I love unearthing unique ways to use puff pastry, and I have no doubt that these 15 top-secret options will ignite your culinary creativity. From the classic Puff Pastry Apple Tart to the downright strange (but delicious) Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls, each of these recipes is a simple, stunning, and sure-to-impress method of working puff pastry into your repertoire.

The 15 Best with puff pastry recipes

1. Puff Pastry Apple Tart

An elegant dessert, the Puff Pastry Apple Tart is made with thinly sliced apples, lemon juice, and just a hint of cinnamon, which adds an inviting warmth without overwhelming the flavor of the fruit. The real star of the tart, though, is the puff pastry; flaky and golden, just like the delicate tartilinis.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Apricot preserves, for glazing

Instructions

1. Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the puff pastry. Once any creases in the pastry are smoothed out, move the pastry to a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper; it is now ready to be filled.

2. In a bowl, combine the apple slices with the lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Put the apple slices on the pastry, arranging them so they barely touch but also so they look kind of spirally. Leave a small border around the edges, and then give the apples a drizzle of honey.

3. Wash the apples and the edges of the pastry with melted butter. Bake in a convected home oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is not bubbling too ferociously. If you cut an apple in half, it should have some give but still be somewhat firm.

4. Heat the apricot preserves in a small saucepan or the microwave until they become liquid. Use a brush to apply the warm glaze to the tart. Allow that to set slightly, and then serve in amazing bliss with friends and family.

2. Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Bites

Puff Pastry Appetizers with Spinach and Feta are culinary delights. They consist of puff pastry, of course, which is a light, flaky pastry made by layering dough with butter and folding it several times.

But it’s what’s inside the pastry that counts, and here you have a luscious mixture of spinach, feta, and ricotta cheese, sautéed in olive oil and seasoned lovingly. And that olive oil makes all the difference.

These are perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat up and grab a baking sheet. You’ll want to line it with parchment paper.

2. In a frying pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the spinach until it is wilted. Remove from the heat, and allow the mixture to cool a little.

3. In a basin, mix the prepared spinach, feta cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, and pepper.

4. On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 12 squares. Place a teaspoon of the spinach mixture in the center of each square. Fold the corners to the center and brush with egg wash. Bake in a preheated 400°F (204°C) oven for 15 minutes, until golden brown.

3. Puff Pastry Cheese Twists

Cheese Twists made with Puff Pastry are delightful appetizers. Thawed puff pastry twisted around rich cheddar and sharp Parmesan make these exceptionally tasty.

Yet, they’re so easy to throw together; just mix and spread the cheesy filling, add the ever-wonderful smoked paprika, and garlic powder to the puff pastry after unrolling it and cut twisting the strips into pieces.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a size that’s slightly larger. Brush the surface with beaten egg.

3. Distribute the cheddar and parmesan cheeses evenly over half the puff pastry. For extra flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the cheese.

4. Enclose the cheese with the pastry. Press down lightly, then cut into strips about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip slightly and lay them on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Serve warm.

4. Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

I investigate the traditional Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls, a convivial, snackable delight filled with well-seasoned pork sausage, thyme, and a judicious amount of garlic powder. This umami-rich delight is encased in a light puff pastry that, for all its flakiness, could easily give the illusion of not being sturdy enough to house what it does.

Topped with an egg wash, it achieves a burnished, golden finish. Pork Sausage Rolls are found in many English-speaking countries.

I had the excellent fortune once of enjoying them at a bakery in the English town of Ilfracombe.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 pound pork sausage meat
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Combine the sausage meat with the thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

3. Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into two equal rectangles. Put the sausage mixture along the center of each rectangle.

4. Egg wash the edges of the pastry. Then, fold the pastry over the filling and press to seal. Next, use a sharp knife to cut each roll into desired lengths. Lay the rolls on a baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden.

5. Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls made with puff pastry are a decadent treat. Using Mathilde’s recipe as a base, they transform traditional cinnamon rolls into something ethereal.

The lightness of the puff pastry offsets the gooeyness of the filling so well that it is hard to eat just one. And you can have these at breakfast, brunch, or basically any time of day.

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

Instructions

1. Your oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C), and you should line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. On a slightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry. Brush the surface of the dough evenly with the melted butter.

3. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Evenly distribute this mixture over the puff pastry that you’ve been so kind as to butter. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some nuts and raisins.

4. Beginning with the long side, roll the pastry up into a log as tightly as possible. Cut the log into 1-inch sections and lay the sections cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Place the rolls in the oven, which has been heated to baking temperature, and allow them to cook for a time span of 15 to 20 minutes. The rolls will be ready to extract from the oven when they look like they have become golden brown and have puffed up in the way that one would expect of a roll. Once removed from the oven, do not attempt to gobble them up, but instead allow them to cool for a few minutes.

6. As they cool, combine the powdered sugar with a bit of water to create a simple icing. Drizzle this over the cooled cinnamon rolls just before serving.

6. Mushroom Puff Pastry Appetizers

Puff Pastry with Mushrooms and Onions makes an excellent snack to serve guests when entertaining. It’s a layered pastry shell filled with onions, mushrooms, and, as you might guess, thyme.

The filling is creamy and rich, and the shells are crispy and flaky. These are amazing little “puffs” to serve at a party.

Ingredients
Puff pastry sheets (1 package, thawed)
Mushrooms (8 oz, finely chopped)
Onion (1 small, finely diced)
Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, the olive oil is heated. The onion and garlic are added and sautéed until the onion is translucent. The mushrooms and thyme are added next and cooked until the mushrooms are tender. At this stage, all the moisture is evaporated. Salt and pepper are added for seasoning, and the mixture is allowed to cool.

3. Unfurl the puff pastry sheets on an adequately floured work surface. Slice them into manageable pieces, about 3 inches square. Put a spoonful of the filling onto the center of each piece.

4. The puff pastry should be folded over the mushroom filling to form either a triangle or a rectangle; the edges should be pressed to seal. The puff pastry creations should then be transferred to a prepared baking sheet, and they should be baked for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and puffed. They can be served warm or at room temperature.

7. Chocolate Puff Pastry Braid

Enjoy a delightful Chocolate Puff Pastry Braid, made from a flaky puff pastry sheet, sumptuous chocolate spread, and, if you prefer, crunchy hazelnuts. It is effortlessly elegant, with a simple egg wash and a generous dusting of powdered sugar elevating it to brunch or dinner party-worthy.

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup chocolate spread (such as Nutella)
1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prep a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the puff pastry. Chocolate spread goes in the center, spread evenly and leaving a margin of about 1 inch all around. Don’t let it become too thin; the filling should be thick enough to slather on but not enough to ooze. If you’d like, chop some hazelnuts and sprinkle them over the chocolate before proceeding.

3. With a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts on both sides of the pastry, about 1 inch apart, and stop just before you get to the chocolate spread. Fold the top and bottom ends over the filling and alternately cross the pastry strips over the filling to create a braid pattern.

4. Combine the beaten egg and milk, then brush this mixture over the pastry. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

8. Puff Pastry Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket made with puff pastry consists of cocktail sausages, wrapped in flaky sheets of puff pastry. An egg wash gives them a golden-brown finish; and poppy or sesame seeds (optional) add a nice, crunchy contrast to the flaky, tender pastry.

Ingredients

Puff pastry sheets (about 1-2 sheets, thawed)
8 cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs
1 egg, beaten
Flour (for dusting)
Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, ease the puff pastry sheets and smooth away any creases. Then cut each sheet into 8 equal rectangles.

3. Take a cocktail sausage and place it on each rectangle. Roll the pastry around each sausage, sealing the edges with beaten egg.

4. Using a pastry brush, apply the remaining beaten egg to the tops of the sausages wrapped in dough. If you want to use seeds, then now is the time to sprinkle poppy seeds or sesame seeds on top. Place the baking sheet in the prepared oven.

5. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Serve warm.

9. Berry Puff Pastry Tart

The Berry Puff Pastry Tart melds a flaky puff pastry, a creamy montage of cream cheese, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract, and a vibrant medley of berries to yield what is arguably the best breakfast tart in existence.

Ingredients
Puff pastry sheet
Mixed berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries)
Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Lemon zest
Egg wash (egg beaten with a little water)

Instructions

1. Your oven needs to be preheated to 400°F (200°C), and you should prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. With a knife, score a border around the puff pastry about 1 inch from the edge. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

3. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Stir until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly within the scored border on the puff pastry.

4. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust and then—Arrange the mixed berries over the cream cheese layer, and brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash. Bake for about 20—25 minutes until the pastry is golden and puffed. Let it cool before serving.

10. Puff Pastry Pizza

Puff Pastry Pizza offers a delightful departure from classic pizza. Its flaky outer base is puff pastry, which cooks to a tender, crisp crust.

The layers of dough inside create a light, yet satisfying structure to hold up the sauce and toppings. The sauce is tomato, and the cheese is mozzarella.

The toppings are round slices of pepperoni and 10 whole leaves of fresh basil, which make this a very herby pizza.

Ingredients

Puff pastry sheet (thawed)
Tomato sauce or pizza sauce
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Pepperoni slices
Fresh basil leaves
Olive oil
Salt and pepper#

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Put a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper, ready in the kitchen.

2. Puff pastry should be rolled out onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to prick the pastry all over to prevent it from puffing up excessively while it bakes.

3. Evenly distribute a layer of tomato sauce over the pastry, being sure to leave a small border all around the edges. On top of the sauce, sprinkle a good amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Next, lay out the pepperoni slices.

4. Oven-bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and just slightly browned. Remove from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

11. Chicken and Mushroom Puff Pastry Pie

Savor a satisfyingly rich Chicken and Mushroom Puff Pastry Pie made with cubed chicken breast, sliced mushrooms, a delectable creamy filling, and flaky puff pastry. This dish is the epitome of comfort food and is a surefire way to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 500g chicken breast, diced
• 250g mushrooms, sliced
• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 200ml chicken stock
• 150ml cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 200°C (392°F) in order to warm it up. Medium heat is what you want on the stovetop, so place the olive oil in a pan over that heat and proceed to cook the chopped onion. You want it soft, so you work it with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Then, it’s time for the chicken. You add it to the pan and proceed to brown all the pieces on all sides.

2. Put the pan on the heat and add the mushrooms. Cook them until they are soft. Then add in the chicken stock and cream, and let everything together simmer for a while until it has thickened slightly.

3. Put the chicken and mushroom filling into a baking dish. Cover with the puff pastry, trimming the edges if necessary. Cut a few small slits in the top of the pastry for steam to escape.

4. Preheat the oven and bake the puff pastry for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.

12. Puff Pastry Brie Bites

The delectable Puff Pastry Brie Bites feature flaky puff pastry, creamy Brie cheese, and sweet cranberry sauce or fruit preserves. You could certainly serve them without an accessory—buttery, flaky puff pastry and melted Brie are more than enough to impress.

Still, if you want a smidge of elegance with your appetizer, garnish these bites and take them a step further.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet (1 sheet, thawed)
• Brie cheese (about 8 ounces, rind removed and cut into small cubes)
• Cranberry sauce or fruit preserves (1/2 cup)
• Pecan halves or walnut pieces (1/4 cup)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme leaves (for garnish, optional)
• Flour (for dusting)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat. On a surface that is lightly dusted with flour, roll out the sheet of puff pastry. Cut the rolled-out pastry into 12 equal squares.

2. Put a cube of Brie cheese in the middle of each square. Top with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce or fruit preserves and a pecan half or walnut piece.

3. Take the puff pastry corners and bring them up and over the filling to enclose it. Pinch the edges well (make sure it’s sealed: oozing filling while baking is not desired). Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

4. Apply the beaten egg for an egg wash to the tops and bake for 12-15 minutes. Pastry should be golden brown and crisp when you take it out of the oven. Serve with fresh rosemary or thyme, if you like.

13. Tomato and Cheese Puff Pastry Tart

Here is a Tomato and Cheese Puff Pastry Tart, showcasing a puff pastry base, topped with juicy tomato slabs, copious amounts of shredded mozzarella, and a fine grating of Parmesan, drizzled with olive oil and garnished with basil.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 2 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the puff pastry sheet. Move the rolled puff pastry to a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper.

2. Evenly distribute the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pastry. Leave a 1-inch border all the way round. Over the cheese, slightly overlapping, lay the tomato slices. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Put in the preheated oven and set the timer for 20 to 25 minutes. What you’re looking for (and hoping for) as the minutes pass is that the pastry will turn a beautiful golden brown, while the cheese manages to remain contained—bubbly, but not erupting. Once it has reached that visually satisfying place, take it out and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. That is really key, letting it cool a bit. It will be too hot to eat if you don’t.

14. Puff Pastry Danish

A treat that is as light and flaky as a pastry can be, the Puff Pastry Danish is made with store-bought puff pastry. The filling is a mixture of softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.

With a smear of fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot on top, the Puff Pastry Danish makes a delightful breakfast or any-time-of-day treat.

Ingredients

1 pack of store-bought puff pastry
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup fruit preserves (such as raspberry or apricot)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. The oven should be set to 400°F (200°C) in order to preheat it. A baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper will help prepare for the next step.

2. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the puff pastry and slice it into 4-inch square pieces.

3. In a tiny bowl, blend the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon a little of this mixture into the center of each pastry square and top it with a little of the fruit preserves.

4. Take the pastry squares and fold each corner toward the center. Do this with all the squares and press lightly to seal. Brush the edges of the resulting packets with beaten egg. Bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the packets are puffed and golden brown.

15. Nutella Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Puff Pastry Pinwheels with Nutella combine puff pastry with Nutella, beat the egg, and then sprinkle some sugar and cinnamon on top. These are perfect for a fast sweet treat.

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup Nutella
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll the puff pastry into a rectangle. Then spread the Nutella evenly over the sheet of pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.

3. Beginning with one long side, roll the pastry into a tight log and slice it into 1-inch-wide pinwheels. Lay the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Beat an egg and brush it onto the pinwheels. Then, sprinkle them with a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon. Bake them for 12-15 minutes. They should be golden brown and puffed when you take them out of the oven. Wait a few moments to serve them.