If I think back on foods I make every year around the holidays, I realize that Christmas appetizers with puff pastry are kind of a ‘thing’ in my house. We do a lot of entertaining through December, and equally as much ‘bring a plate’ socializing where I need to whip something up in a hurry before heading out with the kids.
In many of these circumstances, a grocery store puff pastry sheet (or three) gets transformed into perfect appetizer or snack foods using simple ingredients and a minimum of fuss.
A puff pastry dough turned golden brown and flaky in a hot oven is universally welcome, so I encourage you to keep store-bought puff pastry and some savory filling options on hand. Then dive into this collection of 18 quick, beautiful Christmas appetizers with puff pastry. Some are favorites from my own collection here, and some are new recipes from other recipe bloggers I admire.
From the cutest, dead-simple Christmas tree puff pastry to little basil pesto and cherry tomato tartlets, these easy puff pastry appetizers cover almost every taste preference. The majority are vegetarian and some can be made vegan, so they’ll appeal to different dietary needs as well.
If you have a steam oven, I encourage you to make use of it for these easy appetizers. The ones which aren’t written for steam can be easily adapted. Just use the given temperature but on a combi steam or convection steam setting, with 60-80% (high) steam. All that humidity will make those sheets of puff pastry lift and flake like you’ve never seen before.
Grab a baking sheet, a sharp knife and a piece of parchment paper, and let’s get cooking!
Vegetarian and Vegan Christmas appetizers with puff pastry
1. Puff Pastry Cheese Straws
Tantalizingly twisted cheese straws! This puff pastry recipe contains a small handful of ingredients but tastes and looks like so much more. You can switch up the types of cheese you use to make them; I love a firm goat cheese for something sophisticated, or tasty cheddar for events where lots of kids will be eating them.
2. Vegetarian Sausage Rolls
These little rolls, scattered with sesame seeds, are brimming with savory flavors and the heartiest of meat eaters won’t even know they’re completely vegetarian. They’re a long-time favorite here, and great made in large batches, cooked and frozen for easy reheating later.
3. Christmas Cherry Tomato Tarts
Why not celebrate the festive season with these vibrant tarts that just look like Christmas. Juicy little cherry tomatoes with creamy ricotta, pesto sauce and crisp puff pastry could never be wrong, and I never have leftovers when I serve them.
4. Leek and Mushroom Tart
In this delectable tart, sweet leeks and earthy mushrooms combine atop a flaky crust. This makes a perfect party appetizer made on a rectangle baking tray and cut into little squares, or you can transform the large tart into mini versions. To make them mini, cook the leek and mushroom filling and dollop little spoonfuls onto the center of pastry rounds or squares, before baking until the pastry is risen and golden brown.
5. Savory Pear Tartlets with Gorgonzola, Walnut & Thyme
Sweet pears, tangy gorgonzola, crunchy walnuts and aromatic thyme nestled on mini puff pastries. If you’re worried about guests not liking gorgonzola cheese, try a goat cheese, or cream cheese for something milder.
6. Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Bites
These tiny bites carry big flavor! The vol-au-vent pastry and creamy spinach and artichoke filling can both be made in advance, so all you need to do for serving is top the pastry with room temperature filling and pop them onto a platter.
7. Fig and Ricotta Tartlets with Puff Pastry
A harmonious blend of sweet fresh figs and creamy ricotta on delicate tartlets. If figs are in season where you live at Christmas (like they are for me), these make pretty and festive Christmas appetizers with puff pastry.
8. Vegan Puff Pastry Wreath
This festive wreath is not only eye-catching but completely vegan, and packed with a hearty and popular combination of spinach and artichoke.
9. Caramelized Onion Tart
Caramelized onions and puff pastry are one of my favorite combinations. I make some variation of these sweet and savory pastries every Christmas season, and they can’t be beaten for popularity. A jar of pre-made caramelized onions can be used instead of fresh onions, if you need an easy Christmas puff pastry appetizer in a hurry.
10. Honey Almond Puff Pastry Wrapped Brie
It’s the Christmas puff pastry appetizer of melty cheese dreams! A wheel of baked brie encased in golden puff pastry, with toasty almond flakes and a drizzle of honey to finish off. This is perfect for your next Christmas party.
11. Puff Pastry Tree
Embrace the holiday spirit with festive puff pastry in the shape of a Christmas tree. The Christmas tree shape is simple to create and there are ideas here for both savory and sweet options. Although this is meant as a Christmas tree appetizer, I also plan to bake a batch or two of these as a fun kids activity during advent.
12. Samosa Pinwheels
Experience the delicious, lightly spiced flavors of a vegetable samosa in a reimagined form. I know samosas aren’t the first thing to come to mind when you think of festive foods, but to me they’re a brilliant addition to any Christmas table. Here, the potato based filling gets rolled into puff pastry and cooked to perfection for an appetizer that’s both familiar and novel.
13. Christmas Twisted Pizza
Who said pizza can’t be festive? This Christmas appetizer with puff pastry has a simple cheese and tomato filling that’s a hit for both kids and adults. A mouthwatering twist that’s bound to be a crowd favorite.
Seafood and Meat Christmas appetizers with puff pastry
14. Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry
Indulge in the refined flavors of smoked salmon layered atop a light and flaky puff pastry. This is an elegant choice for any festive gathering and you can prep and bake the pastry well ahead of time, then top and serve when you’re ready.
15. Puff Pastry Wrapped Jumbo Shrimp
Luxurious jumbo shrimp or prawns, delicately wrapped in puff pastry. These make a beautiful bite-sized treat for seafood lovers, perfectly crispy on the outside with a sweet, tender center.
16. Feta Spinach Bacon Puff
A creamy filling with salty bacon and tangy feta nestled in crispy, flaky puff pastry. This easy recipe is made in a muffin tin so there’s less mucking around with shaping and presentation, and they’re no less pretty for it.
17. Prosciutto and Cheese Pinwheels
Roll into the holiday season with these little pinwheels. Infused with the savory goodness of prosciutto and cheese, they’re a little special and just right as Christmas appetizers with puff pastry. I replace the raspberry preserves in the recipe with cranberry sauce to make them more ‘of the season’.
18. Puff Pastry with Ham and Cheese
End your appetizer tour on a high note with this classic combination. A simple and satisfying ham and cheese combo is dressed up with asparagus spears and honey mustard, for my husband’s favorite puff pastry appetizer of this entire list.
And there we have it – a parade of festive, beautiful Christmas appetizers with puff pastry. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or a quiet evening with close friends, these appetizers ensure that everyone at the table shares in the joy and wonder of your cooking skills!
May your celebrations be as warm and welcoming as the treats on your table.
Happy holiday cooking, see you here again soon.