Puff pastry pizzas
Puff pastry pizzas are a fun and easy twist on your typical pizza night. They start with light, flaky puff pastry that gets golden and crispy in the oven, topped…
Tip: save now, cook later.Puff pastry pizzas are a fun and easy twist on your typical pizza night. They start with light, flaky puff pastry that gets golden and crispy in the oven, topped with all your favorite pizza ingredients like melty cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and tasty toppings. The crust is airy and buttery, which gives every bite a delicious and unique texture.
I love making puff pastry pizzas because they come together so quickly, and you can customize them however you want. Sometimes I keep it simple with just cheese and basil, and other times I add pepperoni, mushrooms, or even a little pesto. It’s a great way to use whatever ingredients I have on hand, and they always turn out looking cute and feeling special without much effort.
My favorite way to enjoy these is fresh out of the oven with a crisp salad on the side. They’re perfect for casual dinners, easy lunches, or even a party appetizer. Puff pastry pizzas always bring a smile to everyone’s face, and I find they make me look like a kitchen hero with very little work!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff pastry: This is the star for a light and flaky crust. I like to buy frozen sheets for convenience. If you like, you can make your own, but store-bought saves a lot of time.
Pizza sauce: Any good-quality jarred marinara or pizza sauce works. You can also spread pesto or even just a bit of olive oil and garlic for a twist.
Mozzarella cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for nice melting. If you want a different flavor, try fontina, provolone, or even a bit of goat cheese.
Cherry tomatoes: Fresh slices add juiciness and brightness. You could swap for sliced bell peppers, olives, or cooked mushrooms.
Toppings: I love crumbled cooked sausage, but feel free to use pepperoni, ham, veggies, or keep it simple with just cheese.
Egg wash: Brushing the puff pastry edges with beaten egg helps them turn a beautiful golden brown and shine in the oven.
How Do I Get the Puff Pastry to Puff Up Perfectly Around the Toppings?
The secret is pressing an inner border on each puff pastry square without cutting all the way through. This creates a raised edge that puffs up around the sauce and toppings.
- Use a small round cutter or glass to gently press a circle centered in the square.
- Be careful not to cut completely—you just want to mark a shallow border.
- When baking, the edges puff up and act like a crust barrier, keeping the toppings in place.
- Also, brushing the edges with the egg wash adds color and helps with rising.
Make sure not to overload the center with toppings; too much sauce or cheese can weigh down the pastry and stop it from rising nicely. Keep it light for a perfectly puffed crust!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat one helps the puff pastry cook evenly and crisp up.
- Parchment paper – keeps the pastry from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Rolling pin – smooths out the puff pastry and evens its thickness.
- Small round cutter or glass – perfect for pressing the border without cutting through.
- Pastry brush – great for brushing egg wash on the edges for a golden finish.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – to cut the puff pastry into squares.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist that pairs well with spinach or roasted red peppers.
- Use pesto instead of pizza sauce for fresh, herbaceous flavor with your favorite veggies.
- Add cooked bacon or thinly sliced prosciutto for a salty, meaty bite that crisps up nicely.
- Top with caramelized onions and mushrooms for a rich, earthy version that’s great in fall and winter.
How to Make Puff Pastry Pizzas?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Puff Pastry Pizzas:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6-8 cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cooked sausage or your choice of pizza topping, crumbled (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to bake, so in total you should allow about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a tasty lunch or dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Puff Pastry:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your pizzas don’t stick. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry to smooth out any creases.
2. Cut and Shape the Pastry:
Cut the pastry sheet into 3 or 4 squares, depending on how big you want your pizzas. Then, use a small round cutter or glass to gently press a circle about 1/2 inch smaller than the square size inside each piece — don’t cut all the way through! This helps the edges puff up around your toppings.
3. Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings:
Place the pastry squares on your baking sheet. Brush the edges with the beaten egg to help them turn golden. Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce inside the pressed circle, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add your sliced cherry tomatoes and crumbled cooked sausage or any other toppings you like.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake your puff pastry pizzas in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the pastry is beautifully golden and puffed, with melted bubbly cheese. Let them cool a few minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped basil leaves. Then, enjoy your crispy, cheesy puff pastry pizzas!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using. This prevents the pastry from cracking and helps it puff up nicely in the oven.
Can I Make Puff Pastry Pizzas Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the assembled pizzas and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For best puffiness, bake fresh right before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover puff pastry pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep the pastry crisp.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap tomato sauce for pesto, or use any cheese and toppings you like—vegetables, cured meats, or fresh herbs all work great with puff pastry pizzas.