Flaky Savory Zucchini Croissants: the Easy Recipe for a Tasty Appetizer Ready in Minutes!

Calling all puff pastry lovers! If you're looking for a delicious and easy recipe that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even as an appetizer, then look no further than Savory Zucchini Croissants. These flaky pastries are filled with a flavorful combination of zucchini and cream cheese, offering a satisfying departure from the traditional sweet croissant. Simply prepare this savory snack by assembling zucchini and cream cheese within rolled-out puff pastry dough. After a quick bake they will become golden brown and flaky bursting with savory goodness. This recipe is perfect for showcasing summer's fresh zucchini, although you can enjoy it any time of year. With its quick preparation and versatility, these savory zucchini croissants are sure to become a new favorite!

What are Savory Zucchini Croissants?

Savory Zucchini Croissants are a tasty twist on the classic buttery, flaky pastry. Instead of a sweet filling, these croissants boast a savory combination of zucchini and cream cheese. Croissants, with their airy layers and buttery richness, originated in Austria in the 13th century. Savory fillings are a great modern twist, allowing the pastry to shine as a base for all sorts of flavor combinations. Zucchini, a summer squash native to Central America, brings a mild flavor and refreshing texture to the filling. Its peak season (June to August) makes it a perfect choice for this recipe, but you can enjoy these croissants year-round. And the secret weapon here is store-bought puff pastry. This flaky dough eliminates the time-consuming process of preparing traditional croissant dough, making this recipe incredibly easy and accessible.

You can experiment with different fillings beyond zucchini! Try roasted vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese, or even a spiced meat filling. The possibilities are endless.

Tips

• For perfectly flaky layers, thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until slightly softened but still cool. Don't let it get too warm, or it will be difficult to handle. Once thawed, use a light touch when rolling out the puff pastry. Don't overwork it, or you'll lose the air pockets that create flakiness.
• After assembling your croissants, place them in the refrigerator for 15 – 30 minutes before baking. This allows the dough to relax and ensures even puffing during baking.
• Grill the zucchini just until they’re soft and slightly golden. Overcooked zucchini will release even more moisture and compromise the flakiness of the pastry.
• Don't be shy with the seasonings! Add a good pinch of salt and pepper to your filling to enhance the flavor of the zucchini and cheese. Consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives for extra freshness.
• Resist the urge to overstuff your croissants. Too much filling can burst out during baking and make the croissants difficult to handle.
• Brushing the tops of your assembled croissants with an egg wash creates a beautiful golden brown color after baking.

Is This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written. If you use vegan puff pastry and cheese substitute, it can be vegan as well.

What Can I Substitute For Zucchini?

You can experiment with other summer vegetables like roasted asparagus, thinly sliced eggplant, or bell peppers.

What If I Don't Have A Grill Pan?

No problem! You can sauté the zucchini slices in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat until softened and slightly browned.

My Croissants Are Soggy. What Went Wrong?

There are a couple of possibilities. Excess moisture in the zucchini can be a culprit. Make sure you squeeze out any excess moisture after grating. Also, avoid overfilling your croissants.

My Croissants Aren't Puffy. Did I Do Something Wrong?

There could be a couple of reasons. One possibility is that the puff pastry wasn't thawed correctly. It should be cool but slightly softened. Another possibility is that you overworked the dough while rolling it out. Handle it gently.

More Zucchini Appetizers To Try!

Zucchini Baskets

Zucchini Bruschetta

Italian Zucchini Tart

How to Store Savory Zucchini Croissants

While these croissants are best enjoyed fresh, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheat them gently in the oven to restore their crispness.

How To Make Savory Zucchini Croissants

Wash your zucchini and get ready to grill! Slice them lengthwise into thin ribbons—about the thickness of a pencil.

Heat up your grill pan and grill the zucchini slices on both sides until slightly softened and lightly browned with grill marks.

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Unfold the puff pastry dough on a square piece of parchment paper and gently roll it out to an even thickness. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 equal wedges.

Spread a generous dollop of cream cheese on each pastry wedge, leaving a small border around the edge.

Take your grilled zucchini ribbons and arrange them artistically on top of the cream cheese on each pastry wedge.

Carefully roll up each pastry wedge lengthwise, starting from the broadest part, to form a crescent shape. Then, transfer the croissants and the parchment paper to a baking sheet.

Brush the tops of your assembled croissants with a beaten egg wash. This will give them a gorgeous golden-brown color when baked.

For an extra touch, sprinkle them with sesame seeds for a bit of crunch.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Once baked, let the croissants cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and flakiest texture.