Do you want to use the extra time from the long days of summer to enhance your baking skills? Puff pastry can sometimes be intimidating, but it is worth the work once the recipe is done. This versatile dough, once relegated to winter pot pies and holiday appetizers, is actually perfect for summer treats. With its ability to transform into both sweet and savory delights, puff pastry is an excellent choice for summer entertaining You don’t need hours of laborious folding and chilling to make a good puff pastry dish. Thanks to high-quality store-bought options, creating impressive dishes has never been easier. These summer puff pastry recipes will liven up your dinner parties and wow your guests.
From fruity tarts that showcase the season’s bounty to savory parcels perfect for picnics, puff pastry will be your new go-to! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dessert, these recipes will help you make the most of this golden, buttery dough. Each dish balances the richness of the pastry with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the season.
1. Summer Puff Pastry Recipes: Mini Strawberry Tarts
These strawberry-filled mini puff pastries are so cute and easy to make- perfect for using up summer’s last strawberries. These were made with fresh strawberries but you could substitute any berry you like in this recipe. You can also use pie filling if you’re in a hurry. It’s up to you!

2. Spinach and Cheese Handpies
When you think puff pastry, you may think “fattening” but this recipe shows you that’s just not true. It can be made into a healthy, low-calorie snack without sacrificing flavor. Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies are a quick and impressive afternoon snack that will satisfy your cravings. They are made with low-fat cheese and reduced-fat puff pastry.
3. Summer Puff Pastry Recipes: French Tian Provençal
A French Tian Provençal is an incredibly simple tart with beautifully layered vegetables drizzled in olive oil. It’s a simple celebration of summer according to the French tradition, so it is a must-make for your next dinner party or cookout. It’s even better when you can use ingredients straight from a garden!
4. Puff Pastry Tomato Tart
I love a big, juicy summer tomato. Adding it to a buttery, flaky tart? Even better! Sometimes I want to do something a little more special for my summer dinners, and this Tomato Tart is the perfect light summertime dinner. No need to make your own crust when this one is fantastic and saves you time.
5. Summer Puff Pastry Recipes: Jam Tarts
Puff pastry is one of the most underrated things at the grocery store, but these jam-filled puff pastry tarts are so easy to make and always taste delish. If you’re considering a weekend brunch, these should definitely be on the menu. It’s the perfect mix of breakfast pastry and dessert.
6. Peach Turnovers
There’s not much better than a fresh Georgia peach in the summer. The only thing that could be better is baking them into buttery, flaky turnovers. These quick-fix Easy Peach Turnovers are made with store-bought puff pastry and are perfect for summer desserts. This recipe is very versatile so don’t be afraid to add your favorite fruit if you’re not a fan of peaches.
7. Summer Puff Pastry Recipes: Potato and Cheese Tarts
Anytime you’re grilling steaks, pork, or chicken for your summer evening dinner, skip the mashed potatoes as the side. Make this potato and cheese tart instead. It’s simple but really elevates the flavor of potato side dishes. Puff pastry forms the crisp, buttery base of the tart, which is topped with new potatoes, Dijon Mustard, Gruyere Cheese, chives and dill, and poppy seeds.
8. Lemon and Raspberry Puff Tarts
This is an easy dessert or breakfast recipe for anyone who likes really simple, easy-to-make items. The bright lemon helps balance the sweetness and pairs perfectly with tart summer raspberries. It is a great make-ahead dessert and tastes like you spent all day on it. Try it for your next dinner party!
9. Summer Veggie Tarts
These quick and easy Summer Veggie Tarts are perfect as an appetizer, served with a salad for a light lunch, or as a side along a platter of grilled sausages or chicken. They can be set up ahead of time and baked off when ready to serve them. They are great hot but just as delicious at room temperature!
10. Summer Puff Pastry Recipes: Pizza
Puff pastry is a quick and easy recipe that turns into a light, flaky, buttery crust that is irresistible. It is also a great party appetizer, movie night, or game day snack. It’s fantastic as a pizza crust, so if you’re having a long movie night, make these pizza tarts for extra fun!
11. Buttery Zucchini Tarts
These zucchini puff pastry tarts are so good that you’ll want to make double batch. If we don’t have a summer garden ourselves, we often have a friendly neighbor who shares way too much zucchini or summer squash. Use it in these tarts, and you’ll be asking the neighbor for even more!
With these summer puff pastry recipes, you can impress your friends and family with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Grab that pack of puff pastry and dive in to see how this winter staple can become your new summer essential!