Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Puff Pastry Pesto Pizza Bites are quick, easy, and completely vegan. The flaky puff pastry provides a satisfying crunch, while the combination of pesto, marinara, and vegan toppings delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. These bites can be made ahead of time, customized to suit your taste, and are ideal for any occasion where finger foods are a hit. Plus, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional pizza appetizers without compromising on taste.
ingredients
2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
Flour for rolling out dough
1/4 cup vegan pesto (plus extra for serving)
1/4 cup marinara (plus extra for serving)
5 oz vegan pepperoni
2 roasted red peppers (from a jar, sliced)
3 oz vegan feta (crumbled)
Fresh basil
2 tbsp vegan butter (melted)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Everything seasoning
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prep the Dough: Thaw the puff pastry on the counter for about 1-1.5 hours. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Assemble the Bites: Roll out the puff pastry sheets to fit the baking sheet. Place one sheet on the parchment paper and spread vegan pesto to the edges. Add dollops of marinara, then layer on vegan pepperoni, roasted peppers, vegan feta, and fresh basil. Place the second sheet of dough on top, gently pressing it down. Cut into 48 squares using a sharp knife.
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Bake: Brush the top of the squares with melted vegan butter mixed with garlic powder, and sprinkle with everything seasoning. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
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Serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly before cutting them apart. Serve warm or at room temperature with extra pesto and marinara for dipping.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 48 bites
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including puff pastry thawing)
Variations
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Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
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Swap vegan feta for another type of vegan cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar.
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Include other vegetables such as olives, spinach, or artichokes.
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Drizzle with balsamic glaze or vegan ranch after baking for extra flavor.
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Use sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, intense flavor.
storage/reheating
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
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Puff pastry bites can also be frozen for up to 2 months; bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
What type of puff pastry should I use?
Use store-bought, vegan puff pastry sheets. Check the packaging to ensure it contains no dairy or butter.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bites in advance and bake just before serving.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free puff pastry, but texture and rise may vary slightly.
Can I use fresh pesto instead of store-bought?
Absolutely, fresh pesto works wonderfully and adds an even brighter flavor.
Can I make smaller or larger bites?
Yes, adjust the size when cutting the pastry. Cooking time may need slight adjustment.
Can I substitute vegan pepperoni?
Yes, you can use any plant-based meat alternative or skip it entirely.
Are these suitable for parties?
Definitely! They are bite-sized, easy to serve, and crowd-pleasing.
Can I freeze them after baking?
Yes, store cooled bites in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
Can I make them without vegan cheese?
Yes, they will still taste delicious with just the pesto, marinara, and vegetables.
Can I add more herbs or spices?
Yes, feel free to add garlic powder, oregano, or red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
Puff Pastry Pesto Pizza Bites are a versatile, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer. With their crisp puff pastry, savory vegan toppings, and easy preparation, they’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or simple snacking. Customizable to your taste, these bites offer a satisfying vegan alternative to traditional pizza appetizers that everyone will love.
Puff Pastry Pesto Pizza Bites
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 48 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan/Plant-based
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Puff Pastry Pesto Pizza Bites are vegan, bite-sized appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with pesto, marinara, vegan cheese, pepperoni, roasted peppers, and fresh basil. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or casual snacking.
Ingredients
2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
Flour for rolling out dough
1/4 cup vegan pesto (plus extra for serving)
1/4 cup marinara (plus extra for serving)
5 oz vegan pepperoni
2 roasted red peppers (from a jar, sliced)
3 oz vegan feta (crumbled)
Fresh basil
2 tbsp vegan butter (melted)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Everything seasoning
Instructions
- Thaw puff pastry on the counter for 1-1.5 hours. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one puff pastry sheet to fit the baking sheet. Spread vegan pesto evenly to the edges.
- Add dollops of marinara, then layer on vegan pepperoni, roasted peppers, vegan feta, and fresh basil.
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and gently press down. Cut into 48 squares using a sharp knife.
- Brush the top with melted vegan butter mixed with garlic powder, and sprinkle with everything seasoning.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly, then separate the bites and serve warm or at room temperature with extra pesto and marinara for dipping.
Notes
Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Swap vegan feta for vegan mozzarella or cheddar.
Include other vegetables such as olives, spinach, or artichokes.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze or vegan ranch after baking for extra flavor.
Use sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, intense flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
