Puff Pastry Pesto Pizza Bites

One of my favorite things to do is surprise guests with something that tastes indulgent but is actually easy to make. That’s exactly what these puff pastry pizza bites are. They’re flaky, gooey, savory little pockets of pizza joy—and vegan to boot!

I remember the first time I served these. It was a chilly evening in Toronto, and friends were dropping by last minute. I grabbed puff pastry from the freezer, layered it with vegan pesto, marinara, and pepperoni, then baked it until golden. By the time I placed them on the table, the kitchen smelled like a cozy pizza shop and the whole batch vanished in minutes.

I’m Lynn, a 36-year-old home cook in Toronto. Inspired by multicultural flavors and the kitchens of friends and family, I find comfort in dishes that feel joyful and doable. My recipes, like this one, reflect my love of cozy gatherings and simple, bold flavors. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, all-wow kind of appetizer, you’ve just found it.

Why You’ll Love These Puff Pastry Pizza Bites

They’re Fast, Flaky, and Flavor-Packed

These bites are layered with vegan pesto, marinara, plant-based pepperoni, roasted red peppers, crumbled feta, and fresh basil. Sealed between two puff pastry sheets, they bake into buttery golden squares that puff beautifully in the oven.

They’ve got everything: the crunch, the melt, and that crave-worthy pizza flavor. They’re also one of the best vegan appetizers I’ve ever made—not just because of how good they taste, but how quickly they come together.

If you love easy, flavor-packed starters, you might also enjoy this antojitos recipe made with cream cheese and jalapeños. It’s another snack that disappears fast.

Crowd-Friendly and Customizable

Make them for game night, parties, or as a holiday appetizer. They can be served warm or at room temperature. You can even make them a few hours ahead, then reheat briefly before serving.

These bites work well with all sorts of fillings, too. Not a fan of vegan pepperoni? Use sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Want to go full Mediterranean? Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes. The base is endlessly flexible.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make about 48 puff pastry pizza bites:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• Flour, for rolling
• ¼ cup vegan pesto, plus extra for dipping
• ¼ cup marinara, plus extra for dipping
• 5 oz vegan pepperoni
• 2 roasted red peppers, jarred and sliced
• 3 oz vegan feta, crumbled
• Fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp vegan butter, melted
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Everything bagel seasoning, for topping

Optional but recommended: a sheet pan lined with parchment and a pastry brush for the butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Thaw the puff pastry: Leave it on the counter for about an hour.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Roll out the sheets: Lightly flour your surface and roll each sheet so they’re the same size, slightly smaller than your baking sheet.
4. Build the base: Place one sheet on the baking sheet and spread with vegan pesto. Add dollops of marinara.
5. Layer toppings: Add vegan pepperoni, roasted red peppers, crumbled feta, and basil.
6. Top and slice: Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and gently press. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to score into 48 squares.
7. Brush and season: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over the top. Sprinkle generously with everything seasoning.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
9. Cool slightly, then cut fully through the squares and serve with extra pesto and marinara.

Tips for Flaky Success

Use Cold Pastry

Cold pastry rises better. Don’t let it get too soft while assembling. If it starts feeling sticky, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes.

Score Before You Bake

Lightly scoring the top into squares before baking helps the pastry puff around each bite while keeping it easy to portion later.

Don’t Overfill

It’s tempting, but keep the fillings light. Too much moisture (especially from marinara) can make the pastry soggy.

Vegan Swaps That Shine

This recipe is already vegan, but feel free to personalize it further:

• Vegan mozzarella can replace feta for a melty center.
• Homemade pesto with nutritional yeast is great if you’re avoiding store-bought options.
• Grilled zucchini or mushrooms can add texture and earthiness.

Puff pastry makes a great base for easy vegan snacks that don’t compromise on taste. Once you try these, you’ll want to experiment with all sorts of plant-based fillings.

Pairing and Serving Ideas

Serve with Dipping Sauces

Offer warm marinara and extra pesto on the side for dipping. Vegan ranch or garlic aioli also work well.

Great for Buffets and Boards

Add these bites to a larger party board with pickles, olives, roasted veggies, and crackers. They play well with bold flavors and can even anchor a themed party finger food spread.

Storing and Reheating

Can You Make Them Ahead?

Yes! Assemble the bites earlier in the day, store covered in the fridge, and bake right before serving. Alternatively, bake them ahead and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes.

Can You Freeze Them?

Absolutely. Freeze unbaked slices on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F until golden, adding 5 extra minutes to your bake time.

These reheat beautifully, which makes them a great addition to your list of game day appetizers that can be prepped ahead.

FAQs About Puff Pastry Pizza Bites

Can you make puff pastry bites ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble or even bake them ahead. Just store in the fridge and reheat briefly in the oven before serving.

What’s the best vegan cheese for pizza?
Vegan feta and mozzarella both work well. Feta offers tang, while mozzarella gives that gooey meltiness. Choose what suits your flavor profile.

Do puff pastry bites need to be refrigerated?
After baking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.

How do you keep puff pastry from getting soggy?
Use less sauce, drain roasted peppers well, and avoid overfilling. Preheating the oven properly also ensures a good puff.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, packing a snack, or just in the mood for something flaky and flavorful, these puff pastry pizza bites deliver. They’re vegan, fast, flexible, and full of bold flavors that everyone loves.

And once you master this technique, you’ll find endless ways to use it—like a dessert version with cinnamon and apples, or a Greek-style bite with spinach and vegan feta.

These little bites bring joy, simplicity, and that warm, cozy feeling of home-cooked comfort. Try them once, and they just might become your go-to crowd-pleaser.