Description
These Puff Pastry Pesto Pizza Bites are delicious, bite-sized snacks featuring layers of vegan pesto, marinara, pepperoni, roasted red peppers, and vegan feta sandwiched between flaky puff pastry. Perfect as party appetizers or a flavorful snack, these golden-baked squares are easy to prepare and served with extra pesto and marinara for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough and Spreads
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- Flour, for rolling out dough
- 1/4 cup vegan pesto, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup marinara, plus more for serving
Fillings
- 5 ounces vegan pepperoni (Trader Joe's recommended)
- 2 whole roasted red peppers from a jar, sliced
- 3 ounces vegan feta, crumbled (Trader Joe's recommended)
- Fresh basil, to taste
Topping and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Everything seasoning, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Remove the puff pastry sheets from the freezer and leave them on the kitchen counter for about an hour until fully thawed but still cool enough to handle easily.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out both puff pastry sheets to roughly the same size, slightly smaller than your baking sheet. Carefully place one sheet onto the prepared baking sheet as the base layer.
- Layer Fillings: Spread the vegan pesto evenly over the entire surface of the bottom sheet, reaching the edges. Dollop the marinara sauce over the pesto layer, then add an even layer of vegan pepperoni slices. Top this with sliced roasted red peppers, crumbled vegan feta, and fresh basil leaves for aromatic flavor.
- Add Top Layer and Cut: Place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the layered fillings, gently pressing down to make contact but no need to seal the edges. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the assembled dough into 48 small squares, making it easier to serve once baked.
- Prepare Garlic Butter and Season: Mix the melted vegan butter with garlic powder. Using a pastry brush, generously brush this garlic butter over every square’s surface. Sprinkle everything seasoning evenly on top for added flavor and crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pizza bites for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the pizza bites to cool slightly. Using a knife, carefully cut between the squares along the earlier scored lines. Serve warm with extra vegan pesto and marinara sauces on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed but cool to prevent tearing when rolling.
- Use vegan versions of pesto, pepperoni, and feta to keep the recipe fully plant-based.
- You can customize toppings by adding other vegetables such as olives or mushrooms.
- For a crispier bottom crust, you can bake on a preheated pizza stone or baking steel instead of a sheet pan.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to retain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian