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Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers are a must-have for any happy hour! These easy, savory bites feature Boursin cheese baked into light, flaky puff pastry. Fresh herbs, snipped herbs, and a mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses take the flavor to the next level. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastry pairs perfectly with the bold, creamy filling. These delightful little swirls are so tasty, they won’t last long!
If you’re looking for a bite-sized snack that’s as charming as it is delicious, these cheese puff pastry appetizers will hit the spot. Think golden, flaky puff pastry wrapped around a cheesy, green onion-infused filling that makes every bite a lightly flakey, quasi-crispy treat. These little bites are perfect for parties, cozy nights in, or whenever you want something quick yet impressive. Ready to roll up some flavor?
These ‘at-the-ready’ happy hour snacks I keep on hand for when I shake up a cold libation with family and friends. Pillows of pure deliciousness. This idea is not new. The variations for this have been kicking around for years, and that’s okay. When something is this popular, you have to include it in your repertoire. The recipe makes 12 to 16 pieces, and they are a fantastically simple recipe that uses store-bought puff pastry. They may be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake or frozen for a later time. They are cheesy, full of oniony goodness, and served warm with drinks, a thoughtful happy hour nosh.
Table of Contents
- How This Recipe Quickly Becomes a New Favorite
- Herb Cheese Puffs Taste Like
- Cheese Puff Pastry Ingredients
- A Buying Guide for Puff Pastry
- Ingredient Notes
- Variations
- How to Make Herb Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
- Beer, Wine and Cocktail Pairings
- How to Serve
- Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Even More Savory Snacks!
- Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
How This Recipe Quickly Becomes a New Favorite
- Flaky, Golden Pastry: Perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and warm on the inside.
- Savory Cheese & Chive Filling: A simple blend that’s flavorful without being overwhelming.
- Customizable & Easy: Perfect for adjusting based on your favorite cheeses or adding a spicy kick.
Herb Cheese Puffs Taste Like
- Savory, Creamy Flavor Profile – Rich cheese notes from sharp cheddar and Parmesan.
- Herbed Creaminess – Boursin cheese adds a smooth, herby richness.
- Fresh Onion Accent – Mild oniony bite from fresh green onions or chives.
- Light, Buttery Crunch – Puff pastry offers a crisp, flaky contrast to the smooth filling.
- Perfectly Balanced – A blend of herbiness, creaminess, and tanginess for a delightful bite-sized treat.
Cheese Puff Pastry Ingredients
The ingredients in these Herb Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers come together like a dream team. The Boursin cheese is the star, but you can really make this your own by swapping in any shredded cheese you prefer—cheddar, mozzarella, or even something tangy like goat cheese. And when it comes to herbs, the possibilities are endless. Chives, thyme, or basil can each take the flavor profile in a new direction. This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
A Buying Guide for Puff Pastry
Puff Pastry is the star of this recipe. When shopping for it, look for a high-quality brand that uses butter for the flakiness you want. Avoid anything labeled “vegetable shortening”—it’s not the same level of flaky perfection. A quick glance at the ingredients will help you pick out the best choice.
Recipe Shortcuts
- Store-Bought Puff Pastry is a total lifesaver. You can skip the rolling and shaping process and just thaw it straight out of the freezer for a quick recipe.
Ingredient Notes
Puff Pastry: Go for a high-quality frozen puff pastry for the best results, like Dufour’s, Pepperidge Farm or similar.
Where to Find: In the frozen section, near frozen pie crusts or frozen desserts.
Cheeses: A single package of Garlic & Herb Boursin. Sharp cheddar will give the overall bake great flavor.
Substitutions: Swap sharp cheddar for brie, gouda, or Gruyere.
Green Onions or Chives: Fresh are best for this, giving it a mild onion flavor. Rosemary, fresh thyme, chopped parsley, or a mixture of many herbs also work.
I’m using green onions and parsley.
Variations
As I said at the top of the post, this recipe is customizable in the sense that almost any cheese will complement the Boursin and most herbs are interchangeable. But did you know that caramelized onions, finely diced prosciutto, or finely chopped sundried tomato added to your sheet of puff pastry dough also makes for amazing, puffed tarts?
How to Make Herb Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
Scroll down for the full printable recipe or stick around for the step-by-step breakdown with photos to walk you through every delicious detail.
1
Prep
Heat oven to 400°. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Beat 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon cool water in a small bowl and set aside.
2
Unroll the Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface, unfold the pastry, and sprinkle a bit of flour on top. Gently roll with a pin just enough to smooth out the creases—no need to make it bigger!
3
Build Cheesy Layers
Brush the pastry with a bit of the egg wash. Set aside whatever you have left as it gets used in the end. Evenly spread 1 (5.2-ounce) package of Boursin cheese over the egg wash.
4
Add Herbs
Sprinkle the green onions and herbs evenly over the Boursin, getting as close to the edges as you can. Then, top with the Parmigiano-Reggiano and cheddar cheeses.
5
Slice
Starting with the side closest to you, roll the pastry up like a jelly roll, using your fingers to keep the fillings tucked in as you go. Place the roll seam-side down and use a serrated bread knife to carefully cut it in half. Slice each half in half again, then cut each section into 2 or 3 slices about 1/2-inch thick.
6
Bake
Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the remaining egg wash. Bake for 14–18 minutes, until light golden brown. Garnish with green onions or minced chives and serve warm or at room temperature.
7
Bring on the Nibbles!
Swoon over these buttery, golden bites of herby, cheesy perfection!
Beer, Wine and Cocktail Pairings
These savory puffs are the ultimate cocktail party snack, and we’ve found the perfect drink pairings to take them over the top. A crisp lager complements the buttery pastry and creamy filling without overwhelming the flavors, with its subtle maltiness enhancing the savory notes. A dry Sauvignon Blanc offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese and herbs, its acidity cutting through the creaminess and cleansing the palate. For something a little bolder, a classic gin and tonic brings a zesty, slightly bitter profile that balances the savory flavors, with the gin’s botanicals and tonic’s citrus notes perfectly complementing the herbs and cheese.
How to Serve
Arrange the puff pastry swirls on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, for a simple yet elegant appetizer. This presentation is perfect for cocktail parties or casual gatherings. For a more refined touch, incorporate the swirls into a cheese board alongside an assortment of cheeses, fruits, and nuts, creating a cohesive and stylish spread. You can also add them to a buffet lineup, paired with other finger foods like Crostini, Whipped Ricotta Cheese, or Eggplant Napoleons. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for buffet-style service. Enjoy them as is or with a light drizzle of hot honey for an extra kick!
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make-Ahead – You can prepare the puff pastry swirls up to a day in advance. After assembling the swirls, place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply brush with the egg wash and bake as directed.
Make Ahead to Freeze – Place unbaked swirls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months. If reheating from frozen, bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through.
Storing Fully Baked Leftovers – Store leftover puff pastry swirls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the swirls in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until crispy and warm.
Even More Savory Snacks!
Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers
Equipment
- offset spatula for spreading Boursin cheese
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water, cool
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 (5.2-ounce) package Garlic & Fine Herb Boursin cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 tablespoon herbs, fresh, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup green onion, fresh, finely chopped; green parts only; may substitute chives
- ¼ cup sharp cheddar, coarsely grated
- ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, coarsely grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a small bowl, beat the egg and water, then set aside.1 large egg, 1 tablespoon water
- Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the pastry sheet. Dust the top with flour and use a rolling pin to gently flatten the creases, being careful not to stretch the square.1 sheet puff pastry
- Brush the square with egg wash, then set aside the remainder. Spread the Boursin cheese evenly, then the herbs and green onions. Top with cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses.1 (5.2-ounce) package Garlic & Fine Herb Boursin cheese, 1 tablespoon herbs, ⅓ cup green onion, ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, ¼ cup sharp cheddar
- Starting from the side closest to you, roll the pastry like a jelly roll, tucking in the filling as you go. With the seam side down, use a serrated knife to cut the roll into four equal sections, then slice each section into 3 or 4 pieces. Place the slices on the parchment-lined sheet and brush with the remaining egg wash.
- Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown. Garnish with extra green onions and serve warm or at room temperature.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can assemble the puff pastry swirls ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them convenient for entertaining.
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked assembled swirls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time without thawing.
Absolutely, you can use a variety of fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or basil to suit your taste preferences.
