Cheese Spice Puff Buffs

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Starters

These golden puff pastry bites combine grated cheddar and Parmesan with a blend of smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. The cheese and spice mixture is pressed into thawed puff pastry, cut into small squares, egg-washed, and baked to a flaky, crisp finish. Ready in just over half an hour, these flavorful bites make a simple yet impressive finger food for any occasion.

Customize the filling with alternative cheeses like Gruyère or Emmental, or add a pinch of cumin or curry powder for extra warmth. Serve warm alongside herbed yogurt or spicy tomato chutney for a delightful contrast. These bites can also be prepped ahead and gently reheated without losing their crispness, making them a handy choice for entertaining.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:54:00 GMT
Golden, flaky Cheese and Spice Puff Pastry Bites, fresh from the oven, ready to enjoy as appetizers. Save to Pinterest
Golden, flaky Cheese and Spice Puff Pastry Bites, fresh from the oven, ready to enjoy as appetizers. | matrixbowl.com

Flaky, golden puff pastry bites filled with a blend of cheeses and aromatic spices—a perfect, crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering.

This recipe quickly became a favorite at family gatherings thanks to its delicious mix of cheeses and spices.

Ingredients

  • Grated cheddar cheese: 100 g
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: 50 g
  • Egg (beaten, for egg wash): 1
  • Ready-rolled puff pastry (all-butter recommended): 1 sheet (about 250 g), thawed if frozen
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Chili flakes (optional, for heat): 1/4 tsp
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a bowl, mix grated cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, oregano, black pepper, chili flakes (if using), and salt.
Step 3:
Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Evenly sprinkle the cheese and spice mixture over the entire surface.
Step 4:
Gently press the mixture into the pastry with a rolling pin to help it adhere.
Step 5:
Cut the pastry into 24 equal squares or rectangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Step 6:
Place the pieces onto the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each.
Step 7:
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 8:
Bake for 15 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Step 9:
Transfer the bites to a wire rack and let cool slightly before serving.
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Vacuum seal ingredients and leftovers to keep food fresh longer and simplify meal prep.
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Vacuum seal ingredients and leftovers to keep food fresh longer and simplify meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Close-up of baked Cheese and Spice Puff Pastry Bites, highlighting the cheesy filling and puffed layers. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of baked Cheese and Spice Puff Pastry Bites, highlighting the cheesy filling and puffed layers. | matrixbowl.com

These bites are always a hit during family celebrations and gatherings.

Notes

Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Emmental for a different flavor profile. Add a pinch of cumin or curry powder for an extra kick. Serve with a light herbed yogurt dip or spicy tomato chutney. These can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven.

Required Tools

Baking tray, parchment paper, mixing bowl, rolling pin, sharp knife or pizza cutter, pastry brush

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (cheese), Egg, Gluten (puff pastry). May contain traces of nuts or soy (check pastry packaging). Always verify ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Savory and spiced Cheese and Spice Puff Pastry Bites, perfect for parties, with golden brown tops and crispy edges. Save to Pinterest
Savory and spiced Cheese and Spice Puff Pastry Bites, perfect for parties, with golden brown tops and crispy edges. | matrixbowl.com
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Enjoy these delightful bites hot or at room temperature, perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

What cheeses work best in these puff pastry bites?

Cheddar and Parmesan provide a sharp, savory base, but Gruyère or Emmental can be used for a nuttier flavor.

Can I make these bites spicy?

Yes, adding chili flakes or a pinch of cumin or curry powder will introduce a pleasant heat and complexity.

How do I get the pastry golden and flaky?

Brushing the pastry tops with beaten egg before baking gives a glossy, golden finish while keeping the layers crisp and flaky.

Can these bites be prepared in advance?

They can be assembled ahead of time and baked later, or baked and gently reheated before serving to maintain texture.

What dips pair well with these bites?

Light herbed yogurt dips or a spicy tomato chutney complement the cheesy, spiced filling beautifully.

Cheese Spice Puff Buffs

Flaky pastry squares layered with savory cheeses and fragrant spices, ideal for sharing and snacking.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
18 minutes
Overall Time
33 minutes
Created by Zoey Rogers


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Origin International

Makes 24 Serving Size

Dietary Info Vegetarian-Friendly

What You Need

Dairy

01 3.5 oz grated cheddar cheese
02 1.75 oz grated Parmesan cheese
03 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Pastry

01 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (8.8 oz), thawed if frozen

Spices & Seasoning

01 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
02 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
03 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Cheese and Spices: In a mixing bowl, blend grated cheddar, Parmesan, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, chili flakes if desired, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 03

Prepare Pastry Surface: Unfold the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface and evenly scatter the cheese and spice mixture across it.

Step 04

Adhere Mixture to Pastry: Gently roll over the pastry with a rolling pin to press the cheese and spices firmly into the dough.

Step 05

Cut Pastry Squares: Slice the pastry into 24 equal squares or rectangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Step 06

Arrange on Tray: Place the cut pieces on the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart.

Step 07

Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each piece with the beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish.

Step 08

Bake Puff Pastry: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Step 09

Cool Before Serving: Transfer the baked bites to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tools Required

  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Details

Check ingredients for allergens; reach out to a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk (cheese), egg, and gluten (puff pastry). May contain traces of nuts or soy.

Nutrition (per serving)

This info serves as a general guide and isn't medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 85
  • Fat content: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 6 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams