Puff Pastry Squares: perfect for an easy and quick appetizer

What is one of the most versatile things you can have in the freezer?  Puff pastry! It’s always on hand, it’s hardly any effort to make delicious bites, and it’s so versatile. These Puff Pastry Squares will become your new favorite appetizer. They’re light and fluffy and can be filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients. In this recipe, we’ve used two different fillings: ham and cheese, and tomato sauce and cheese. They’re super easy to make and can be served as a snack or appetizer, making them perfect for parties, picnics, and potlucks. And, if you have any leftovers, they freeze very well. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Puff Pastry Squares Variations

There are many ways to make this recipe your own! If you don’t want ham and cheese, or tomato and cheese, you can use any of the following combinations:

sundried tomatoes and cream cheesespinach and fetasmoked chicken and fetatuna and roasted red pepper

Tips

The puff pastry should be completely thawed so it’s pliable enough to roll out but still cold. The best is to leave it to thaw overnight in the fridge instead of leaving it on the kitchen counter at room temperature.

If the pastry is too warm, it won’t puff enough. To make sure you get a nice puff, make sure not to skip the refrigeration step!

The oven should be hot (preheated to 180°). If you see the pastry squares brown too quickly, you can place a sheet of foil loosely on top.

How to Store Puff Pastry Squares

Store the puff pastry squares in an airtight container (in the fridge) for up to 2 days. Reheat the pastries in the oven to make them crispy again.

Can You Freeze Puff Pastry Squares

Yes, the baked puff pastry squares can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the pastry squares to cool completely, then wrap them with plastic wrap. Transfer the wrapped puff pastry squares to a freezer bag for freezing.

Instructions

For the ham squares:

Unroll the puff pastry on a clean working surface. Place the cheese slices on one half of the pastry.

Place ham slices on top of the cheese slices.

Fold over the other half of the pastry and place it on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Mix egg with olive oil and brush over the two puff pastry sheets. Add sesame seeds to one half and poppy seeds to the other.

Bake for 25 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Use scissors to split up the squares.

For the tomato squares:

Mix tomato sauce with olive oil and salt.

Spread the sauce over one-half of the puff pastry. Sprinkle with grated cheese and oregano.

Fold over the puff pastry and place it on the oven tray.

Cut into small squares.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Mix egg with olive oil and brush over the puff pastry sheet.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake for 25 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Use scissors to split up the squares.