If you're a fan of flaky, buttery pastries, then you've probably heard of puff pastry. This versatile dough is used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, from classic croissants to savory tarts. Making your own puff pastry may seem intimidating, but with the right recipe and technique, you can easily create this delicious pastry at home. In this article, we'll take a look at a few different recipes for puff pastry from top food networks and magazines like Food Network and Southern Living. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, these recipes will guide you through the process of making the perfect puff pastry.
Bourekas, also known as borekas, are a popular Middle Eastern savory pastry filled with various ingredients. But did you know that you can also make bourekas using puff pastry? It's a delicious and easy way to enjoy this tasty treat. Here's how to make bourekas with puff pastry.
To start, you'll need a package of frozen puff pastry sheets. Thaw them according to the package instructions and preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Pro tip: For a flakier crust, brush the puff pastry with melted butter before filling and baking.
2of 20
Buffalo Chicken in Puff Pastry
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Chicken Breasts, Hot Sauce, Blue Cheese
If you love the spicy kick of buffalo chicken, this recipe is for you. These buffalo chicken in puff pastry bites are perfect for game day or as a party appetizer.
First, you'll need to cook and shred chicken breast. Then, mix it with your favorite buffalo sauce and cream cheese. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares. Fill each square with a spoonful of the chicken mixture, then fold and seal the edges. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Idea: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
3of 20
Spinach & Sundried Tomato Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Main Ingredients: Frozen Chopped Spinach, Sundried Tomatoes, Mayonnaise
These pinwheels are a flavorful and elegant addition to any party or gathering. They're also a great way to sneak in some veggies. To make them, mix together chopped spinach, sundried tomatoes, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella. Spread the mixture onto a puff pastry sheet and roll it up tightly. Slice into pinwheels and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Tips: Add some chopped cooked chicken or sausage to make these pinwheels heartier.
This Southern classic gets a twist with the addition of puff pastry. Instead of a traditional pie crust, use puff pastry for a flaky and buttery base. Fill with sliced tomatoes, onions, and a mixture of mayonnaise and cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Idea: Top with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
5of 20
Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Butter, Apples, Brown Sugar, Ground
Turnovers are a delicious and simple dessert that can be made with puff pastry. For apple turnovers, mix together diced apples, cinnamon, and sugar. Place a spoonful of the mixture onto a puff pastry square and fold it over, sealing the edges with a fork. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tips: You can also make savory turnovers with ingredients like ham and cheese or spinach and feta.
6of 20
Easy Almond Puff Pastry
Main Ingredients: Egg, Water, Almond Paste, Puff Pastry, Sliced Almonds
This easy almond puff pastry is perfect for a quick breakfast or dessert. Spread a mixture of almond paste and butter onto a puff pastry sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then top with sliced almonds and a drizzle of honey.
Pro tip: You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
7of 20
Puff Pastry Donuts (Cronuts)
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Egg, Vegetable Oil, Flour, Glaze, Powdered
If you're a fan of both puff pastry and donuts, why not combine them? These puff pastry donuts, also known as cronuts, are a delicious and easy treat. Cut puff pastry into donut shapes and fry until golden. Top with your favorite glaze, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.
Idea: Fill with your favorite jam or pastry cream for a tasty surprise.
8of 20
Mushroom Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Mushrooms, Mayonnaise, Salt, Black
These savory pinwheels are filled with a flavorful mixture of mushrooms, onions, and cream cheese. Roll out the puff pastry, spread the mixture on top, and roll tightly. Cut into pinwheels and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tips: You can also add some chopped cooked bacon for extra flavor.
9of 20
Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
This Southern classic gets a puff pastry twist with this recipe. Instead of baking the cornbread in a skillet, use puff pastry for a flaky and delicious version. Mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, and other ingredients, then pour onto a puff pastry sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy.
Idea: Serve with a dollop of honey butter for a sweet and savory combination.
10of 20
Breakfast Puff Pastry
Main Ingredients: Flour, Puff Pastry, Sliced Ham, Sharp Cheddar Cheese
This breakfast puff pastry is a delicious and easy way to start your morning. Spread a layer of jam or Nutella onto a puff pastry sheet and roll tightly. Slice and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Pro tip: Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a tasty and indulgent breakfast.
11of 20
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Flour For Dusting, Brown Sugar, Ground
Cinnamon rolls are a classic treat, and using puff pastry makes them even easier to make. Roll out the puff pastry, spread a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter on top, then roll tightly. Cut into slices and bake for 15-20 minutes. Top with a drizzle of icing for a sweet finish.
Idea: Add some chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
12of 20
Flaky Shrimp Puff Pastry
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil
This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers. Mix together cooked shrimp, cream cheese, and herbs. Spread onto a puff pastry sheet, roll tightly, and bake for 15-20 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty touch.
Pro tip: Serve as an appetizer or main dish with a side of rice or salad.
13of 20
Beef Puff Pastry- Ground Beef Puffs
Main Ingredients: Oil, Ground Beef, Onions, Ginger Garlic Paste, Chili
If you're looking for a hearty and savory snack, these beef puffs are a must-try. Cook ground beef with onions, garlic, and your choice of seasonings. Fill puff pastry squares with the mixture and fold over, sealing the edges with a fork. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tips: You can also add some shredded cheese or diced vegetables to the filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
14of 20
Puff Pastry Apple Dessert
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Gala Apples, Sugar, Flour, Cinnamon
This simple and delicious apple dessert is perfect for any occasion. Mix together diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Fill a puff pastry sheet with the mixture, fold over, and seal the edges. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Pro tip: You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
15of 20
Puff Pastry Apple Roses
Main Ingredients: Apples, Fresh Lemon Juice, Brown Sugar, Granulated
These apple roses are not only beautiful but also delicious. Slice apples thinly and place them on a puff pastry sheet, then roll tightly. Cut into sections and place them into a muffin tin. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve as a dessert or snack.
Idea: You can also sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar before baking for extra flavor.
16of 20
Mushroom Puff Pastry Appetizers
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Olive Oil, Mushrooms, Salt, Oregano
These mushroom puff pastry appetizers are a crowd-pleasing and easy-to-make option for any party or gathering. Cook mushrooms with garlic and herbs, then place them on top of a puff pastry sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Pro tip: Use a variety of mushrooms for a more complex and flavorful appetizer.
17of 20
Spinach & Ricotta Puff Pastry Parcels
Main Ingredients: Spinach, Ricotta Cheese, Egg, Salt, Black Pepper
These parcels are a tasty and elegant option for a vegetarian meal. Mix together spinach, ricotta cheese, and garlic, then fill puff pastry squares with the mixture. Fold over and seal the edges, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tips: You can also add some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese to the filling for extra creaminess.
18of 20
Easy Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Egg, Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon
These cinnamon twists are a simple and delicious dessert or snack. Cut puff pastry into strips and twist them, then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a tasty treat.
Pro tip: You can also dip the twists in melted chocolate for an indulgent twist.
This Southern classic gets a puff pastry twist with this recipe. Instead of a traditional biscuit topping, use puff pastry for a flaky and buttery crust. Cook chicken with onions, peppers, and a creamy sauce, then pour into a baking dish. Top with a layer of puff pastry and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Idea: Use leftover cooked chicken to make this dish even easier and quicker to prepare.
20of 20
Asparagus and Prosciutto Puff Pastry
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Large Egg, Water, Shredded Cheese
This elegant dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner. Roll out puff pastry and place a layer of prosciutto on top. Add blanched asparagus and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top.
Tips: You can also add some shredded chicken or diced cooked bacon for extra protein.
What is Puff Pastry?
Puff pastry is a light and flaky pastry made from laminated dough. This means that the dough is repeatedly folded and rolled, creating layers of butter and dough. When baked, the moisture in the butter creates steam, causing the layers to separate and puff up, resulting in a light and airy pastry. Puff pastry is commonly used in French pastries like croissants and palmiers, but it can also be used in a variety of other sweet and savory dishes.
Ingredients for Puff Pastry
While traditional puff pastry recipes call for flour, butter, and water, some recipes may also include ingredients like salt, sugar, and lemon juice. The type of flour used can also vary, with some recipes calling for all-purpose flour and others using bread flour for a flakier texture. The key to making the perfect puff pastry is using high-quality butter and following the instructions carefully to create those delicate, flaky layers.
How to Make Puff Pastry
Making puff pastry from scratch can be a bit time-consuming, but the end result is well worth it. The basic steps involve creating a dough, incorporating butter into the dough, and then rolling and folding the dough multiple times to create layers. Food Network's recipe for puff pastry uses a food processor to help make the process quicker and easier. Southern Living's recipe, on the other hand, uses a traditional method of rolling and folding by hand. Whichever recipe you choose, it's important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure the perfect puff pastry.
How to Use Puff Pastry
Once you've made your puff pastry, there are endless possibilities for how to use it. You can use it to make classic French pastries like croissants and pain au chocolat, or get creative and use it in a savory dish like a puff pastry tart filled with vegetables and cheese. Puff pastry can also be used to make sweet desserts, like fruit tarts or turnovers. With its light and flaky texture, puff pastry is sure to impress your friends and family with any dish you make.
The Best Puff Pastry Recipe for You
With so many different recipes for puff pastry out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for you. Whether you prefer a quicker method using a food processor or a more traditional method by hand, both Food Network and Southern Living offer great recipes for creating the perfect puff pastry. Whichever recipe you choose, just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
In Conclusion
Making your own puff pastry may seem daunting, but with the right recipe and technique, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. From classic French pastries to savory tarts, there are endless possibilities for using puff pastry in your cooking. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade puff pastry? Happy baking!