Simpler Than You Imagine: The Best Appetizer Recipe Made from Puff Pastry

ByEmily Appetizer
The Best Appetizer Recipe Made from Puff Pastry

Transform simple puff pastry into an irresistible crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks like it came from a gourmet bakery. These golden, flaky cheese-filled pastry bites combine creamy textures with savory herbs and are perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you need an impressive snack that’s surprisingly easy to make. With layers of melted cheese, fresh herbs, and a crispy exterior, one bite will have your guests begging for the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 800 g (28 oz) puff pastry, thawed if frozen
  • 200 g (7.1 oz/¾ cup) cream cheese, softened
  • 200 g (7.1 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 150 g (5.3 oz/1½ cups) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 50 g (1.8 oz/½ cup) mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
  • 20 g (0.7 oz/⅓ cup) fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 10 g (0.4 oz/3 cloves) garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten

For the Topping Sauce:

  • 1 red onion, finely diced
  • 10 g (0.4 oz/3 cloves) garlic, minced
  • 10 g (0.4 oz/3 tablespoons) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 g (0.1 oz/1 teaspoon) herbs de Provence
  • 2 g (0.1 oz/½ teaspoon) chili flakes
  • 1 g (0.03 oz/¼ teaspoon) black pepper
  • 3 g (0.1 oz/½ teaspoon) salt
  • 10 ml (0.3 fl oz/2 teaspoons) olive oil
  • 50 g (1.8 oz/3 tablespoons) Greek yogurt

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, crumbled feta cheese, 150 g of shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Roll Out the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to fit a 36 x 45 cm (14 x 18 inch) baking tray. If using two sheets of puff pastry, overlap them slightly and press the seams together. Transfer the pastry to a parchment-lined baking tray.

Assemble the Pastries

Divide the pastry sheet in half visually. Spread the cheese filling evenly over one half of the pastry, leaving a 2 cm border around the edges. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to create a large rectangle. Press the edges firmly to seal.

Cut and Shape

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the filled pastry into small squares approximately 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches). You should get about 24-30 pieces. Arrange them slightly apart on the baking tray, or keep them together for a pull-apart effect. Make small slits or poke holes in the top of each square to allow steam to escape.

Add Egg Wash and Cheese

Brush the top of each pastry square generously with beaten egg. Sprinkle the remaining 50 g of shredded mozzarella evenly over the tops.

Bake

Place the baking tray in a preheated oven at 180°C (360°F/Gas Mark 4) and bake for 35-40 minutes until the pastries are puffed, golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Prepare the Topping Sauce

While the pastries bake, prepare the topping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the finely diced red onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, herbs de Provence, chili flakes, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Serve

Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with the prepared yogurt topping sauce on the side for dipping, or drizzle it over the top of the pastries.

Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 24-30 pieces

Nutrition (Per Piece)

Calories: 145 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 240mg

Why This Recipe Works

These puff pastry cheese bites are the perfect combination of indulgence and simplicity. Puff pastry provides a buttery, flaky texture that’s hard to resist, while the triple cheese filling offers protein and calcium. The addition of fresh herbs and garlic not only enhances flavor but also adds beneficial compounds with antioxidant properties. The yogurt-based topping sauce provides probiotics and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pastry. This appetizer is ideal for entertaining because it can be partially prepared ahead of time and looks impressive with minimal effort. The portable size makes it perfect for parties, and the combination of textures and flavors ensures these bites disappear quickly from any table.