Puff pastry pizzas
Puff pastry pizzas are a quick and fun twist on classic pizza night! Instead of traditional dough, these use flaky, buttery puff pastry as the base, which gets wonderfully crispy…
Tip: save now, cook later.Puff pastry pizzas are a quick and fun twist on classic pizza night! Instead of traditional dough, these use flaky, buttery puff pastry as the base, which gets wonderfully crispy and golden in the oven. You can top them with all your favorite pizza ingredients—think melty cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and whatever veggies or meats you love.
I love making these because they come together so fast and feel a bit fancy without any fuss. Puff pastry gives the pizzas a light, airy texture that’s different from the usual chewy crust, and it always makes me smile when I see how puffy and golden they turn out. Plus, they’re perfect for making mini individual pizzas that everyone can customize their way.
When I serve puff pastry pizzas, I usually pair them with a simple green salad or some crunchy carrots on the side to balance out the richness. They’re perfect for casual dinners, parties, or when you want a tasty treat without spending too much time in the kitchen. I find that kids and adults alike love how crispy and fun these pizzas are—it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff pastry: This is the base for your pizza, giving a light and flaky crust. You can use store-bought puff pastry sheets for convenience. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry in specialty stores.
Tomato sauce: Use your favorite pizza or marinara sauce. If you don’t have sauce, you can spread mashed fresh tomatoes lightly seasoned with salt and herbs.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives a creamy melt, but shredded mozzarella works just as well and is easier to handle. For dairy-free, choose vegan cheese alternatives.
Toppings: Cherry tomatoes, olives, red onions, and pepperoni add flavor and color. Feel free to swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers to match your taste or dietary needs.
Fresh basil: Adds a bright, herbal finish. If you can’t find fresh basil, dried oregano or Italian seasoning sprinkled after baking works nicely.
How Do You Get Puff Pastry to Puff Perfectly Without Soggy Spots?
Scoring the border is key—it creates a “wall” that helps the edges rise higher than the center, keeping the toppings in place. To avoid soggy pastry:
- Don’t overload with sauce or wet toppings; a thin layer is enough.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg before adding toppings; this gives a golden, crisp edge.
- Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a hot oven (around 400°F/200°C) for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden.
Let the pizzas cool a couple of minutes after baking so the crust stays crisp and toppings settle nicely.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – A flat surface to bake your puff pastry pizzas evenly without mess.
- Parchment paper – Prevents the pastry from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife – Perfect for cutting the puff pastry into neat squares and scoring edges.
- Pastry brush – Helps you brush the egg wash on the edges for a golden finish.
- Mixing bowl – Useful if you want to beat eggs or mix toppings before adding.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or ham to change up the meat flavors easily.
- Try vegetarian toppings like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for a veggie boost.
- Use different cheeses such as goat cheese, feta, or provolone for varied creaminess and taste.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking for an earthy aroma and extra flavor.
Puff Pastry Pizzas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Puff Pastry Base:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup tomato pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella slices)
- 6–8 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8–10 slices black olives
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 6–8 slices pepperoni or your choice of cured meat (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 10 minutes of prep time, including thawing the pastry if needed, and 15 to 20 minutes of baking. You can enjoy these quick pizzas in roughly 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Shape the Puff Pastry:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut it into four equal squares. Then, lightly score about ½ inch inward from the edges of each square—be careful not to cut all the way through. This helps the edges puff up beautifully as they bake. Place the squares on your prepared baking sheet.
2. Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings:
Brush the edges of the pastry squares with beaten egg; this will make them crisp and golden. Next, spread about a tablespoon of tomato pizza sauce inside the border of each square. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce. Then arrange your cherry tomato halves, black olive slices, red onion, and pepperoni pieces (if using) over the cheese. Sprinkle a little dried oregano, salt, and pepper to season everything nicely.
3. Bake and Garnish:
Bake the assembled pizzas in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly. Finally, garnish each pizza with fresh basil leaves for a bright, fresh flavor before serving warm. Enjoy your flaky, crispy, and colorful puff pastry pizzas!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry Straight from the Freezer?
It’s best to thaw puff pastry in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes before using. This makes it easier to unfold and prevents cracking or tearing.
Can I Make These Puff Pastry Pizzas Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pizzas up to the point of baking and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours. Just add fresh basil right before serving. Bake them fresh for the best puff and crispiness.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store any leftover puff pastry pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out or add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, sausage, or different cheeses to suit your taste and dietary preferences.