16 Puff Pastry Recipes for People Who Don't Bake

Puff pastry makes everything feel like more effort than it actually was. This list takes that flaky, golden shortcut and turns it into easy dinners, simple sweets, and appetizers that don’t need a second chance. You’ll find creamy danishes, cheesy pinwheels, tarts layered with vegetables or fruit, and enough fall flavors to hold you until winter. These are the kinds of recipes that work when you’re tired, hungry, or just need to pull something off without overthinking it.

Puff Pastry Cream Cheese danish

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

This treat is flaky on the outside with a creamy, sweet center. It’s a simple yet bakery-style option you can pull together quickly. Add fruit or jam on top for extra flavor. A drizzle of icing finishes it off just right.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cream Cheese danish

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

These individual pot pies are filled with tender turkey and a rich, savory filling. A puff pastry lid bakes up golden and crisp. Great for using leftovers and warming up a chilly night. They’re both hearty and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Puff Pastry Apple Pie

A lightly browned pie on a cooling rack. — Puff Pastry Apple Pie. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

This apple pie skips the traditional crust for layers of flaky pastry. The apples bake until soft and spiced, tucked inside golden layers. It’s easier than a full pie but just as satisfying. Serve warm with ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Pie

Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

All the flavor of cinnamon rolls but made fast with puff pastry. The layers turn flaky and crisp while staying gooey in the center. You only need a few ingredients. A glaze or dusting of powdered sugar finishes them off.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

Sweet Potato Puffs

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff. — Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These puffs have a crispy outside and a creamy, sweet interior. Corn Flakes add crunch and contrast to the soft filling. They’re fun, bite-sized, and full of flavor. Great as a snack or side.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Shaped into a festive tree, this pull-apart appetizer is filled with fresh pesto. The branches peel off easily for dipping or snacking. It’s simple but makes a big visual impact. Great for holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Tomato Puff Pastry Tart

A plate of square puff pastry tarts topped with sliced tomatoes, grated cheese, and fresh basil leaves, garnished with extra basil around the plate. — Tomato Puff Pastry Tart. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This tart brings together caramelized tomatoes and creamy ricotta on a crisp crust. It’s colorful, rich, and bright with fresh flavor. Serve as a light lunch or sliced into appetizers. It’s a go-to for tomato season.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Puff Pastry Tart

Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers

Baked pastry rolls with cheese and herbs on a decorative green and white plate. — Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Boursin, cheddar, Parmesan, and herbs come together in these flaky bites. They bake up golden and melt-in-your-mouth tender. They’re easy to prep ahead. Guests will grab more than one.
Get the Recipe: Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers

Puff Pastry Fruit Tarts

Top puff pastry with fresh fruit for a quick and colorful dessert. These tarts are adaptable based on what’s in season. A little glaze adds shine and sweetness. Serve as-is or with whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Fruit Tarts

Apple Puff Pastry Tart

A dessert plate with apple slices, a pastry drizzled with icing, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with syrup. A checkered cloth is nearby. — Apple Puff Pastry Tart. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sliced apples layer over a crisp, golden crust in this fast dessert. A bit of cinnamon and sugar bring classic pie flavors. It looks elegant but is easy to make. Ice cream or whipped topping works well on the side.
Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pastry Tart

Berry Cheesecake Puff Pastry Tart

This recipe brings together creamy cheesecake filling and juicy berries. The puff pastry base bakes into a flaky shell. It’s festive and colorful. Try it for summer parties or holidays.
Get the Recipe: Berry Cheesecake Puff Pastry Tart

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

A plate of Prosciutto & Parmesan Puff Pastry pinwheels. — Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Thin slices of prosciutto wrap up with cheese in puff pastry for a savory pinwheel. They’re salty, rich, and crisp. Great as a starter or party bite. Bake and serve warm or room temp.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Pumpkin Pie Twists

Swirls of puff pastry filled with pumpkin spice and sugar are easy to prep. They’re crisp on the outside and soft inside. A light icing drizzle gives them a sweet touch. Great for fall baking.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Twists

Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings

A baked apple wrapped in flaky pastry sits on a gray plate with one slice cut. — Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Apples are wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden. The centers become tender and spiced. A drizzle of icing adds just enough sweetness. These are made for cozy fall nights.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings

Chicken Pockets

Chicken is tucked into buttery pastry for a filling, handheld meal. The crust turns golden and flaky as it bakes. These are easy to reheat. Add cheese or veggies to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pockets