This roundup of puff pastry appetizers features easy, crowd-pleasing bites that are perfect for parties, holidays, or weeknight snacks. From savory tarts and pinwheels to cheesy, meaty, and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone. With simple prep, these recipes will make your appetizer game look effortless and impressive.
If there’s one thing I’ll always have tucked away in my freezer, it’s puff pastry. That flaky miracle dough has saved me from more than one last-minute “oh no, I need an appetizer” situation.
Puff pastry appetizers are my secret weapon for parties, holidays, or any night when I want something bite-sized and impressive (but secretly easy). Whether you’re wrapping creamy brie, layering on roasted veggies, or rolling up smoky bacon, these recipes prove you can turn a simple sheet of dough into an appetizer worth sharing at any gathering.
This collection has a little bit of everything in it! There’s savory, sweet, vegetarian, and meaty bites that range from elegant tarts to cheesy pinwheels. You’ll find my go-to recipes like Bacon Brie Pockets and Prosciutto Cheese Twists, plus a few irresistible favorites from other creators.
So grab that box of frozen puff pastry from the freezer and let’s make your appetizer game flaky and golden!
puff pastry appetizers
Prosciutto Cheese Twists
A twist on the classic cheese straw! These simple, tasty prosciutto puff pastry cheese twists are perfect for a party appetizer. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy these delicious bites in no time! Easily make them vegetarian but skipping the cured meat.
Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts
Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts are the perfect balance of buttery crust and juicy fresh tomatoes. These gorgeous puff pastry tarts are topped with a smooth herb cream cheese mixture and a variety of fresh, plump tomatoes. Ideal for any occasion, these easy-to-make tarts will leave everyone wanting more.
Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets
Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets are the ideal holiday appetizer, elevating baked brie to a whole new level. With a sheet of puff pastry, honey, and thyme, you get sweet, savory, and herbaceous all in one bite. It’s a fun way to make a traditional appetizer into something hand-held, plus they can be frozen and baked later!
Peach Basil Goat Cheese Tarts
Peach Basil Goat Cheese Tarts are sweet, tangy, and herbaceous, making them the perfect summer appetizer. Take advantage of peach season in more than just desserts with this fantastic flavor explosion! It’s about time you really wow’d a crowd, isn’t it?
Asparagus Prosciutto Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart
An Asparagus Prosciutto Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is the ideal appetizer to celebrate spring with. The combination of tangy goat cheese, savory prosciutto and crisp tender asparagus is bright, light and a delightful opener for any meal. You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up!
Chicken Spinach Artichoke Dip Puffs
Chicken Spinach Artichoke Dip Puffs are the bite-sized version of your favorite dip, made heartier with the addition of chicken. It’s the easy-to-make rich and creamy appetizer that’s ready to eat in 45 minutes! They’ll disappear quick, so be sure to set a couple aside for yourself 😉
Smoked Salmon Avocado Cream Cheese Pastries
Smoked Salmon Avocado Cream Cheese Pastries will seriously impress at your next gathering. They are ideal for Easter or Mother’s Day brunch.
Mini Beef Wellingtons
Mini Beef Wellingtons are how I like to class up a cocktail party, especially during the holiday season! These savory two-bite treats are decadent, flavorful and wayyyy too addictive. They will be a HIT at your next party (or the best dinner to hoard to yourself… don’t worry, I won’t judge ya).
Avocado Cream Cheese Turnovers
Avocado Cream Cheese Turnovers are savory, spicy pockets of goodness, perfect for your tailgating festivities this fall. These handheld warm pockets are just the right pairing for that beer your holding in your other hand.
Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts
Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts are a bright, savory appetizer for any of your upcoming holiday parties, but especially for Thanksgiving! This appetizer is light enough to open up a large meal so you can load up on a few without spoiling your appetizer. With cranberry jam and puff pastry dough, it’s so easy.
Chipotle BBQ Steak Air Fryer Empanadas
Smoky and spicy, these hearty empanadas have it all! Hearty steak, simple ingredients, and store-bought puff pastry make this easy appetizer a winner. Simply air fry until they are golden brown.
Baked Camembert
Melty Camembert wrapped in golden puff pastry and drizzled with honey makes this appetizer gooey, aromatic, and effortlessly fancy. Serve it warm from the oven for the ultimate cheese-lover’s appetizer.
Savory Apple Tart Bites
Celebrate apple season with these elegant little bites layered with buttery puff pastry, tart Granny Smith apples, and savory sprinkling of rosemary. A touch of sweetness ties it all together for a snack that feels fancy but takes almost no effort.
Prune Onion Fontina Puff Pastry Tarts
Sweet prunes and caramelized onions combine with melty fontina cheese in these flaky, golden tarts. A swipe of grainy mustard adds tang, and a drizzle of honey with fresh thyme finishes them off for a sweet-savory crunch.
Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
Cream cheese, bacon, cheddar, and jalapeños all rolled up in puff pastry — these pinwheels are basically your favorite bar snack in flaky pastry form. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Monte Cristo Pinwheels
Everything you love about a Monte Cristo, but in puff pastry bites and baked. Layers of ham, cheese, mustard, and thyme are rolled in puff pastry, baked golden, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Chicken Sausage Rolls
A lighter twist on the classic sausage roll, this recipe features a savory chicken and veggie filling wrapped in golden, buttery puff pastry.
Taco Pinwheels
Crispy, golden, and stuffed with perfectly spiced sausage, these mini rolls are the ultimate party staple. Easy to make, even easier to eat!
Mini sausage Rolls
Think of these as deconstructed samosas: buttery puff pastry filled with warmly spiced potatoes. They’re flaky, flavorful, and made for snacking or serving as a unique vegetarian appetizer.
Turkey Cheese Puff Pastry Roll Ups
With just five ingredients, these roll ups bring together tender turkey and melted cheese inside crisp, golden pastry. They’re quick to make and disappear fast at any dinner party.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, and buttery puff pastry make this combo holiday magic in a single bite. Easy to prep, impossible to resist, and festive enough to impress anyone with that melty cheese.
Mini Mushroom Wellingtons
All the rich, savory flavor of a full Wellington, packed into bite-sized puff pastry parcels. These mini versions make an elegant vegetarian appetizer.
Spinach Puffs
Golden, flaky pastry with creamy spinach and cheese filling make up these simple but irresistible puffs. They’re warm, melty, and a classic for any gathering.
Paneer Puffs
Crisp pastry pockets filled with paneer and a spicy, tangy masala — these Indian bakery-style puffs are bursting with bold flavor and flaky goodness in every bite.
Mini Zucchini Tarts
Light, fresh, and flaky, these mini zucchini tarts are layered with pesto and puff pastry for an easy, summery bite. They pair perfectly with a chilled glass of white wine or your favorite spritz.
just one more thing…
Now that you have your appetizers, the only thing left is to make a big batch cocktail for the party! We have a few options that might just tickle your fancy:
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
Want to know when I come out with a new recipe or the latest news? Sign up for my newsletter to get them straight to your inbox!
about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
