Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is a light, flaky, and buttery dough that is a staple in both sweet and savory baking. Made from layers of dough and butter, it is meticulously rolled and folded multiple times to create its signature airy texture. When baked, the moisture in the butter turns to steam, causing the layers to puff up and separate, resulting in a crisp, delicate pastry with hundreds of tender layers. Puff pastry is incredibly versatile and can be used to create everything from classic French desserts like mille-feuille and palmiers to savory appetizers such as cheese straws, tarts, and turnovers. Available pre-made in most grocery stores, puff pastry saves time in the kitchen while still delivering an impressive and delicious result. For best results, keep it cold before using and handle it gently to preserve its flaky layers.

Puff pastry is typically found in the frozen foods section of most grocery stores. Look for it in the aisle where frozen desserts, pie crusts, and ready-to-bake doughs are located—often near items like frozen pie shells, phyllo dough, and frozen bread products. Puff pastry is usually sold in a rectangular box, and you might find it in sheets or sometimes as ready-to-bake cups or shells. Be sure to check the packaging for whether it contains butter or uses vegetable shortening, as there can be flavor differences. If you’re shopping at a specialty or natural foods store, you may also find puff pastry in the refrigerated section alongside fresh doughs and specialty baking ingredients. Remember to let puff pastry thaw according to package directions before using it in your recipe for best results.