"Puffed pastry is a magical substance," says Ree Drummond. "It looks like nothing in the package," she admits, "but bakes into a puffy, golden, textural substance that make the perfect crust for fruit tarts, chocolate pastries, hors d'oeuvres… the list goes on." The supermarket shortcut is one of the easiest ways to whip up an elegant appetizer, quick breakfast, or even an impressive dinner without all the fuss when you have guests coming to town.
If that weren’t enough reason to pick up a package of the time-saving ingredient, then just wait until you see the best puff pastry recipes ahead. Some look a little bit fancy, like beef Wellington and apple butter cheese straws, while others are simply downright irresistible, like pot pies and doughnuts. Ree likes the way the dough stays light and airy in her puff pastry pizza. "They're so incredibly easy to make with really impressive results," she says.
If you find puff pastry in the freezer section, just be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and you'll be able to whip up flaky pastry recipes, like bear claws, spinach puffs, or a pretty veggie tart in no time. You can also find some brands in the refrigerated section that you can use right away for easy dinners any night of the week. So what are you waiting for? Head to the store to pick up a package or two of puff pastry today!
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Strawberry Danish
Stacy Allen
These fruity danishes have a sweet cream cheese filling and flaky crust that makes them feel like a special occasion treat. You can swap out the strawberries or any berry your heart desires.
If you love spanakopita or cheesy spinach artichoke dip, then these little bites are the perfect appetizer for you. Making them couldn't be easier―all you need is a mini muffin pan (and some puff pastry, of course).
Turn puff pastry into an easy and elegant summer meal. Add a filling of creamy ricotta blended with pesto, and then add sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and sweet cherry tomatoes on top.
These cheesy, flaky straws are loaded with flavor from not one but two types of cheese: cheddar and parmesan. You can also add cayenne pepper and sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Who needs a bakery when you can make pastries at home? The flaky dough is stuffed with almond paste and sprinkled with almonds, baked until golden, and then drizzled with icing.
Roll all the savory things you love about brunch into one great dish. Make an egg filling made with ham, green peppers, onions, and plenty of cheese. Then sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake until golden and crispy.
This mushroom "pizza" doesn't require any pizza dough at all! Instead, the golden puff pastry acts like a light and flaky crust. Cut it into squares for a scrumptious, yet elegant-looking appetizer.
Yes, you can make homemade doughnuts using store-bought puff pastry! All you need is some melted butter and a combination of sugar and apple pie spice for the sweet coating.
This recipe is everything you love about pigs in a blanket, but made with chicken-apple sausages instead. It's the perfect pairing for the maple mustard dipping sauce on the side.
These pretty little tarts became an instant TikTok sensation for being incredibly easy to make. While there are all different toppings you can choose from, we love the combination of herby cheese and radishes.
Not only are these brie and cranberry appetizers adorably fun to serve, but they're easy to prep ahead for easy holiday entertaining, too. You can even freeze them up to one week in advance.
Easier than an apple pie but just as tasty, this tart skips the pie crust in favor of flaky puff pastry. It also happens to come together in under an hour.
This impressive holiday dish will look so festive as part of your Christmas dinner menu. The buttery pastry wraps up the mushroom mixture and beef tenderloin, just like a Christmas present.
Highlight the taste of spring with this easy tart. Creamy, herby goat cheese compliments the sweetness of the peas. And a buttery puff pastry crust just makes it all the better!
The only thing better than this flaky puff pastry dough, is the melty ham and cheese filling inside! "You won't believe how golden and buttery it bakes up in the oven," Ree says.
This elegant appetizer is both sweet and savory thanks to a combination of apple butter and cheddar cheese. It'll look so impressive on your holiday charcuterie board, but your guests won't even know how easy it was to make.
If you're a fan of bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, get ready for the next best thing! These hand-held pastries are great storing in the freezer and grabbing on the go.
Whether it's football Sunday or a New Year's Eve party, these sausage rolls will be a hit with your friends and family. Be sure to serve them up with mustard for dipping!
Puff Pastry-Wrapped Pork with Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Dana Gallagher
Transform a weeknight pork dinner into an "extra special" meal with this puff pastry-wrapped pork tenderloin. It's served with Brussels sprouts slaw for the perfect fall or winter dinner.