melt like mozzarella.

It also has a very distinctly tangy flavor that I know some people struggle with. 

If you want to give it a go, this recipe is the perfect option.

When mixed with the buttery pastry and the sweet cranberry sauce, the goat cheese becomes slightly mild and provides a beautiful creaminess to the mix. 

No cranberry sauce? No problem! Caramelized onions or a bit of sweet chili jam would also pair very well in this recipe. SaveCheddar Cheese and Balsamic Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry AppetizerWhole Food Bellies

6. Cheddar Cheese and Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry Appetizer

Speaking of caramelized onions, these vegetarian-friendly pinwheels will be all the rage at your next party.

Though it’s tempting, try not to overfill these, or they will bulk out and look messy. 

One way to ensure they look great no matter what is to add a layer of cheese over the top, which will melt and cover the surface, leaving you with a gooey, golden, bubbly finish. SaveCreamy Blue Cheese Puff Pastry SquaresPlating PixelsEasy party or holiday appetizer with Creamy Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Squares. Cream cheese, blue cheese, green onion and parsley create a cheesey topping over buttery, flaky puff pastry crust. –

7. Creamy Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Squares

Unlike the above recipes, this one only requires you to cook the pastry. The filling is added after they come out of the oven.

To stop your pastry from puffing up all over, gently score a square into the middle with a knife, leaving a border around the edges, and poke with a fork.

This will let some of the air out and should prevent it from getting too big. 

Once your pastry is out of the oven, gently press the middle with a spoon and add in the filling, being sure to keep within the little border you’ve created. SaveParmesan Puff Pastry BreadsticksAppetizer Addiction

8. Parmesan Puff Pastry Breadsticks

Homemade breadsticks can be a pain to make, not to mention you need to start the process hours before dinner.

So why not serve up a batch of super fast puff pastry “breadsticks” that are just as buttery but with some added crunch?

Let the pastry thaw a little until you can unfold it without it breaking.

Then, brush it with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and rosemary. 

Gently use a rolling pin to flatten the pastry just a little and cut it into strips. Bake it until golden, and voila!SaveCream Cheese Bacon Puff Pastry Appetizer | MasalaHerb.comMasala Herb

9. Cream Cheese Bacon Puff Pastry Appetizer

I love these because they’re simple and great for any occasion. Who doesn’t love bacon and cream cheese, right?

One thing I will say is that I prefer to cut up strips of bacon.

That way, you’ll get a nicer bite, and the fat will render into the pastry a little. 

That said, if you have bacon bits and need to throw together an appetizer in minutes, this is the one for you!

These 5-Ingredient Puff Pastry Appetizers Are Impossibly Easy

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If you don’t already have some stashed away, now’s the time the pick up a box (or three) of frozen puff pastry. It’s one of our favorite grocery store shortcuts year-round, but come holiday time, it’s also the starting point to easy and impressive appetizers. The buttery sheets are incredibly versatile and come out of the oven with puffed, flaky layers guaranteed to wow any crowd.

Here’s how to turn the freezer-aisle staple into five fast and fancy appetizers using five ingredients or fewer.

5 (5-Ingredient) Puff Pastry Appetizers

The puff pastry: Each recipe starts with a 17-ounce box of frozen puff pastry that contains two sheets. The puff pastry should be thawed according to the package instructions before using, and it’s best thawed in the refrigerator, if possible. While these recipes use Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry, any brand will work.

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

Thaw 1 (17-ounce) box frozen puff pastry (2 sheets) according to package directions. Heat oven to 400ºF. Lightly coat a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Cut 6 ounces Brie cheese into 1-inch cubes. Refrigerate while you prepare puff pastry. 

Unfold each puff pastry sheet and cut into 9 squares (18 squares total). Press each into a mini muffin tin well. Add 1 Brie cheese cube to each well. Top with 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or chutney (1 teaspoon per well) and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (1/2 teaspoon per well). Bake until puffed and lightly browned, 18 to 20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes.

2. Everything Bagel Puff Pastry Cheese Straws

Thaw 1 (17-ounce) box frozen puff pastry (2 sheets) puff pastry according to package directions. Heat oven to 400ºF. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Unfold puff pastry sheets onto a work surface. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons everything bagel spice. Flip sheets over and sprinkle with 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese and 2 more tablespoons everything bagel spice.

Roll each sheet into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Fold each sheet in half widthwise to form a 10×6-inch rectangle. Roll each one out again to a 10×8-inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle lengthwise into 8 (1-inch-wide) strips. Transfer strips to baking sheets, spacing them an inch or so apart. As you set them down, twist the ends in opposite directions to give them a spiraled look. Refrigerate 10 minutes or up to 1 hour. Bake until puffed, crispy, and deep golden-brown, 20 to 23 minutes.

3. Spinach-Artichoke Pinwheels

Thaw 1 sheet puff pastry according to package directions. Heat oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Squeeze all excess moisture from a thawed 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach. Drain and coarsely chop 1 (14-ounce) can or jar artichoke hearts packed in water. Place spinach, artichokes, 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well until combined. 

Unfold puff pastry onto a lightly floured work surface. Spread spinach-artichoke mixture evenly over dough. Starting at a short side, roll up tightly like a jelly roll. Freeze 15 minutes. Cut log crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place cut-side up on baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake until puffed and golden-brown, 25 to 28 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before serving warm.

4. Wild Mushroom Tart

Thaw 1 sheet puff pastry according to package directions. Heat oven to 400ºF. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 thinly sliced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 minutes. Stir in 16 ounces sliced mixed mushrooms and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; continue cooking until mushrooms release their liquid and it cooks off, 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry to a 10×16-inch rectangle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with mushrooms and 5 fresh thyme sprigs. Bake until puffed, lightly browned, and cheese is melted, 20 to 25 minutes. Cut into 6 squares.

5. Pizza Pockets

Thaw 1 (17-ounce) box frozen puff pastry (2 sheets) puff pastry according to package directions. Unfold both sheets on a lightly floured work surface. Cut each sheet into 9 squares (18 total). Place 9 of the rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle 1 heaping cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese onto rectangles (2 tablespoons each), leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with 1/2 cup marinara sauce (2 teaspoons each) and 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, if using (2 slices each).

Brush a thin layer of water on edges of each rectangle. Top with remaining pieces of puff pastry; tightly seal edges with a fork. Cut a vent in the top of each pocket. Refrigerate the pizza bites and heat the oven to 400ºF. When oven is ready, bake until puffed and golden-brown, 20 minutes.

Quick and Easy Puff Pastry Appetizers

These quick and easy Puff Pastry appetizer recipes make use of store-bought, all-butter puff pastry, to make 3 varieties of delicious appetizers, perfect for your holiday entertaining!

When it comes to holiday entertaining, store-bought puff pastry is such a life (and time!) saver. Not only is it easy to use, it is also so versatile. And now with all-butter varieties easily available, it’s delicious too!

One of the best things about these quick and easy puff pastry appetizers, is that they can be prepared ahead and frozen before baking. When you need a quick appetizer, they can go straight from the freezer to the oven and be ready to serve in about 20 minutes.Jump to:

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Cook’s Notes

Top Tip! When it comes to puff pastry, it’s all about the chill, particularly with all-butter puff pastry. You want to keep the dough cool, so in between steps you’ll be popping it in the fridge. It’s a bit repetitive, but if you’re making a variety of puff pastry appetizers, you can use the chilling time to get started on the next one.

I love Dijon mustard, but if you’re not a fan or you feel it might be too assertive for the crowd you’re feeding, feel free to cut back the amount or to substitute honey mustard or a similar, milder mustard.

The cut-outs are super easy to make and tasty little bites. They are a great addition to a cheese tray, beyond just eating out of hand. Adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder to taste.

Your brand of puff pastry may be a slightly different size. The directions should work well with any similar size. You may just get an extra piece or two.

Recipe

Quick and Easy Puff Pastry Appetizers

Three varieties of quick and easy puff pastry appetizers, all starting with store-bought, all-butter puff pastry sheets.  Gruyere and Dijon Sticks, Pesto and Sundried Tomato Twists and Cheddar and Chipotle Cut-outs. Can be made ahead and frozen before baking, then baked off from frozen as needed. 

Author: Jennifer

5 stars from 4 ratings

PREP TIME1 hr 30 mins

COOK TIME45 mins

TOTAL TIME2 hrs 15 mins

COURSEAppetizer

SERVINGS–+ servings

Ingredients 1/2x1x2x3x

Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp water

Gruyere and Mustard Puff Pastry Sticks:

• 1 10×10-inch roll all-butter puff pastry, thawed
• 3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup Gruyere Cheese, shredded
• 2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
• Coarse salt, such as Maldons

Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Puff Pastry Twists

• 1 10×10-inch roll all-butter puff pastry, thawed
• 3 Tbsp pesto
• 2 Tbsp oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

Cheddar and Chipotle Puff Pastry Cut-outs:

• 1 10×10-inch roll all-butter puff pastry, thawed
• 1/4 cup aged cheddar, finely grated
• 1/4-1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder

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Instructions 

• For the Gruyere and Mustard Puff Pastry Sticks: Place the thawed square of puff pastry on a lightly floured cutting board. Spread the Dijon mustard on the lower half of the square, leaving about 1/2 inch uncovered along the edges. Brush the exposed edges with egg wash. Fold the bare top half of the puff pastry over the half with the mustard, lining up the edges. Place in the refrigerator (still on the cutting board) to chill for 15 minutes.
• Remove from fridge. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, trim the two short sides and un-folded long edge by about 1/4 inch. Cut the block in to nine 1-inch by 5-inch slices. Remove the slices to a parchment lined baking sheet, leaving at least an inch in between each piece. Carefully brush the tops with egg wash, ensuring that egg doesn’t drip down the sides. Sprinkle Gruyere and Parmesan evenly over-top, the finish with a sprinkling of coarse salt.
• Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400F. Remove baking sheet from refrigerator and place into preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Remove to a baking sheet to cool.
• For the Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Puff Pastry Twists: Place the thawed square of puff pastry on a lightly floured cutting board. Spread the pesto on the lower half of the square, leaving about 1/2 inch uncovered along the edges. Sprinkle the chopped sundried tomatoes over-top. Brush the exposed edges with egg wash. Fold the bare top half of the puff pastry over the half with the pesto, lining up the edges. Place in the refrigerator (still on the cutting board) to chill for 15 minutes.
• Remove from fridge. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, trim the two short sides and un-folded long edge by about 1/4 inch. Cut the block in to nine 1-inch by 5-inch slices. Take each slice and holding the ends, gently twist several times. Remove the twisted pieces to a parchment lined baking sheet, leaving at least an inch in between each piece. Carefully brush the tops with egg wash. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400F. Remove baking sheet from refrigerator and place into preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Remove to a baking sheet to cool.
• For the Cheddar and Chipotle Puff Pastry Cut-outs: Place the thawed square of puff pastry on a lightly floured cutting board. Brush bottom half of square with egg wash. Fold bare top half over the brushed half, lining up the edges. Place in the refrigerator (still on the cutting board) to chill for 15 minutes.
• Remove from the refrigerator. Using a cookie cutter, cut shapes from the piece of puff pastry. Place on to a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing at least 1-inch between pieces. Carefully brush tops with egg wash, ensuring that the egg doesn’t drip down the sides. Sprinkle tops with grated cheddar, then dust with a bit of chipotle chili powder (to taste). Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400F. Remove baking sheet from refrigerator and place into preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Remove to a baking sheet to cool.
• Cooled pastries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. You can re-warm on a baking sheet in a 350 oven for a few minutes.

Notes

Notes: To make ahead and freeze, instead of placing in the fridge for the chill before baking, place the baking sheet in the freezer with the pieces on the baking sheet. Leave in freezer for 30-45 minutes, or until frozen, then carefully remove to a freezer bag to freeze. To use, simply place frozen pieces on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in 400F oven for the prescribed recipe time, plus a few minutes longer as they are starting from frozen.