Mushroom Puff Pastry

Combining the rich, earthy flavors of mushrooms with the flaky, buttery texture of a pastry, this recipe for mushroom puff pastry is a total crowd-pleaser. Not only is the savory filling delicious, but the pastry itself is golden, crisp and visually appealing, making this the ideal addition to your next dinner party.

Made to be enjoyed as an appetizer, they’re also delightful as a snack or packed alongside leftovers for a hearty mid-day meal. Bonus: they freeze particularly well, making it possible to keep these on hand when you want to impress guests on the fly.

Mushroom Puff Pastry Ingredients

• Butter: Creamy butter provides a rich, velvety taste that’ll enhance the overall flavor of both the pastry and the filling.
• Mushrooms: You’ll use fresh mushrooms of your choice, and chop them well before adding to the mix.
• Onion: Finely chop onions prior to sauteing; your best bet is a yellow onion.
• Garlic: Buy pre-minced or finely mince your fresh garlic.
• Pepper: Freshly ground pepper will provide a warm, slightly spicy kick to the filling.
• Cream cheese: Be sure to soften cream cheese to room temperature prior to using.
• Puff pasty: A frozen puff pastry package is easiest, but be sure to thaw it completely.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat oven, prepare filling

First, preheat oven to 400°F. Then, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add chopped fresh mushrooms and onions and cook and stir until tender, or about three to five minutes. Add garlic and pepper; cook for an additional minute. Stir in cream cheese until melted and combined; remove from heat.

Step 2: Fill pastries

Unfold one pastry sheet and cut it into nine squares. Next, cut each square diagonally in half. Place a teaspoon or so of the filling on one side of each triangle, being sure not to get too close to the edges.

Then, brush the edges of the non-filled side with water; fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle. Seal edges with a fork; place about an inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Repeat with the second pastry sheet and the remainder of the filling.

Step 3: Bake

Bake until the pastries are golden brown, or about 12 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Recipe Variations

• Add herbs: Try freshly crushed rosemary or thyme, or make it a bit spicier with crushed red pepper flakes, paprika and cumin for a slightly spicy creamy mushroom filling.
• Go gluten-free: If you need to skip gluten for any reason, you can easily make the switch with this recipe. To do so, make sure that you pick up a frozen puff pastry roll that’s gluten free. Everything else in this recipe is gluten-free, so there’s no need to change anything else.
• Add meat: Chop up your favorite deli meat or shredded meat and add it to the cooked mushroom mixture for a savory touch.

How to Store Mushroom Puff Pastry

Once cooled, store any leftover mushroom pastry puffs in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last this way for three to four days.

Can you freeze mushroom puff pastry?

Yes. To freeze pastries, cover and freeze unbaked triangles on parchment-lined baking sheets until firm. Then transfer the frozen pastries into a freezer-safe, airtight container; return it to the freezer. To use, bake as directed.

Mushroom Puff Pastry Tips

What type of mushrooms should I use?

You can use a variety of mushrooms for mushroom puff pastry appetizers. Cremini or button mushrooms are mild and versatile, making them the most popular option for this recipe. Other favorites include shiitake or portobello mushrooms, but these both have a stronger flavor and texture, so they’ll make for a heartier filling.

If you forage for your own mushrooms, chanterelles or morels are excellent mushrooms to include here, and this makes for an ideal recipe to keep in your foraged-food repertoire.

Can I serve this with a dipping sauce?

Yes, you can certainly serve these little savory mushroom pastry bites with a dipping sauce. Your best bets include garlic aioli or tzatziki to balance the earthy flavors of the mushrooms beautifully.

What else should I make alongside these pastries?

If you’ve decided on mushroom puff pastries as a tasty finger food or app, round out your meal with a crispy, fresh green Caesar salad and a hearty, warming tomato soup. Top it all off with a blueberry pie for dessert—your guests won’t know what hit their taste buds.