There’s something irresistibly elegant about puff pastry appetizers that always impresses guests, yet they’re surprisingly simple to make. These Savory Puff Pastry Bites combine buttery, flaky layers with rich, savory fillings that practically melt in your mouth with each bite.
Perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to casual weekend entertaining, these versatile little morsels deliver big flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. The golden, crispy exterior gives way to warm, savory goodness that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- Uses store-bought puff pastry for quick and foolproof preparation
- Customizable fillings let you adapt to what you have on hand
- Can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving
- Elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight treats
- Perfect finger food that doesn’t require utensils
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (17.3 oz total)
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 6 eggs
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In one bowl, combine diced ham, shredded Gruyère cheese, chopped spinach, and sliced green onion. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, garlic powder, black pepper, sea salt, and ground nutmeg.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll thawed puff pastry sheets into a 14×12-inch rectangle. Cut into 12 equal squares.
- Lightly grease muffin tin wells. Press each pastry square into the wells to form individual cups.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the ham mixture into each pastry cup. Pour the egg mixture evenly into each cup, filling approximately two-thirds full.
- Bake in the oven for 17–20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the egg mixture is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a meaty version, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped cooked bacon, prosciutto, or ham to the filling
- Try different cheese combinations like blue cheese and pear, or brie and cranberry for a sweet-savory twist
- Make sure your puff pastry is cold but pliable—if it gets too warm, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes
- For extra flavor, brush the tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder after baking
- Substitute pesto or olive tapenade for the sun-dried tomatoes for different flavor profiles
- Create a dessert version with sweetened cream cheese and fruit preserves
Serving Suggestions
Serve these savory bites with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light lunch, or arrange them on a platter with olives, nuts, and fresh fruit for an impressive appetizer spread. They also pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling prosecco for cocktail hour.
For a more substantial meal, offer them alongside a hearty soup or as part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness
- These can be assembled and frozen unbaked for up to 1 month—just add 3-5 minutes to the baking time
- The pastries are done when they’re deeply golden and the corners feel firm to the touch
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Apply the egg wash just before baking.
My puff pastry is cracking when I fold it. What should I do?
Your pastry might be too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 more minutes until pliable but still cool to the touch.
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
While phyllo will give you a different texture, it can work. Brush each layer with melted butter and use 3-4 sheets per bite.
How can I make these vegetarian?
They’re already vegetarian! Just ensure your cheese is made with vegetarian rennet if that’s a concern. For vegan options, use plant-based cream cheese and vegan puff pastry.
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