Upside-Down Pastries

Name: Upside-Down Pastries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 sheets puff pastry (thawed according to the package directions, and cut into 6 rectangles each); 1 egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon of water); Caprese; Olive oil; Italian seasoning; 2 Roma tomatoes (sliced crosswise into thin slices (about 1/8-inch thick)); 6 teaspoons basil pesto; 6 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese; Grated parmesan cheese for serving; Balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction for serving; Fresh basil for serving (optional); Peach pie; 2 firm but ripe peaches (pitted and thinly sliced); 6 teaspoons honey; Turbinado or sanding sugar (optional); Powdered sugar for serving; Cream cheese and olive; 6 tablespoons chopped or sliced pimento-stuffed olives; 6 tablespoons cream cheese (regular or plant-based); Freshly ground black pepper

by Robin Miller on June 30, 2026

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Golden puff pastry, nestled over a variety of sweet and savory fillings and baked to flaky perfection. The process is easy, the variations are endless, and the result is a hand-held treat that’s crisp, buttery, and completely addictive.

This recipe was written for the Arizona Republic.

It’s no surprise this unusual baking method has taken the internet by storm. These delightful pastries are as welcome at snack time as they are at an elegant affair so grab a box of frozen pastry, a handful of fillings, and start exploring this viral trend today!

The best part about these upside-down pastries is their versatility. Because the pastry is cooked on top of the filling, it bakes up flawlessly golden and crisp every time, never soggy or flimsy. And you can go in any direction you want, no matter what you’re craving. In the mood for something sweet? Fill your pastry with Nutella and bananas. Or honey and apples. How about a savory option for a cocktail party? Try caramelized onions and thyme. Or little sausages and mustard. There’s no limit to the number of variations you can craft – and it all happens on one sheet pan.

Thaw your puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator. This is the best way to ensure the dough is completely thawed (which prevents breaking) without being gummy. If you forget to thaw your pastry overnight, thaw it at room temperature for about 90 minutes before working with it.

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This is non-negotiable. Since we start by placing the pastry “fillings” directly on the baking sheet, they must be on parchment paper or they will stick. Without the paper, your fillings will be left on the baking sheet when you lift the pastry from the pan.

Use a fork to seal the edges of the pastries. This ensures that your puff pastry doesn’t lift, and it prevents your filling from completely oozing out. Note, some fillings may still trickle out (honey, softer cheeses), so don’t sweat it.

Brush your pastry with an egg wash before baking. An egg wash is a simple combination of egg and water and, when brushed on pastry before baking, it guarantees a polished, golden crust.

Don’t forget seasonings. When making savory pastries, don’t forget the aromatic herbs, salt, and black pepper.

Cool your pastries before flipping. To prevent sticking and to ensure the fillings adhere to the dough, cool your pastries for about 2 minutes before flipping and serving.

Use a flat spatula to flip your pastries. This is especially important for getting under stickier ingredients; you want them on the pastry, not the parchment paper.

Eat your baked pastries as soon as possible. Puff pastry is best when it’s hot and crispy – fresh from the oven. You can prep the pastries up to 12 hours in advance and refrigerate them. But bake just before serving. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them on a baking sheet, in a 300-degree oven, for 10 minutes. You can also reheat your leftover pastries in the air fryer, for about 3 minutes.

Consider the limitless filling options

Fruit. Peaches, apples, pears, nectarines, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries all make great choices. Just add some honey and powdered sugar and your sweet treat is complete.
Vegetables. Try steamed asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled zucchini. Add a sprinkling of parmesan cheese and herbs of choice.
Meat. Consider sliced hot dogs, with cheese, and mustard/ketchup. Or breakfast sausage with maple syrup. Or pepperoni, salami, and/or ham with provolone, Swiss, or cheese of choice. Another great option? Prosciutto, honey, and cantaloupe melon.
Seafood. Try smoked salmon with cream cheese and fresh dill.

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