Cheesy Puff Pastry Pizza Bites
These quick, flaky, and cheesy bites combine the buttery crunch of puff pastry with the classic flavors of pizza. Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun snack!
Serves: 4-6 (Makes about 24-30 bites)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Ingredients:
· 1 sheet (about 8 oz/225g) frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
· ⅓ cup (80g) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
· 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
· ¼ cup (25g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
· 2 oz (55g) pepperoni slices, quartered (or mini pepperoni)
· 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
· ½ tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
· Optional additions: Sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, cooked sausage crumbles, finely chopped ham, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Instructions:
- Prepare:
· Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
· Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet.
- Assemble:
· Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the entire surface of the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
· Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
· Scatter the pepperoni pieces and any other desired toppings.
· Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
- Cut and Shape:
· Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the pastry horizontally into 5-6 equal strips.
· Then, cut vertically into 5-6 strips to create small squares (roughly 1.5 inches each).
· For a classic “bite” shape, you can leave them as squares. For a twist, gently stretch each square slightly and press two opposite corners together to form a small “bowtie” or pouch. (They will puff up beautifully either way).
- Bake:
· Arrange the bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.
· Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
· Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve:
· Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. They are delicious warm! Serve with a small bowl of extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Chef’s Tips:
· Keep it Cold: Work quickly with puff pastry. If it gets too warm and sticky, pop it in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.
· Seal for Pockets: For a more contained “pocket,” place a second square of pastry on top, seal edges with a fork, and brush with oil before baking.
· Make Ahead: You can assemble the bites up to the cutting step, place them on the baking sheet, and freeze for 30 minutes. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-4 extra minutes.
· Vegetarian: Simply omit the pepperoni and add more veggies like olives, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts.
These are irresistibly flaky, cheesy, and guaranteed to disappear fast! Enjoy.