10 Puff Pastry Recipes 2024: Easy & Delicious

Puff pastry is a light, flaky, buttery dough made from layers of dough and butter. When baked, steam from the butter puffs the pastry, giving it a light and airy texture. Due to this texture and unique flavor, puff pastry works well with savory and sweet dishes, like croissants, mille-feuilles, or the famous Beef Wellington.

So, if you want to impress your guests without slaving away in the kitchen for hours, check out my list of easy recipes that include puff pastry. You’ll find yours in the frozen food section of most grocery stores. Yes, you can make it at home, but it’s pretty time-consuming, which is why almost everyone, even bakers, buy it ready-made.

Puff pastry is also visually pleasing due to its impressive rise and golden-brown color. This makes it the perfect ingredient for fancy meals, but pay attention to the nutritional values (calories add up easily with that much butter involved). On the other hand, if you’re looking for low-calorie recipes, check out our list of best low-calorie meal delivery services.

1. Chocolate Croissants

Ingredients

• 1 sheet (240 g/8.5 oz) store-bought puff pastry (thawed)

• ⅔ cup (115 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon water

• Flour for work surface

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. In a small bowl, make the eggwash by whisking the egg with water. Set aside for later.

3. Flour your surface, unfold the thawed pastry sheet on the surface, and dust the top with flour.

4. Using a rolling pin, roll the sheet into a 16-inch square. Next, using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 8 rectangles measuring 8x4 inches. Slice each rectangle diagonally to make 16 triangles.

5. Place 2 teaspoons of chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) in the center of the widest part of each triangle and roll them into a crescent (starting from the end with the chocolate).

6. Place the croissants on the baking sheets, seam-side down, so the tip is tucked under. Brush them with egg wash.

7. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!

Overview

These homemade chocolate croissants are versatile and delicious, allowing you to use any chocolate type you prefer—dark, milk, or white. Just avoid varieties with fillings for the best texture.

For a twist, try different fillings like jam, marzipan with almonds, cheese, cooked sausage, ham, and others. With this in mind, these croissants are perfect for both sweet and savory cravings. 

Overall, this easy recipe is ideal for a quick treat that everyone, adults and kids alike, will enjoy.

2. Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 320 g (11 oz) ready-rolled puff pastry

• 1 medium egg (beaten)

• 50 g (1.7 oz) icing sugar

• 3 tablespoons caster or granulated sugar

• 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

• Plain flour for dusting

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (390 ℉) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. 

2. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and 3 tablespoons of sugar.

3. Unroll the puff pastry on a floured surface and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on top. Make sure to leave a 1 cm border on one of the short sides, which you’ll brush with the egg wash (made by beating the egg with a fork or a whisk).

4. Roll the pastry tightly from the side without the egged border, sealing the edge with the egg wash. 

5. Cut into 12 rounds and arrange on the tray (make sure they’re not touching as much as possible). Brush the tops and sides with egg wash.

6. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden. Cool on the tray for 10 to 15 minutes.

7. Mix the icing sugar with 1½ tsp water until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls and serve.

Overview

Cinnamon rolls are easy to make and perfect for any type of cozy gathering, like having your friends over or cooking something nice for a Christmas morning with the family. A warm cinnamon roll next to a cup of hot chocolate while snow is piling outside is the perfect bliss. 

Besides having your home smell like heaven for the entire time these delicious goodies bake (and a little after), you’re also getting to enjoy a lighter option compared to store-bought versions.

Plus, they store well – simply keep them in a dry, shaded place, and you’ll have a delicious, fresh snack all week long if you bake a tray on Sunday. Enjoy them for a cozy breakfast or as a satisfying snack anytime!

3. Cheese & Bacon Turnovers

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry (240 g/8.5 oz)

• 6 slices of dry-cured smoked bacon

• 3 tablespoons soft cheese

• 100 g (3.5 oz) grated mature cheddar, gruyère, or Swiss cheese

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 egg

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C/(390 ℉) or (180 °C/350 ℉ for an air fryer) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. 

2. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a whisk or a fork to make the egg wash. Set aside.

3. Unroll the thawed pastry sheet and cut it into 6 squares. 

4. Mix the soft cheese with mustard (you can skip the mustard if you don’t like it) and black pepper, then spread in a diagonal line on each square.

5. Place a slice of bacon over the soft cheese, sprinkle with grated cheese, and brush the 2 opposite corners with egg wash. Fold these corners over the filling to meet, and brush the tops with egg. 

6. Place on the tray and put the tray in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or air fry for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.

7. Cool on a rack for 5 to 10 minutes, then serve warm. 

Overview

If you’ve ever wanted a kid-friendly lunch that’s easy to make, this is the answer. The kids love them, and they’re perfect for gulping down as everyone rushes out the door. 

Plus, they’re just as tasty cold as they are hot, making them ideal for an on-the-go snack, even between meetings at the office. Since you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, you can cook a bunch of them at the start of the week and enjoy them whenever you feel like it. 

You can also enjoy them as an addition to a salad or dip them in a hot bowl of tomato soup. In the morning, add yogurt and have a high-protein, nutritional meal ready in 2 minutes.

4. Tomato & Halloumi Slices on Puff Pastry

Ingredients

• 500 g (1lb) puff pastry

• 400 g (14 oz) halloumi (sliced)

• 400 g (14 oz) cherry tomatoes (halved)

• 1 yellow pepper (thinly sliced)

• 1 garlic clove (finely grated)

• 2 tablespoons soft cheese

• 3 tablespoons milk

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Flour for dusting

• 1 egg yolk

• basil leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 160 °C (320 ℉) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Arrange the halved tomatoes and sliced peppers in a single layer on the baking tray, drizzle with half the oil, season with salt, and roast for 25 minutes. Once cooked, set aside on a plate.

3. Place a griddle pan over medium heat. Brush the halloumi slices with the remaining oil, cook for 6 minutes on one side, then turn over and cook for 3 more minutes. Set aside.

4. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough until it’s roughly 32 x 22 cm and 1 cm thick.

5. Place the dough on the parchment-lined baking tray and, using a knife, score a 2 cm border on each side. 

6. Mix the soft cheese, milk, and garlic, and spread the mixture all over the rolled puff pastry. Make sure not to go over the border.

7. Up the heat in the oven to 200 °C (390 ℉). Meanwhile, drain the liquid from the roasted vegetables and arrange them on the pastry. Place the halloumi slices on top. 

8. Mix the egg yolk with the remaining milk and brush the mixture over the pastry’s border.

9. Bake for 25 minutes until golden. Garnish with basil and serve immediately.

Overview

If you're crazy about pizza but want a less calorie-heavy option, this recipe is a great option. With roasted tomatoes, peppers, and savory halloumi slices on a golden puff pastry crust, this dish is easy to customize for the whole family.

This recipe is great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can bake a whole batch and store it in the fridge for the entire week. The pieces are flat and easy to eat by hand, so you can pack them in the kids’ lunches or have a slice or 2 for your office lunch.

To spice things up, try adding sliced onions, mushrooms, or canned corn for extra flavor and nutrition. Of course, you can run your own experiments, like adding bacon or mixing in a variety of soft cheeses. 

5. Sausage Rolls in Puff Pastry

Ingredients

• 320 g puff pastry

• 450 g of prepared pork sausage meat

• 1 egg

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (390 °F) and prepare a tray lined with baking paper.

2. Using a rolling pin, roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 0.25 inches thick. Cut the pastry in half lengthwise.

3. Place sausage meat along each pastry strip, about ⅔ of the way down, end to end. 

4. Beat 1 egg in a small bowl, and brush 1 side of each pastry strip with egg.

5. Roll the pastry tightly around the sausage meat, starting from the unbrushed side. Press along the seam with a wet finger to seal it securely.

6. Make diagonal slashes along each roll with a sharp knife and trim the ends if needed.

7. Cut each roll in half, then cut each piece into thirds, wiping the knife between each cut.

8. Place the rolls seam-side down on the baking tray with enough space for them to expand. Brush the tops and sides with egg wash, avoiding the sausage ends.

9. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. If needed, turn the tray halfway for even cooking. Allow to cool slightly before serving (if you can resist!).

Overview

These Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls are irresistibly addictive and surprisingly simple to make at home. You only need 3 ingredients, and 2 of them are already prepared – you just have to assemble everything. What could be simpler?

The secret to making sausage rolls like you’ve never tasted before stands with high-quality sausage meat, whether store-bought or homemade. Sausage meat is the literal core of this recipe, and you want it to have a rich and intense flavor. If you find the one you’ve bought is bland, add some herbs, spices, and seasonings to enhance the flavor. 

Overall, these sausage rolls are wonderfully versatile. They’re perfect for potlucks or picnic spreads alongside quiche, sausage bites, and sticky toffee bars. Serve them warm with beans and fries for a satisfying dinner, or pack them into a lunchbox for an easy snack on the go.

6. Apple Galette

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry

• 4 baking apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• ⅓ cup superfine sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (390 °F) and prepare a tray (line it with parchment paper).

2. In a bowl, mix the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Toss until all the apple slices are well coated. 

3. Using a rolling pin, roll the pastry into a round-ish shape. Be careful not to make it too thin.

4. Place the apple mixture in the center of the dough and spread it in an even layer all over the central section (leave the borders alone). Fold the edges toward the center.

5. Brush the folded edges with half the beaten egg.

6. Chill the galette in the fridge for 10 minutes to let the flavors settle. After this, brush the pastry with the remaining egg.

7. Place the uncooked galette in the lined tray and put everything into the oven on the top rack. Bake for 20 minutes. 

8. Rotate the tray and lower the heat to 175 °C (350 °F), and bake until the pastry is golden. This should take an additional 8 to 10 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Overview

Apple Galette is a rustic French dessert that offers a simpler, free-form twist on classic apple pie. Made with tender apples and flaky puff pastry, this galette is easy to prepare yet full of flavor. Also, don’t worry if yours comes out a little wonky – this is the charm of this dessert.

For the baking apples, you can use any of these varieties: Braeburn, Cortland, Fuji, Granny Smith, or Gala. These are the kind of apples that become more fragrant and maintain their texture when cooked.

Enjoy your Galette with a scoop of ice cream or on its own – either way, it’s a comforting and delicious treat perfect for any occasion.

7. Vegan Pesto & Spinach Salad Tart

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of store-bought vegan puff pastry

• 200 g (10 oz) spinach

• 225 g (8 oz) Cremini mushrooms (sliced)

• 1 yellow onion (jullienne)

• 55 g (2 oz) dried apricots

• 30 g (1 oz) roasted almonds (roughly chopped)

• 55 g (2 oz) roasted red peppers (cut into bit-size bits)

• 3 tablespoons seasoned nutritional yeast

• 200 g (7 oz) dairy-free basil & garlic pesto

• 40 g (1½ oz) balsamic vinegar

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C (425 °F) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the salad by mixing the vinegar and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl. Whisk to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the spinach (tear the leaves if they’re too big), dried apricots, and almonds. Toss to combine. Season everything with salt and pepper.

3. Place the puff pastry cut into 4 pieces on a tray lined with parchment paper. Using a knife, carve a ½-inch border on each piece. Next, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on each piece and season with nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. 

4. Spread the pesto on each piece, staying within the borders you drew earlier.

5. On each piece of puff pastry, add a combination of sliced onions, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers and place in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the puff pastry is fluffed up and golden brown.

6. Remove from the oven and place each piece on a plate for serving. Add spinach salad on top or to the side (as much as you want), and add any leftover pesto on the side of the plate. Enjoy!

Overview

Bursting with flavor, this vibrant, vegan dish is perfect for breakfast or lunch. Besides the fluffy texture of the puff pastry, you also get the punchy combination of herby pesto, roasted red peppers, hearty mushrooms, and sautéed onions.

Everything is topped with a fresh spinach salad sprinkled with sweet, dried apricots and crunchy almonds. A drizzle of tangy balsamic completes this nourishing meal. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a variety of vegetables, whether or not you’re vegan.

8. Vegan Roasted Pear & Coconut-Bacon Tart

Ingredients

• 1 Bartlett pear (thinly sliced)

• ¼ cup walnuts

• 2 teaspoons of low-sodium Tamari soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• ¼ teaspoon Liquid Smoke

• ½ cup toasted coconut (large flakes)

• ½ sheet of vegan puff pastry

• 1 garlic clove (minced)

• 55g (2 oz) dairy-free herb garlic cheese

• 55g (2 oz) baby arugula

• ¼ cup balsamic glaze

• 5 teaspoons olive oil

• Salt

• Pepper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 220 °C (425 °F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, combine the sliced pear with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat the pears.

3. Place the pears on half of the baking sheet and the walnuts on the other half (spread them out in an even layer). 

4. Place the tray in the oven for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the pears are soft and beginning to brown and the nuts are golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside on a plate.

5. Keeping the same oven temperature, place the puff pastry sheet cut in half on a tray lined with parchment paper and bake until golden brown, for 20 to 25 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and set aside on individual plates.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the Tamari, maple, Liquid Smoke, and a pinch of pepper. 

7. Place a small nonstick skillet over low heat and add the syrup you’ve just prepared and the coconut. Cook, stirring constantly, until slightly charred, 5 to 7 minutes.

8. Combine garlic, herb garlic cheese, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a bowl and mix until smooth.

9. Spread the herbed cashew cheese on the cooked puff pastry pieces and top with roasted pears and coconut-bacon. Add some arugula, drizzle with balsamic glaze (to taste), and sprinkle with walnuts. Enjoy!

Overview

This Roasted Pear & Coconut-Bacon Tart is a flavor-packed vegan dish that brings together the natural sweetness of pears, the earthy crunch of roasted walnuts, and creamy, herbed vegan cheese. 

To mimic the savory, crispy goodness of bacon, large coconut flakes are toasted with maple syrup, Tamari, and a hint of Liquid Smoke, creating a satisfyingly crunchy plant-based “bacon.” 

All these flavors come together on a light, flaky puff pastry base, making this tart a delicious, crowd-pleasing choice for lunch or breakfast – perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike!

9. Puff Pastry Chicken Potpie

Ingredients

• 1 package (490 g/17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry (thawed)

• 1 kg/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)

• 1 large onion (chopped)

• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (about 10 oz)

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1½  cups chicken broth

• 1 cup half-and-half cream

• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 4 tablespoons butter

• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon rubbed sage

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 large egg yolk

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (390 °F). 

2. Using a rolling pin, roll each puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to a 12x10-inch rectangle. Cut one sheet crosswise into 6 2-inch strips and the other sheet lengthwise into 5 2-inch strips. 

3. Weave the strips into a lattice on a baking sheet, then freeze while you make the filling.

4. Toss the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper. 

5. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the chicken and sauté until browned. Set aside.

6. In the same skillet, heat the remaining butter and sauté the onion until tender (5 to 7 minutes). Add garlic and herbs, and continue cooking for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for another minute. 

7. Gradually add broth and 1 cup cream. Bring everything to a boil, and stir until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).

8. Add the vegetables, lemon juice, chicken, and remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

9. Pour into a greased 2-1/2-quart baking dish. Top with the lattice, trimming as needed.

10. Whisk egg yolk with the remaining cream and brush over the pastry. 

11. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until the filling bubbles and the pastry is golden brown. Cover with foil if the pastry browns too quickly. Let the dish sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Overview

This is a comforting twist on the classic potpie, made easier with a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. This simplified recipe skips traditional pie crust but keeps all the goodness of the rich, creamy chicken and vegetable filling we know and love. 

The buttery puff pastry bakes to a light, crispy perfection, creating a delicious contrast to the hearty filling below. Ideal for chilly days, this potpie brings together all the cozy, satisfying flavors of a homemade favorite with less effort.

10. Apricot Custard Tarts

Ingredients

• 450 g (about 1lb) of apricot halves canned in natural juice (drained)

• 1 sheet reduced-fat puff pastry, partially thawed (240 g/8.5 oz)

• 1/3 cup low-fat custard

• 1 egg white (lightly beaten)

• 1 tablespoon raw sugar

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200 ºC (390 °F) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. 

2. Pat the apricot halves dry with paper towels, then cut each piece in half.

3. Spread the puff pastry and cut 4 circles (about 4-inch diameter) using a glass or a small bowl. 

4. Place each pastry circle on the tray. Fold and pinch the edges of each circle to make small cases. 

5. Add 1 tablespoon of custard to the center of each pastry case and arrange the apricot pieces on top (as many as they fit).

6. Brush the pastry edges with egg white and sprinkle with sugar. 

7. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.

Overview

If you’re looking for an effortless dessert, this Apricot Custard Tart is the right answer. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a tray of golden, crispy tarts filled with creamy custard and juicy apricots. 

Perfectly balanced in sweetness, this dessert will please any crowd, making it a great choice for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. Feel free to swap out the apricots for your favorite fruit to suit the season or your taste. These tarts are a treat that’s easy to make and sure to be a hit!

FAQ

What is puff pastry made of?

Puff pastry is typically made with just a few ingredients: flour, water, salt, and a high amount of butter (or plant-based alternatives to butter for vegan options). The dough is folded multiple times to create thin layers of butter and dough, which give puff pastry its flaky texture.

Do I need to thaw frozen puff pastry before using it?

Yes, frozen puff pastry should be thawed in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can leave it out at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes, but be careful not to let it get too soft.

Can I refreeze the puff pastry once it’s thawed?

Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Refreezing can alter the texture and make it less flaky, as the dough may lose some of its structure from thawing and freezing again.

How thin should I roll puff pastry?

It depends on your recipe, but generally, you should roll it to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Rolling too thin can cause the pastry to lose layers and rise less, while too thick may result in undercooked, doughy pastry.

Can I make puff pastry at home?

Yes, but it’s labor-intensive. Making traditional puff pastry involves rolling and folding the dough multiple times to create layers. Many people prefer to use store-bought puff pastry due to the time and effort required to make it yourself.