Pizza puffs are the perfect snack or meal for anyone who loves the classic flavors of pizza but wants a quick, easy, and portable option. Using yeast-free puff pastry dough, these pizza puffs combine the flaky, buttery texture of puff pastry with rich pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and savory hunters sausage. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a game night, or just a cozy snack at home, these pizza puffs will satisfy pizza cravings in a fun, bite-sized way.
This recipe is simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and bakes up golden and crispy in under 30 minutes. The addition of an egg wash gives the puff pastry a shiny, beautiful finish. The best part? Everyone can enjoy their favorite pizza flavors in a handheld treat that’s as delicious as it is convenient.
Cooking Time
-
Preparation time: 15 minutes
-
Cooking time: 20 minutes
-
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
-
400 g yeast-free puff pastry dough
-
Pizza sauce (about ½ cup, or as needed)
-
200 g mozzarella cheese, grated
-
Hunters sausage, sliced or chopped (amount as preferred)
-
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) and allow it to fully preheat.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the yeast-free puff pastry dough on a floured surface into a rectangle or square. If your dough is pre-rolled, gently unroll and smooth it out.
3. Cut Dough into Squares
Cut the dough into even squares—about 10cm (4 inches) wide—large enough to hold a good amount of filling.
4. Add Pizza Sauce
Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto the center of each square, leaving a border around the edges.
5. Add Cheese and Sausage
Sprinkle grated mozzarella over the sauce, then add sliced or chopped hunters sausage on top.
6. Fold and Seal
Fold each square over to form a triangle or rectangle and press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security and a decorative finish.
7. Apply Egg Wash
Brush each puff pastry pocket with beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny crust when baked.
8. Bake
Place the pizza puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve
Let them cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot cheese inside.
Nutritional Information (per puff, approximate)
-
Calories: 280
-
Protein: 12 g
-
Carbohydrates: 20 g
-
Fat: 15 g
-
Saturated Fat: 7 g
-
Fiber: 1 g
-
Sodium: 600 mg
Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
The concept of pizza puffs is a fun twist on traditional pizza and savory pastries. Puff pastry itself has origins in French cuisine but has become a staple worldwide for both sweet and savory dishes. The pizza puff likely evolved from the desire to enjoy pizza flavors in a hand-held, convenient form. They’ve gained popularity in home kitchens and bakeries as a quick snack and party food, especially loved by kids and adults who enjoy finger foods.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
-
Easy and fast to prepare
-
Perfectly portable and mess-free
-
Customizable with your favorite toppings
-
Crispy, cheesy, and satisfying
-
Great for meals, snacks, or parties
Health Benefits
-
Using yeast-free puff pastry reduces rising time and can be easier to digest for some.
-
Mozzarella cheese is a good source of calcium and protein.
-
Including hunters sausage adds protein and flavor but choose leaner sausages for a healthier option.
-
Baking instead of frying reduces fat and calories.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve pizza puffs with a side of marinara sauce for extra dipping.
-
Pair with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
-
Enjoy alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp coleslaw.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overfilling the pastry can cause leaking and soggy bottoms.
-
Not sealing the edges properly can lead to filling escaping while baking.
-
Using warm puff pastry dough can affect puffing and texture.
-
Skipping the egg wash results in dull pastry without a golden finish.
Pairing Recommendations
-
A cold soda, iced tea, or lemonade pairs well for kids and casual meals.
-
Light beers or sparkling wines complement the savory flavors nicely.
-
Tomato-based soups or a fresh Caprese salad make great side dishes.
Cooking Tips
-
Keep the dough chilled until ready to use for best puffing.
-
Use parchment paper for easy clean-up and even baking.
-
Brush edges with a little water before sealing for a stronger bond.
-
Experiment with folding shapes—triangles, rectangles, or pockets.
Similar Recipes to Try
-
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets
-
Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Bites
-
Mini Pepperoni and Cheese Pizza Twists
-
Mushroom and Mozzarella Pastry Rolls
Variations to Try
-
Add bell peppers, olives, or onions for extra flavor.
-
Swap hunters sausage for pepperoni or chorizo.
-
Use vegan cheese and plant-based sausage for a vegan option.
-
Spice it up with chili flakes or garlic powder.
Ingredient Spotlight: Yeast-Free Puff Pastry Dough
Yeast-free puff pastry dough is a laminated dough made by layering dough and butter without the yeast fermentation step. This means the dough is quicker to prepare or buy, and results in a flaky, buttery crust that rises beautifully due to steam created by the butter layers. It’s ideal for both sweet and savory dishes and is very versatile.
Conclusion
These Pizza Puffs made with yeast-free puff pastry dough are a fantastic way to enjoy all the beloved flavors of pizza in a crispy, flaky package. Quick to make, packed with cheesy goodness and savory sausage, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether as a snack, lunch, or party appetizer, these pizza puffs will quickly become a family favorite. Try them today and see how fast they disappear!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade works great but make sure it’s yeast-free for this recipe.
2. What if I don’t have hunters sausage?
Any cooked sausage or pepperoni will work well.
3. Can I freeze these before baking?
Yes, freeze after assembling on a tray, then bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes.
4. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Finely diced peppers, mushrooms, or onions work well.
5. What if I don’t have an egg for the wash?
Brush with milk or melted butter as an alternative.
6. How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Avoid overloading with sauce and bake on parchment or a wire rack.
Advertisement
7. Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry dough, which is available in some stores.
8. How long do leftovers keep?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
9. How can I reheat leftover pizza puffs?
Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to keep pastry crisp.
10. Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use vegan puff pastry, plant-based sausage, and vegan cheese.