Puff pastry pizzas
Puff pastry pizzas are a fun and easy twist on classic pizza, featuring flaky, golden puff pastry as the crust topped with tomato sauce, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings.…
Tip: save now, cook later.Puff pastry pizzas are a fun and easy twist on classic pizza, featuring flaky, golden puff pastry as the crust topped with tomato sauce, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings. They bake up quickly and have a delightful crispy and airy texture that’s different from the usual pizza dough but just as tasty.
I love making puff pastry pizzas when I want a quick snack or a simple meal that feels special without a lot of effort. It’s one of those recipes where you can get creative with whatever toppings you have in the fridge, and the puff pastry makes everything feel a little fancy even if you’re just adding pepperoni or veggies.
My favorite way to enjoy these is fresh from the oven, warm and bubbly, with a little extra sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. They’re perfect for sharing with family or friends during a casual get-together or even for a fun weeknight dinner that everyone can help assemble. Puff pastry pizzas always bring smiles to the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the dish, giving you that flaky, buttery crust. You can find it in the freezer section. For a gluten-free option, look for specialty puff pastry made with alternative flours or consider phyllo dough as a lighter substitute.
Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite pizza or marinara sauce. If you don’t have any on hand, crushed canned tomatoes with a pinch of garlic and herbs works well too. For a twist, try pesto or a white sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that classic pizza stretch. You can swap it for provolone, fontina, or even a dairy-free cheese to suit your needs.
Toppings: Here, tomatoes, olives, and red onions bring color and flavor. Feel free to mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked meats like ham or sausage. Fresh herbs like basil add a bright finish.
How Do You Keep the Puff Pastry Crispy and Puffy?
Making sure your puff pastry stays light and flaky is key. Here are some tips:
- Keep the pastry chilled until you’re ready to use it; warm dough can get sticky and tough.
- Score a border around the edges without cutting through. This creates a “wall” that helps the center stay topped and lets edges puff up nicely.
- Don’t overload with sauce or toppings as too much moisture can weigh the pastry down and make it soggy.
- Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and help with even heat.
- Brush edges with olive oil or beaten egg for a golden, crisp finish.
Following these steps will give you that perfect puff and crisp crust every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat surface to bake the puff pastry pizzas evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup easy and stops the pastry from sticking to the pan.
- Rolling pin – helps you gently roll out the puff pastry for an even thickness.
- Sharp knife – for scoring the pastry edges and cutting it into shapes.
- Spoon or small spatula – to spread the tomato sauce neatly on the pastry.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a tangy, creamy twist that pairs well with veggies.
- Add cooked sausage or pepperoni for a meatier, heartier pizza experience.
- Top with roasted veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or dried oregano before baking to boost the classic pizza taste.
How to Make Puff Pastry Pizzas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 9×9 inches), thawed
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Olive oil (optional, for brushing edges)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or other herbs (optional, for flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 to 20 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy meal or appetizer that’s ready in under 30 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Puff Pastry Base:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into roughly a 9×9 inch square. Cut into 3 or 4 smaller squares or rectangles, depending on how big you want your pizzas.
2. Scoring and Topping the Pastry:
Using a sharp knife, carefully score a 1/2 inch border around the edges of each pastry square without cutting through. This border will puff up as a crust while baking. Place the squares on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, brush the edges lightly with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce inside each scored border. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Next, arrange tomato slices, black olives, and red onion rings on top. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary if you like.
3. Baking and Serving:
Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden, and the cheese has melted and started to bubble. Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Enjoy your warm, flaky, cheesy puff pastry pizzas! They’re perfect as a quick snack, appetizer, or light meal and are easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using. Working with chilled but thawed puff pastry helps it bake up flaky and puffed.
What If I Don’t Have Tomato Sauce?
You can substitute with pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a light spread of olive oil and garlic for a different flavor. Just avoid using too much liquid to keep the pastry crisp.
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Puff pastry pizzas are very versatile. Try adding cooked sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or different cheeses. Just keep toppings light to prevent sogginess.
How Do I Store Leftover Puff Pastry Pizzas?
Store leftover pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the crust crisp.
