10 Latin-Inspired Puff Pastry Bites You Can Make in Under 25 Minutes 🍴✨

If you’re looking for quick, delicious, and show-stopping appetizers that bring a little Latin flair to your table, you’ve come to the right place 🍴✨. These 10 puff pastry bites are perfect for parties, holidays, or just a fun weekend snack with family and friends.

Each recipe is designed to be easy, fast, and absolutely delicious, with full ingredients and exact measurements so you can recreate them with confidence. From sweet guava & cream cheese pastelitos to savory chorizo tartlets, there’s a flavor for everyone 😋.

I’ll also share tips, tricks, and alternatives to make these bites even more special, plus ideas for presentation that will make your kitchen feel like a Latin bakery 🥐💖.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these recipes will give you that perfect combination of flaky puff pastry, bold Latin flavors, and easy prep , so you can wow your guests without spending all day in the kitchen 🥳.This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Guava & Cream Cheese Mini Squares (Pastelito Vibes) 🍴✨

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (8 oz / 225 g), thawed 🥐

• 4 oz (115 g) guava paste, cut into small cubes 🍊

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese 🧀

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 🥚

These pastelitos are pure magic in every bite. As they bake, the sweet aroma of guava and creamy cheese mingles with buttery puff pastry, filling your kitchen with a scent that draws everyone in 🥰. Each square has crisp layers on the outside and a soft, gooey center that melts in your mouth like a warm hug.

Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares, place a small cube of guava in the center, and top with a teaspoon of cream cheese. Fold the edges to seal and brush with egg wash for that irresistible bakery shine ✨. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.

Tips & Tricks:

• Chill the puff pastry for 5–10 minutes if it gets too soft; it’s easier to cut and handle.

• Drizzle a little honey or sprinkle powdered sugar after baking for an extra special touch 🍯.

• These can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.

Perfect for brunch, parties, or a sweet snack, every bite balances crisp pastry, sweet guava, and creamy cheese 😋.

Beef Picadillo Puff Pastry Rolls 🌶️🥐

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (8 oz / 225 g), thawed 🥐

• 8 oz (225 g) ground beef 🐄

• 1 small onion, finely diced 🧅

• 1 garlic clove, minced 🧄

• 1/2 small bell pepper, diced 🫑

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato sauce 🍅

• 1/4 tsp ground cumin

• 1/4 tsp paprika

• 1/4 tsp dried oregano

• 3 green olives, sliced 🫒

Savory, spiced beef wrapped in buttery puff pastry — these rolls are like mini empanadas but come together in record time. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft, then add the beef, tomato sauce, and spices. Cook until thickened, then fold in the olives.

Cut the puff pastry into 6 rectangles, spoon in the beef mixture, roll, and tuck the edges underneath. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes until golden.

Tips & Tricks:

• For extra flavor, let the filling cool slightly before rolling so the pastry doesn’t get soggy.

• Swap green olives for raisins for a sweet-savory twist.

• Serve with a little chimichurri or hot sauce on the side 🌶️.

Ham, Swiss & Tostone Mustard Twists 🥪✨

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (8 oz / 225 g), thawed 🥐

• 4 oz (115 g) thinly sliced ham 🍖

• 4 oz (115 g) Swiss cheese, shredded 🧀

• 1 tbsp mustard

• 2 tbsp crushed fried plantains (optional) 🍌

Flaky, buttery twists with ham, Swiss, and mustard — a playful Latin-inspired bite! Lay the ham and cheese on the pastry, lightly spread mustard, cut into strips, and twist into spirals. Sprinkle crushed tostones for extra crunch and Latin flair.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes until golden and puffed.

Tips & Tricks:

• Use Dijon or honey mustard for different flavor profiles.

• These twists are best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.

• Great for brunch or as an elegant snack platter 🥰.

Mini Chorizo & Manchego Tartlets 🌶️🧀

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (8 oz / 225 g), thawed 🥐

• 1/2 cup cooked chorizo, diced 🌶️

• 1/2 cup Manchego cheese, shredded 🧀

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Press squares of puff pastry into a mini muffin pan. Add chorizo and Manchego cheese into each cup. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes. The chorizo oils melt into the pastry while the cheese bubbles up, creating irresistible savory pockets.

Tips & Tricks:

• Swap Manchego for cheddar or pepper jack if needed.

• These tartlets are perfect for parties or tapas nights.

• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for presentation 🌿.
  Serve at parties or brunch with whipped cream cheese spread.

Chicken Reina Pepiada Puff Cups 🥑🐔

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (8 oz / 225 g), cut into mini cups 🥐

• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken 🐔

• 1/2 ripe avocado, mashed 🥑

• 1–2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tsp lime juice 🍋

• 1 tsp chopped cilantro 🌿

Inspired by the Venezuelan classic salad, creamy avocado chicken fills crisp puff pastry cups. Bake cups until golden, then mix chicken with avocado, mayo, lime, and cilantro. Spoon the filling into the cooled cups.

Tips & Tricks:

• Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the filling for extra depth.

• Serve immediately for the best texture; the cups can get slightly soggy if left too long.

• Garnish with a small cilantro leaf for a professional look.

Sweet Plantain & Queso Blanco Rounds 🍌🧀

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (8 oz / 225 g), cut into circles 🥐

• 1 ripe plantain, sliced and lightly fried 🍌

• 1/3 cup queso blanco, crumbled 🧀

• 1 tsp honey (optional) 🍯

Bake pastry circles a few minutes, then top with plantain slices and crumbled cheese. Return to oven until cheese melts and pastry is golden. Drizzle honey if desired.

Tips & Tricks:

• Fry plantains until just golden to avoid sogginess.

• Can be made ahead: assemble and bake just before serving.

• Sprinkle with cinnamon for a sweet-savory twist.

Mojo Pork Puff Pastry Sliders 🐖🔥

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 1 cup cooked shredded mojo pork (leftover or store-bought)

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro

• 1 tablespoon finely diced onion (optional)

• 1 teaspoon orange juice

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Pinch of salt & black pepper

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Mix the shredded mojo pork with cilantro, onion, orange juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything smells bright and savory. Roll out your puff pastry and cut it into small squares slider-sized. Add a spoonful of the pork in the center of each, then top with another square and gently press the edges to seal.

Brush the tops with egg wash to get that gorgeous glossy finish. Bake at 400°F until the pastry puffs tall and turns a deep, beautiful golden brown , usually around 15 minutes. They come out incredibly aromatic and tender inside, crisp outside… the perfect little Latin bite.

Tips & Tricks:

• Use leftover pork for a fast appetizer.

• Serve with extra mojo sauce on the side for dipping.

• Great for casual gatherings or game nights 🥳.

Garlic Shrimp Puff Cups (Camarones al Ajillo) 🍤🧄

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, cut into mini cups 🥐

• 1 cup medium shrimp, chopped 🍤

• 2 tbsp butter 🧈

• 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋

Bake puff pastry cups until golden. Sauté shrimp in butter, garlic, and paprika, then spoon into cups. Drizzle with lemon juice.

Tips & Tricks:

• Don’t overcook shrimp; it only needs 2–3 minutes.

• Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat 🔥.

• Garnish with chopped parsley for color.

Black Bean & Cotija Mini Empanaditas 🥙🖤

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (8 oz / 225 g), cut into circles 🥐

• 1 cup black beans, mashed 🖤

• 1/4 cup onion, sautéed 🧅

• 1/4 cup cotija cheese 🧀

• 1/2 tsp cumin

Mix the mashed black beans with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cotija, and cilantro until everything is combined and soft but still a little textured. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small circles or squares. Add a small spoonful of the bean mixture to the center of each piece, then fold and seal the edges with a fork.

Brush the tops with egg wash and bake at 400°F until golden, puffed, and crisp ,  about 14–16 minutes. If you want a bright pop of flavor, squeeze a touch of lime on top right before serving.

Tips & Tricks:

• Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick 🌶️.

• Serve with salsa or guacamole on the side.

• Vegetarian-friendly but loved by everyone.

Dulce de Leche & Banana Puff Spirals 🍌🍯

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (8 oz / 225 g) 🥐

• 3 tbsp dulce de leche 🍯

• 1 banana, thinly sliced 🍌

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Spread a thin layer of dulce de leche over the puff pastry, stopping just before the edges so it doesn’t spill out as it bakes. Add the banana slices in a single layer, sprinkle with cinnamon, and roll the pastry up tightly into a log. Slice into little spirals , about an inch thick and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Brush the tops with egg wash and bake at 400°F until they’re puffed, golden, and the dulce de leche is bubbling around the edges, usually 12–15 minutes. Serve warm, and if you want to make them completely irresistible, finish with a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of dulce de leche.

Tips & Tricks:

• Use firm, slightly underripe bananas for less mushiness.

• Drizzle more dulce de leche after baking for a decadent touch.

• Perfect for dessert or a sweet brunch treat 😋.

final thoughts

These puff pastry bites prove that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to impress your guests 🎉. Sweet or savory, each bite is packed with flavor, texture, and a little Latin flair.

Remember: presentation matters. Golden puff pastry, a light drizzle, or a garnish can make your appetizers look professional and irresistible 😍.

So grab your puff pastry sheets, gather your ingredients, and get ready to serve these 10 Latin-inspired appetizers that will disappear fast at any party 🥳✨.

Related Stories