Christmas Puff Pastry Appetizer – with fig jam and caramelized pears baked in flaky, golden puff pastry topped with a crumble of blue cheese. An easy recipe with just 5 ingredients and next level taste – perfect for holiday parties!

Friends, a puff pastry recipe is the way to go this holiday season and it may just be the best kitchen hack. Ever.

Prepared frozen sheets of puff pastry can be filled with almost anything and baked into beautiful, golden flaky perfection.

In short, Christmas puff pastry appetizers are the right choice this holiday season.

I could create a week’s worth of meals wrapped in this buttery, flaky crust. In fact, I just may. It’s that good.

For this recipe, you’ll need just 5 ingredients and a few minutes to caramelize the pears (don’t skip this step; it takes them from good to amazing!) and this next level appetizer is ready to enjoy.

WHAT’S IN THIS CHRISTMAS PUFF PASTRY APPETIZER?

frozen store-bought puff pastry thawed
fig jam
pears
butter
crumbled blue cheese

OPTIONAL GARNISHES:

fresh thyme or rosemary
pomegranate seeds

HOW TO MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS PUFF PASTRY APPETIZER:

Thinly slice the pears then melt the butter in a skillet. Add the pears and sauté 2-3 minutes (you want them softened but not mushy). Remove from the heat and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 400° then line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.

Unfold one puff pastry sheet then cut cut along the seams to make 3 long rectangular strips.

Cut each strip into 3 approximately equal squares. Repeat with the second pastry sheet then then transfer the squares to the prepared baking sheet.

Using a paring knife, score the puff pastry along the edge as shown without cutting through them, then gently press in the center with your finger forming an indentation. This helps keep the jam and pear contained in the puff pastry bite.

Add a small teaspoon of fig jam to the center of each pastry square then top with 1-2 slices of pear, gently pressing the pear into the depression.

Transfer the baking tray to the preheated oven and bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven then top with a few blue cheese crumbles.

Optional garnish: For a festive look, add a few fresh thyme leave or a small sprig of rosemary and a couple of pomegranate seeds (arils). Serve warm to room temp.

VARIATIONS TO THIS RECIPE:

You can easily switch this recipe up using different fillings:

Not a fan of blue cheese? Use goat cheese or brie cheese instead.
Try onion jam or bacon jam in place of fig jam.
Add some crumbled salty bacon to the top.
Substitute other fresh fruit like apples or figs.
Try a savory puff pastry with fresh asparagus instead of fruit and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the top.

WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVERS:

Any leftover Christmas Puff Pastry Appetizers can be store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

LOOKING FOR MORE EASY HOLIDAY APPETIZERS?

These easy impressive appetizers (and a cocktail too!) will be the hit of any gathering.

Christmas Margarita – just 4 ingredients – delicious, festive holiday cocktail with tequila and cranberry juice.

Cranberry Brie Pastry Braid – made with cranberry sauce, brie cheese and crescent dough. Great holiday appetizer – perfect for brunch too!

Crockpot Grape Jelly-BBQ Meatballs – a super easy appetizer with just 3 ingredients and 5 minute prep – juicy meatballs blanketed in a sweet and spicy sauce.

Christmas Tree Bread – easy Christmas appetizer or side dish from refrigerator pizza dough. Loaded with cheese, garlic butter and fresh herbs.

Enjoy!

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