12 Quick and Easy Puff Pastry Appetizers

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Looking for a crowd-pleasing party snack that won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen? Puff pastry appetizers are your answer! These 12 quick recipes are perfect for unexpected guests, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want to serve something special without spending all day cooking.

1. Prosciutto and Parmesan Pinwheels

Prosciutto and Parmesan Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer that will impress your guests without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. These elegant spiral treats combine the saltiness of prosciutto with the rich flavor of Parmesan cheese, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry.

These pinwheels are perfect for parties or casual gatherings. The combination of crispy pastry, savory prosciutto, and nutty Parmesan creates a bite-sized treat that’s hard to resist. You can prepare them ahead of time and bake just before serving.

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 15 minutes 

Cooking time: 15 minutes 

Total time: 30 minutes

Serving Size

• Makes 24 pinwheels

Ingredients

• 1 package (17.5 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 5 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 5 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons honey mustard (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
3. Spread a thin layer of honey mustard over the pastry, if using.
4. Arrange the prosciutto slices evenly over the pastry.
5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the prosciutto.
6. Tightly roll up the pastry from the long side to create a log.
7. Cut the log into ½-inch slices using a sharp knife.
8. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
11. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 120 per pinwheel
• Fat: 8 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Calcium: 60 mg

2. Crispy Cheese Twists

Cheese twists are a perfect appetizer that combines buttery puff pastry with savory cheese. These golden, flaky treats come together in minutes using just a few ingredients from your kitchen. They’re a crowd-pleaser that’s both impressive and simple to make.

These twists offer the perfect balance of crunch and chewiness. The puff pastry bakes into delicate layers while the cheese creates a crispy, flavorful coating. You can make them ahead for parties or enjoy them as a quick snack with minimal effort.

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 15 minutes 

Cooking time: 15 minutes 

Total time: 30 minutes

Serving Size

• Makes 12-16 twists

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or rosemary work well)

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
3. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg.
4. Spread the Dijon mustard over the pastry, if using.
5. Sprinkle the grated cheese and herbs evenly across the surface.
6. Cut the pastry into 12-16 strips, about 3/4-inch wide each.
7. Twist each strip and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake them for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
9. Allow the twists to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 120 per twist
• Fat: 8 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Sodium: 190 mg

3. Pistachio Twists

Pistachio twists are a delightful and elegant puff pastry appetizer that will impress your guests. These buttery, flaky treats combine the crunch of pistachios with the light, airy texture of puff pastry.

These twists are surprisingly simple to make with store-bought puff pastry. You can prepare them ahead of time for parties or enjoy them with your morning coffee. The beautiful green color of the pistachios makes them visually appealing, while their nutty flavor creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 15 minutes 

Cooking time: 20 minutes 

Total time: 35 minutes

Serving Size

• Makes 12 twists

Ingredients

• 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
• 3 tablespoons pistachio spread or paste
• 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
3. Mix the pistachio spread with olive oil until smooth and spreadable.
4. Spread the pistachio mixture evenly over the pastry sheet.
5. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the pistachio spread.
6. Cut the pastry into 12 equal strips.
7. Twist each strip several times, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Beat the egg and brush it over each twist.
9. Bake the twists for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
10. If desired, brush with honey while still warm for added sweetness.

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 120 per twist
• Fat: 8 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 75 mg

4. Raspberry Walnut Baked Brie

Raspberry Walnut Baked Brie is a showstopping appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to make. This elegant dish combines creamy brie cheese with sweet raspberry jam and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or dinner parties when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

You only need a few ingredients to create this mouthwatering appetizer. A wheel of brie becomes wonderfully melty when baked inside the golden puff pastry, while the raspberry jam adds just the right amount of sweetness. The toasted walnuts provide a delightful crunch that complements the creamy cheese perfectly.

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Serving Size

• Serves 10-12 people as an appetizer

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 (8 ounce) round Brie cheese
• ⅓ cup seedless raspberry jam
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
3. Place the Brie wheel in the center of the pastry.
4. Spread the raspberry jam on top of the Brie and sprinkle it with the chopped walnuts.
5. Fold the pastry over the Brie, sealing the edges by pinching them together.
6. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
8. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving with crackers or sliced baguette.

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 220 per serving
• Fat: 15 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Sugar: 6 g

5. Feta Cheese Foldovers

Feta Cheese Foldovers are a delightful appetizer that combines flaky puff pastry with tangy feta cheese. These bite-sized treats are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for parties or quick snacks.

You’ll love how these foldovers come together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. The crispy exterior gives way to a creamy, savory filling that will impress your guests. Even if you’ve never worked with puff pastry before, this recipe is foolproof and delivers amazing results.

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 10 minutes 

Cooking time: 15 minutes 

Total time: 25 minutes

Serving Size

• Makes 12 foldovers

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2-3 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 egg, plus 1 extra for egg wash (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the feta cheese, green onions, and 1 egg in a small bowl until well combined.
3. Cut the puff pastry sheet into 12 equal squares, approximately 3 inches each.
4. Place a tablespoon of the feta mixture in the center of each square.
5. Fold the corners to create a triangle and pinch to seal.
6. Place the foldovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake them for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy.
8. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 120 per foldover
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Calcium: 80 mg

6. Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next gathering. These elegant appetizers combine buttery puff pastry, creamy brie cheese, and sweet-tart cranberries into perfect bite-sized treats. They’re incredibly easy to make yet look impressively gourmet on any appetizer spread.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create these delicious puff pastry bites in under an hour. The contrast between the flaky pastry, melted cheese, and fruity cranberries creates a flavor combination that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 15 minutes 

Cooking time: 20 minutes 

Total time: 35 minutes

Serving Size

• Makes 24 bites

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 8 oz brie cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface and cut it into 24 equal squares.
3. Press each pastry square into a muffin cup, forming a small shell.
4. Cut the brie into 24 small pieces and place one piece in each pastry cup.
5. Top each with a sprinkle of dried cranberries and pecans, if using.
6. Drizzle a small amount of honey over each bite.
7. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted.
9. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 95 per bite
• Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Sugar: 4 g

7. Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. They combine the flaky goodness of puff pastry with savory sausage for a bite-sized treat everyone will love. These pinwheels are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for busy hosts.

These delicious spiral-shaped bites feature ground pork sausage, onions, and cheese wrapped in buttery puff pastry. The combination creates a flavor-packed appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. You can even customize them with your favorite seasonings!

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 15 minutes 

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Serving Size

• Makes 24 pinwheels (serves 8-10 people)

Ingredients

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 lb ground pork sausage
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Ground black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces.
3. Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are soft.
4. Stir in the parsley and season with black pepper. Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.
5. Roll out each puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
6. Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the pastry sheets, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sausage mixture.
8. Roll each pastry sheet tightly into a log, starting from the long edge.
9. Cut each log into 12 slices, approximately 1-inch thick.
10. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheets and bake them for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 180 per pinwheel
• Fat: 12 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Cholesterol: 15 mg

8. Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheel

Pesto Pinwheels are one of the quickest and most delicious appetizers you can make for your next gathering. These flaky, cheese-filled spirals take minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor.

You’ll love how these pinwheels combine the buttery crispness of puff pastry with the vibrant flavors of basil pesto and melted cheese. The beautiful spiral pattern makes them look fancy, but they’re actually simple enough for beginners to master. Try them at your next party or as a tasty afternoon snack!

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 10 minutes 

Cooking time: 20 minutes 

Total time: 30 minutes

Serving Size

• Makes 12-16 pinwheels

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1/3 cup pesto
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 ounces prosciutto (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
3. Spread the pesto evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the pesto layer.
5. Add the prosciutto (if using) and the Parmesan on top.
6. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape.
7. Chill the roll in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to make slicing easier.
8. Cut the chilled roll into ½-inch slices and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake it for 15-20 minutes until the pinwheels are golden brown and puffy.
10. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 120 per pinwheel
• Fat: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Sodium: 180 mg

9. Mushroom Bundles

Mushroom bundles are a delightful appetizer that transforms ordinary puff pastry into bite-sized pockets of savory goodness. These elegant treats combine earthy mushrooms with complementary flavors, creating a crowd-pleasing starter that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

You’ll love how these flaky pastry bundles create an impressive presentation with minimal effort. The golden, buttery exterior gives way to a warm filling of mushrooms and complementary ingredients like broccoli and cheese. These bundles are perfect for parties or as a special treat for family dinners.

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 50 minutes

Serving Size

• Makes 12 bundles (serves 6)

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the onions, cooking them until translucent.
3. Add the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
4. Stir in the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat, let it cool slightly, then mix in the cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper.
6. Cut the puff pastry sheet into 12 equal squares.
7. Place a spoonful of the mushroom mixture in the center of each square.
8. Bring the corners of each square together and pinch to seal, forming a bundle shape.
9. Brush each bundle with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
10. Bake them for 18-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 210 per bundle
• Fat: 15 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 180 mg

10. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Ham and cheese pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines flaky puff pastry with savory ham and melty cheese. These bite-sized treats are not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making them perfect for parties or last-minute gatherings.

With just four simple ingredients, you can create an impressive appetizer that everyone will love. The combination of salty ham and rich cheese wrapped in buttery puff pastry creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s hard to resist.

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 10 minutes 

Cooking time: 20 minutes 

Total time: 30 minutes

Serving Size

• Makes approximately 24 pinwheels (6-8 servings)

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 8 slices deli ham
• 8 slices cheese (provolone works beautifully)
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon flour (for dusting)

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry.
3. Spread the cream cheese over the pastry, if using.
4. Arrange the ham slices in a single layer over the pastry.
5. Place the provolone cheese slices evenly over the ham.
6. Roll the pastry tightly from one end to create a log.
7. Slice the log into ½-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife.
8. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake them for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffy.
10. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 120 per pinwheel
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Calcium: 40 mg

11. Easy 3-Ingredient Cheese Pinwheels

Looking for a simple yet impressive appetizer? Cheese pinwheels are perfect for your next gathering! These delightful treats combine buttery puff pastry with rich cheese flavors, creating a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort.

These pinwheels need just three ingredients: puff pastry, cheese, and herbed cream cheese. The combination creates a flavorful bite-sized appetizer that looks fancy but takes minutes to prepare. Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 10 minutes 

Cooking time: 15 minutes 

Total time: 25 minutes

Serving Size

• makes approximately 24 pinwheels

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 4 oz herbed cream cheese, softened

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
3. Spread the herbed cream cheese evenly across the entire surface of the pastry.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the cream cheese layer.
5. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape.
6. Slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
7. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.
8. Bake them for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
9. Let the pinwheels cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 85 per pinwheel
• Fat: 6 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Calcium: 40 mg
• Sodium: 110 mg

12. Mini Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts

These delightful mini mushroom and goat cheese tarts are perfect for your next gathering! They combine crispy puff pastry with savory mushrooms and tangy goat cheese. These bite-sized appetizers are not only easy to make but also offer a good source of protein and calcium from the goat cheese.

Ready in minutes, these tarts will impress your guests with minimal effort. The golden, flaky pastry cups cradle a flavorful mixture of buttery garlic mushrooms topped with creamy goat cheese. Even kitchen beginners can create these elegant appetizers!

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 15 minutes 

Cooking time: 20 minutes 

Total time: 35 minutes

Serving Size

• Makes 12 mini tarts (2-3 tarts per serving)

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Cut the puff pastry sheet into 12 equal squares and press each into the muffin cups.
3. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the mushrooms and garlic, cooking until the mushrooms are golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Spoon the mushroom mixture evenly into each pastry cup.
7. Top each tart with the crumbled goat cheese.
8. Brush the visible pastry edges with olive oil for extra browning.
9. Bake the tarts for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden and puffy.
10. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 120 per tart
• Fat: 8 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Calcium: 40 mg
• Sodium: 160 mg