These Savory Pork Puff Pastries are packed with tender pulled pork, smoky BBQ sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, all tucked into golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or just because you need something delicious in your life.
You know those accidental kitchen wins? The ones where you throw some random ingredients together and somehow—against all odds—it turns into something amazing? That’s exactly how these Savory Pork Puff Pastries came to life in my house.
It all started with leftovers. We had pulled pork from the night before, and I knew if I just put it on a plate again, I’d get that “Ugh, this again?” look from my family. Not happening. I needed to make it feel new.
Then I spotted a box of puff pastry in the freezer, and suddenly, I had a plan. Pork, BBQ sauce, cheddar—wrapped up in pastry and baked until golden brown? I figured, worst-case scenario, I’d still be eating cheese and puff pastry, and that’s never a bad thing.
Fast forward 20 minutes, and I’m standing in the kitchen, watching my family inhale these little pastries like they hadn’t eaten in days. The tray? Wiped clean. I barely got one for myself. Now, anytime I make pulled pork, I intentionally set some aside because these have become a must-have snack.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Pork Puff Pastries Recipe?
- Ridiculously easy. This recipe makes you look like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen, but in reality, it’s almost too easy.
- Leftover hero. If you’ve got pulled pork sitting in your fridge, this is the best way to give it a whole new life.
- That crispy, flaky, cheesy bite. The crunch of golden puff pastry + the meltiness of cheddar + the smoky, tangy BBQ pork? You already know it’s good.
- Versatile AF. Serve them at a party, eat them for lunch, snack on them while standing at the counter (guilty).
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s the deal. Every ingredient in this recipe has a job. No freeloaders here.
- Puff Pastry – Buttery, flaky, and instantly makes any dish feel fancier than it is.
- Pulled Pork – Juicy, tender, and full of flavor. If yours is a little dry, add extra BBQ sauce.
- BBQ Sauce – The smoky-sweet-tangy sauce ties everything together. Choose your fave!
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar adds a bold, creamy bite that works beautifully with the pork.
- Egg + Water – The egg wash is what gives these pastries that perfect golden color. Don’t skip it.
Pro Tip: Want to mix it up? Swap cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
How To Make Savory Pork Puff Pastries?
This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but takes almost zero effort. Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Prep Like a Boss
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with
parchment paper —because scrubbing baked-on cheese is not how you want to spend your evening. - Roll out the defrosted puff pastry and cut each sheet into 9 squares (you should end up with 18 total).
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix together the pulled pork and BBQ sauce until the pork is evenly coated. If it looks dry, add a little extra sauce—nobody wants sad, dry pastries.
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Step 3: Assemble the Pastries
- Take a square of puff pastry and place a spoonful of BBQ pork in the center.
- Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top—don’t be shy.
- Fold the corners over the filling to create a little pocket. Press the edges lightly to help them stay closed.
- Arrange them on your baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each one so they have room to puff up.
Step 4: Egg Wash & Bake
- Whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of water, then brush it over the tops of the pastries.
- Pop them in the oven for 15–18 minutes until they’re golden brown and beautifully puffed.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before taking a bite—because molten cheese burns are real.
And just like that, you’ve got crispy, cheesy, BBQ-filled perfection.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze before baking! Place them on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
- Reheat: Pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp them back up. Microwaving works too, but you’ll lose some crispiness.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to tweak the recipe:
- Make it spicy. Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the pork.
- Go cheesy. Swap cheddar for smoked gouda, pepper jack, or even blue cheese.
- Different meat? Try shredded chicken, brisket, or even bacon.
- Veggie option. Caramelized onions, mushrooms, and spinach make a killer meat-free version.
What to Serve with Savory Pork Puff Pastries?
These little flavor bombs are amazing on their own, but if you want to make them part of a bigger meal, try pairing them with:
- Dipping Sauces – Extra BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch.
- Fresh Salad – A simple mixed greens salad with balsamic dressing balances out the richness.
- Coleslaw – The tangy crunch works perfectly with the buttery pastry.
- Soup – Think tomato soup or creamy potato soup for the ultimate cozy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them, pop them in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready.
Why didn’t my puff pastry rise properly?
It was probably too warm before baking. Puff pastry needs to be cold when it goes into the oven!
Can I use store-bought pulled pork?
Yep! Just mix in a little extra BBQ sauce if it’s dry.
Listen, I could go on and on about how good these Savory Pork Puff Pastries are, but the only way to really get it is to make them yourself. They’re flaky, cheesy, packed with flavor, and honestly? They just hit different.
So tell me—what’s your favorite thing to stuff in puff pastry? Drop a comment below, and let’s swap ideas!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Savory Pork Puff Pastries
Ingredients
- 1 17.3-ounces package puff pastry, defrosted
- ¾ lb pulled pork
- ¾ c BBQ sauce
- 1¼ c shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 400ºF and lining baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Take the defrosted puff pastry. Cut each sheet into 9 squares.
- Combine the pork, with BBQ sauce then evenly distribute the pork and cheese onto the pastry squares.
- Fold over the corners of each square to enclose the filling and seal the edges. Arrange them on the baking sheets.
- In a bowl beat an egg. Add water. Brush this mixture onto each pastry square.
- Place in the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. You can serve them either warm or cooled.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
