20 Puff Pastry Dishes That Steal the Show

Puff pastry has a way of turning just about anything into something a little more exciting. From savory bakes like cheesy twists and veggie-packed tarts to sweet treats filled with fruit, cream cheese, or chocolate, this list shows how versatile that flaky dough really is. Whether you’re using it for a holiday appetizer, a simple dessert, or something in between, these recipes bring a mix of comfort and fun to the table. Some are easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, others look impressive enough to share.

Tomato Puff Pastry Tart

Sliced tomatoes, herbs, and cheese bake on top of a golden, flaky crust. This one is great as a light lunch or cut into squares for a simple appetizer. The tomatoes soften in the oven and the puff pastry holds everything with just the right crisp. Best served warm or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Puff Pastry Tart

Chicken Pockets

Chunks of chicken and maybe a little cheese or sauce get wrapped up in puff pastry and baked until golden. These are great for grab-and-go meals or party snacks. Crisp outside, savory inside. Easy to adapt with what you have.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pockets

Peach Puff Pastry

Slices of ripe peach bake down into a soft filling that contrasts perfectly with the crisp layers of pastry. Sometimes topped with a little sugar or glaze. These work as breakfast or dessert. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Peach Puff Pastry

Air Fryer Puff Pastry Cheese Twists

Crispy, cheesy, and ready in minutes. These twisted strips puff up in the air fryer and are great for dipping or snacking. You can use any cheese blend you like. Light, golden, and very snackable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Puff Pastry Cheese Twists

Berry Cheesecake Puff Pastry Tart

Cream cheese and berries bake into a soft, creamy center on top of crisp pastry. A drizzle of icing or a dusting of sugar takes it up a notch. Great for brunch or dessert. You can use fresh or frozen fruit.
Get the Recipe: Berry Cheesecake Puff Pastry Tart

Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

These come together quicker than traditional rolls and still bake up soft inside with crispy edges. Cinnamon and sugar do the heavy lifting. Glaze them while warm. A shortcut version with big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Sliced apples fan out over pastry with a bit of sugar and spice. As it bakes, the apples soften and the crust turns golden. Simple, pretty, and good with whipped cream. Best served the day it’s made.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Puff Pastry Apple Donuts

These use pastry to mimic donut shapes and get baked instead of fried. Cinnamon sugar gives them that donut-shop feel. They puff up light and airy. A fun twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Donuts

Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries

Creamy filling with sweet cherry topping bakes into little bites of pie-like flavor. The contrast of tangy cheese and fruit works really well. These are great for brunch trays or quick desserts. Use jam or pie filling if needed.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries

Pumpkin Pie Twists

Pumpkin filling gets spread between layers, then sliced and twisted into spirals. Baked until crisp and lightly sweet. Good with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Fall flavors in a fun shape.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Twists

Spinach Puff Pastry

Filled with spinach and sometimes cheese, these are savory and satisfying. You can bake them as triangles, rolls, or cups. Great for brunch, lunch, or meatless meals. Freezer-friendly too.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Puff Pastry

Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings

These apple dumplings are wrapped in buttery pastry and baked until golden with a cinnamon-sugar glaze. The apples soften beautifully in the oven while the pastry stays crisp and light. A drizzle of sauce from the pan makes them even more tempting. Serve warm for a cozy and sweet finish to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings

Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

This festive pull-apart appetizer is shaped like a tree and layered with pesto between flaky pastry sheets. Each twist bakes up crisp with a punch of herby flavor in every bite. It’s a great centerpiece for holiday entertaining and pulls apart easily for sharing. A brush of egg wash gives it that golden look that stands out on the table.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers

Herbs and cheese are tucked into puff pastry and baked into savory bites that are crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. These are ideal for quick entertaining with minimal prep. You can use a mix of cheeses and herbs to suit your taste. They come out beautifully browned and ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers

Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Sliced pears are rolled into pastry with a sweet glaze and baked into elegant pinwheels. The fruit caramelizes slightly as it bakes, adding depth to every bite. These can work well for brunch or dessert with a scoop of ice cream or dusting of sugar. They’re easy to make and look great on a platter.
Get the Recipe: Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Puff Pastry Waffles

Using puff pastry in a waffle iron gives you crispy layers in minutes with a light, airy center. These are a fun twist on traditional waffles and can be topped sweet or savory. Add fruit and syrup or go with cheese and eggs depending on your mood. It’s a quick way to use up extra pastry sheets too.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Waffles

Apple Puff Pastry Tart

Thin apple slices are layered over a pastry sheet and baked until the edges puff and turn golden. A glaze or sprinkle of sugar brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness. This tart looks elegant with very little effort. Slice it into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pastry Tart

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Salty prosciutto is layered with cheese in rolled pastry, sliced, and baked into crispy spirals. The mix of flaky dough and cured meat makes a great appetizer. These can be served warm or at room temperature. They also freeze well for make-ahead planning.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Puff Pastry Palmiers

These sweet treats are made by folding sugared pastry into hearts or scrolls and baking until crisp. The sugar caramelizes as they bake, giving them a shiny, crackly finish. They’re delicate and lightly sweet with a hint of crunch. Great with coffee or as a light dessert.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Palmiers

Puff Pastry Cream Cheese danish

Flaky pastry surrounds a creamy, tangy center with just a hint of sweetness. These look bakery-worthy but come together quickly. You can add fruit or jam for more flavor and color. They’re great for breakfast spreads or afternoon snacks.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cream Cheese danish