These Upside Down Pizza Puff Pastries are a delightful surprise that unexpectedly combines crispy pepperoni, melty cheese, and flaky puff pastry. Perfect for game day, movie night, or whenever you’re craving something different!
What makes these pastries unique is how they’re assembled – we start with a base of crispy pepperoni that creates an irresistible bottom crust before being flipped. The cheese melts perfectly into the pepperoni layer, while the marinara sauce adds just the right amount of tanginess. All of this is topped with golden, flaky puff pastry that puffs up beautifully in the oven.
This recipe transforms traditional pizza ingredients into an impressive appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to make.
MISE EN PLACE
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Upside Down Pizza Puff Pastries:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry dough – thawed and cut into four squares
- 4 tablespoons of marinara sauce, plus extra for serving
- 4 slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 1 package of pepperoni slices
- Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg plus a splash of water for egg wash
RECIPE STEPS
How to Cook Upside Down Pizza Puff Pastries:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this step is crucial as it helps prevent sticking and makes the flipping process much easier later.
Step 2: Create Your Pepperoni Base
Here’s where the magic begins! Arrange 8-10 pepperoni slices in a square shape, slightly overlapping to avoid gaps. This creates a crispy base that will become the top of your pizza when flipped. Repeat this process three more times to make four individual pizzas.
Step 3: Layer Your Ingredients
Place a slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese on top of each pepperoni square. The cheese acts as a delicious barrier between the pepperoni and the sauce. Top each cheese slice with a tablespoon of marinara sauce – don’t be tempted to add more, as it can make the pastries soggy.
Step 4: Add the Puff Pastry
Place your cut squares of puff pastry on each stack of toppings. Using a fork, seal the edges of the dough to the parchment paper. This helps contain all the delicious fillings during baking. Brush each pastry with egg wash and sprinkle with Italian seasoning for that classic pizza flavor.
Step 5: Bake and Flip
Bake for 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden brown. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes before carefully flipping each pizza with a spatula. This cooling time is essential – it allows the cheese to set slightly, making the flip easier.
Video of How to Make Upside Down Pizza Puff Pastries
Customization Ideas for Pizza Puff Pastries
Do you love to experiment in the kitchen? These upside-down pizzas are incredibly versatile! Here are some combos worth trying:
- Replace the pepperoni with prosciutto or Canadian bacon for a different take on meat lovers’ pizza.
- Add a layer of thinly sliced mushrooms between the pepperoni and cheese for an earthy flavor.
- Sprinkle some red pepper flakes before baking if you enjoy the heat.
- Try different cheeses like fontina, fresh mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Tip: Avoid watery vegetables like fresh tomatoes or zucchini, as they make the pastry soggy. If you want to use vegetables, roast or sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
Scaling Up for a Crowd
Planning a party? These puff pastries are perfect for entertaining! Here’s how to make them for a larger group:
- One standard package of puff pastry (2 sheets) will make eight individual pizzas
- You can prepare the pepperoni bases and cut the puff pastry squares up to 4 hours in advance
- Store the cut puff pastry covered in the refrigerator until ready to use
- For best results, bake them in batches of 4-6 at a time to ensure even cooking
- Keep the first batch warm in a low-temperature oven (200°F) while you bake the rest
This recipe was perfect for movie night when we watched A Goofy Movie and served Hi Dad Soup.
Egg-Free Options
You can still achieve that golden brown crust if you’re allergic to eggs! Here are some excellent alternatives to the egg wash:
- Brush the pastry with melted butter for a rich, golden finish.
- Use milk (dairy or non-dairy) for a similar effect.
- Brush lightly with olive oil.
Any of these alternatives will help achieve that beautiful golden color and help your seasonings stick to the pastry.
All in All
These Upside Down Pizza Puff Pastries are a creative take on everyone’s favorite food. They’re perfect for entertaining because they can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. The combination of crispy pepperoni, melty cheese, and flaky puff pastry creates an irresistible bite that your guests won’t soon forget.
From my kitchen to yours, enjoy this fun twist on pizza! Looking for more creative appetizer ideas? Check out these recipes: