🧀 Fastest Puff Pastry Appetizer with Mustard and Mozzarella
Description
This flaky, golden puff pastry appetizer is the ultimate quick-fix snack or party finger food. The sharp tang of mustard pairs beautifully with the creamy melt of mozzarella, creating a balanced bite that’s crisp, cheesy, and irresistibly savory. Best of all, it takes only minutes to assemble and bakes to perfection in under 20 minutes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 × 400 g sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 3–4 teaspoons mustard (Dijon or yellow — adjust to taste)
- 150 g hard mozzarella cheese (grated or finely sliced)
- 1 egg (for brushing – optional, for shine)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, black pepper, or herbs
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. - Prepare the Pastry:
Roll out one sheet of puff pastry onto the tray. Spread mustard evenly over the surface using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon. - Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly across the mustard layer.
(You can also add a pinch of herbs or pepper for extra flavor.) - Top It Off:
Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top. Press gently to seal the edges. - Cut and Shape:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into strips, squares, or twists — depending on the look you want. - Optional Glaze:
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. - Bake:
Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and puffed. - Cool & Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with dipping sauces or enjoy as-is.
🍽 Servings
Makes 12–16 pieces, depending on size and cut.
💪 Nutritional Information (per serving – approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | <1 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
(Values may vary depending on pastry brand and cheese used.)
🌿 Benefits
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for entertaining: Great for parties, picnics, or side snacks.
- Customizable: Works with any cheese, spread, or topping (try pesto, cream cheese, or ham).
- Vegetarian-friendly: Simple and satisfying without meat.
💡 Tips
- For extra crispiness, chill the prepared pastries for 10 minutes before baking.
- If you like stronger flavor, use Dijon or whole-grain mustard.
- Avoid overfilling with cheese — too much can leak out during baking.
- These can be frozen unbaked and baked straight from the freezer (add 5 extra minutes).
- Serve with herb dip, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli for added flavor.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Absolutely! Try cheddar, gouda, or a cheese mix for more depth.
Q: How do I make them ahead of time?
A: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them.
Q: My pastry didn’t puff well — why?
A: Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and avoid pressing the layers too tightly. Cold pastry gives the best rise.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Yes! Add a thin layer of chili paste, or sprinkle chili flakes with the cheese.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes to crisp up again.