When it comes to impressing your friends and family with a delicious meal or snack, few things can beat the allure of a perfectly baked puff pastry shell. These versatile little treats can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients, from classic combinations like chicken pot pie to more adventurous pairings like strawberry cream or caramelized onion and goat cheese.
In this article, we’ll dive into 18 creative recipes that showcase the incredible versatility of puff pastry shells. From comforting breakfast options to elegant dinner parties, these innovative fillings are sure to satisfy any appetite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions and mouthwatering photos to inspire your next culinary adventure.
Stay tuned for our first recipe, which combines the richness of spinach and feta cheese for a savory take on this classic pastry…
Savory Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Shells
Elevate your appetizer game with these flaky, buttery puff pastry shells filled with a tangy spinach and feta cheese mixture.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 bunch of fresh spinach, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into squares, approximately 3 inches per side.
3. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Place a spoonful of the spinach mixture onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Fold other half of pastry over filling to form a triangle or shape of your choice. Brush edges with beaten egg.
6. Place shells on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each shell.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Chicken Pot Pie Puff Pastry Shells
Elevate your party appetizers with these bite-sized mini chicken pot pies wrapped in flaky puff pastry shells.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup cooked chicken, diced
– 1/4 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 12 equal squares.
3. In a small bowl, mix together chicken, vegetables, butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Brush edges with beaten egg. Fold other half of pastry over filling to form a triangle or shape of your choice. Press edges to seal.
6. Place mini pies on prepared baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Strawberry Cream Puff Pastry Shells
Delight your senses with these tender pastry shells filled with a luscious sweet strawberry cream filling. Perfect for dessert or a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup hulled and sliced strawberries
– 1 tablespoon strawberry jam or preserves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shell shapes (e.g., cups, rectangles).
3. Place shells on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Allow shells to cool completely.
5. In a large bowl, whip heavy whipping cream with granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold in confectioners’ sugar, sliced strawberries, and strawberry jam or preserves.
7. Fill cooled pastry shells with the sweet strawberry cream mixture.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Sweet Strawberry Cream Puff Pastry Shells!
Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Puff Pastry Shells
Elevate your appetizer game with these rich and buttery Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Puff Pastry Shells. Flaky puff pastry filled with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a hint of garlic will be the star of any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into squares, approximately 3 inches per side.
3. In a small bowl, mix together crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and softened butter.
4. Place a spoonful of the bacon-cheese mixture in the center of each square.
5. Fold the pastry squares into shells, pressing edges to seal. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mushroom and Thyme Puff Pastry Shells
Mushroom and Thyme Puff Pastry Shells: A delicious and elegant appetizer or main course that combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the savory taste of thyme, all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms, butter, garlic, and thyme until the mushrooms are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon the mushroom mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Brush the edges with beaten egg and fold the other half of the pastry over the filling. Press edges to seal.
6. Place shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush tops with remaining egg.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Lemon Curd and Meringue Puff Pastry Shells
Treat your taste buds to a delightful combination of tangy lemon curd, sweet meringue, and flaky puff pastry.
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Curd:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Meringue:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup egg whites (about 4-5 eggs)
For the Puff Pastry Shells:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shell shapes. Place on prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake shells for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and lemon juice. Add melted butter and whisk until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
6. Spoon cooled lemon curd into pastry shells. Top with meringue, spreading evenly to cover filling.
7. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until meringue is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Shells
Elevate your appetizer or side dish game with these buttery, flaky puff pastry shells filled with sweet caramelized onions and tangy goat cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup goat cheese crumbles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to desired thickness. Cut into 6-8 equal pieces.
3. In a large skillet, cook sliced onions over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
4. Spoon a small amount of caramelized onion onto the center of each pastry piece, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Top with goat cheese crumbles and season with salt and pepper.
6. Fold pastry into shells, pressing edges to seal. Place on prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chocolate Ganache Filled Puff Pastry Shells
Elevate your pastry game with these rich and indulgent chocolate ganache filled puff pastry shells. Flaky, buttery pastry is filled with a velvety smooth chocolate ganache, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3mm).
3. Cut into desired shapes or use a cookie cutter.
4. Place shells on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each shell.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Allow shells to cool completely.
7. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in heavy cream and butter until smooth.
8. Spoon ganache into cooled pastry shells.
9. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herb-Roasted Tomato and Mozzarella Puff Pastry Shells
Elevate your appetizer game with this flavorful and elegant puff pastry recipe, featuring roasted tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Place tomato halves on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around each tomato.
4. Drizzle olive oil over tomatoes and sprinkle with basil and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top each tomato with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a shell shape, pressing edges to seal.
7. Place shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch between each shell.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crab and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Shells
Elevate your appetizer game with these buttery puff pastry shells filled with a decadent crab and cream cheese mixture. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
– 1/4 cup lump crab meat (jumbo lump or claw meat)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes or use a cookie cutter.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, crab meat, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place a spoonful of the crab mixture onto one half of each pastry shell, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
5. Fold the other half over the filling to form a triangle or shape of choice. Press edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with water) and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Shells
These sweet and flaky pastry shells are filled with a delicious apple cinnamon filling, perfect for a dessert or snack. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying these treats in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith work well)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. In a bowl, mix together diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon.
4. Spoon a small amount of the apple mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or square shape. Press edges together to seal.
6. Brush tops with melted butter and place on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Puff Pastry Shells
Elevate your appetizer game with these buttery, flaky puff pastry shells filled with a tangy pesto and sweet sun-dried tomato mixture.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into squares or use a cookie cutter for decorative shapes.
3. In a small bowl, mix together pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. Brush the edges of each pastry square with olive oil.
4. Place a spoonful of the pesto mixture onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the filling.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry square over the filling to form a triangle or shape of your choice. Press edges together to seal.
6. Brush tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blueberry and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Shells
Elevate your dessert game with these tender puff pastry shells filled with a sweet and tangy blueberry and cream cheese mixture. Perfect for a special occasion or a quick dessert fix!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into squares, approximately 3 inches per side.
3. In a bowl, mix together blueberries, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Place a spoonful of the blueberry mixture onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or shape of your choice. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ham and Swiss Cheese Puff Pastry Shells
These buttery, flaky pastry shells filled with salty ham and melted Swiss cheese make a perfect appetizer or snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying these tasty treats in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 6 slices of cooked ham, diced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. Cut out circles of pastry using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
4. Place a small spoonful of diced ham in the center of each circle. Top with a sprinkle of Swiss cheese.
5. Fold the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp edges.
6. Brush tops with softened butter and season with salt and pepper.
7. Arrange shells on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Banana Pudding Filled Puff Pastry Shells
Elevate your dessert game with this sweet and indulgent treat that combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with the creamy richness of banana pudding.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 4 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir in sliced bananas until well coated.
4. Place a spoonful of banana pudding mixture onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a rectangle shape. Press edges together to seal.
6. Brush tops with melted butter and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or caramel sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Egg and Avocado Breakfast Puff Pastry Shells
Start your day with a flaky, buttery, and creamy breakfast treat that combines the richness of eggs and avocado in a crispy puff pastry shell.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped herbs or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. Cut into 4-6 equal rectangles, depending on desired shell size.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt.
5. Place a spoonful of mashed avocado in the center of each pastry rectangle.
6. Pour a small amount of egg mixture over the avocado.
7. Fold pastry into a shell shape, pressing edges to seal.
8. Place shells on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Peach and Honey Glazed Puff Pastry Shells
Elevate your pastry game with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the sweetness of peaches and honey with flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a dessert or snack, these bite-sized shells are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Cut into squares, about 3 inches per side.
4. Place a spoonful of peach mixture in the center of each square.
5. Brush edges with beaten egg and fold into a triangle.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Meanwhile, mix honey, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar (if using) to create glaze.
8. Remove shells from oven and drizzle with glaze.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp Puff Pastry Shells
Elevate your seafood game with this decadent recipe, combining succulent shrimp with the richness of garlic herb butter and flaky puff pastry.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, garlic, parsley, and dill.
4. Arrange shrimp in the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around them.
5. Spread the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over the shrimp.
6. Brush edges of pastry with water, then fold up the sides to form shells.
7. Place shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these 18 creative puff pastry shell recipes! From savory to sweet, and everything in between, this list has got you covered. Fill your puff pastry shells with spinach and feta for a Mediterranean-inspired treat, or go all out with strawberry cream and meringue for a decadent dessert. Other highlights include bacon and cheddar stuffed shells, mushroom and thyme shells, and caramelized onion and goat cheese shells. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting or indulgent, this collection has the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings.
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