Buzz
Puff pastry has the magical ability to turn even the simplest ingredients into an extraordinary dish or dessert. Unfortunately, leftover scraps are almost inevitable. This rich, buttery dough doesn’t come cheap, and making it from scratch is no easy feat. Rather than discarding those leftover pieces of laminated pastry treasure, repurpose them into something delightful.
I have an automatic tendency to hold onto leftover pieces of larger ingredients. Even if I don’t have a specific plan, I’ll stash scraps of various kinds in the freezer. After using the initial cuts from puff pastry sheets, whether store-bought or homemade, I always wrap the scraps in parchment paper. (The store-bought variety typically comes in un-waxed paper, so I just reuse that for rolling.) I fold the bundle of scraps in half to save freezer space and because the shape doesn’t matter. Then, I seal them in an airtight bag or container and store them in the freezer until I’m ready to create one of these amazing scrap-based treats.
Crispy spiced croutons
I’m starting with my favorite method for using up puff pastry scraps—it's also one of the quickest. Place the leftover pastry on a cutting surface. If they’re frozen, allow them to sit at room temperature for five minutes. They’ll thaw quickly, but should still be cold when you cut them. Slice the scraps into half-inch pieces. I prefer using a pizza cutter and slice them at random angles until they're all cut to the right size.
Toss the pieces into a medium bowl and lightly drizzle with about a teaspoon of oil. If you have a spray bottle, five spritzes will suffice. The goal isn’t to make them greasy, just enough moisture for the dry seasonings to adhere. Use a fork to toss them around. Add any spices you desire—I like to include salt, cayenne pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and umami powder. Toss again to coat evenly. Spread the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer to prevent them from overlapping. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes. These crispy bits are perfect for topping soups, salads, pastas, or as a savory snack on their own.
Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Monkey Bread
Much like the croutons, this monkey bread starts with tossing puff pastry in dry ingredients—but this time, we make it sweet and shape it differently. Begin by preparing the dough in the same way: cut the thawed puff pastry scraps into small chunks, roughly half to one inch in size. Place the scraps in a bowl and toss with a small amount of oil or melted butter (about a teaspoon). If you have two cups of pastry scraps, sprinkle them with around two tablespoons of white or brown sugar, along with about two teaspoons of cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Toss until well-coated with the sweet mixture.
Depending on how much scrap you have, butter a loaf pan, or prepare individual monkey bread servings by greasing cupcake wells. Fill the baking dish halfway with the sweetened scraps. If there's any leftover sugar from the bowl, sprinkle it over the top. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes, depending on your chosen baking pan. The monkey bread is done when the top is golden and it has risen nicely. Unmold it while still warm, as cold caramel may stick to the pan.
Cheese Straws
If you have long scraps left, why not turn them into delicious cheese straws? This works best with dry, aged cheeses, as they won’t melt too much. Spread about half a cup of shredded parmesan, or any other aged cheese, onto your work surface. Use a knife to mince the cheese into smaller pieces. Take thawed puff pastry scraps, roughly two to five inches long, and roll them in the cheese by pressing gently with your palm. The cheese will stick and become embedded in the pastry. Repeat with all your pastry scraps. For longer pieces, fold them in half after coating with cheese and twist them for a lovely design. Arrange the pieces on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
Gather a large stash of puff pastry scraps in the freezer and transform any of these snacks into bigger creations. The monkey bread, in particular, makes a stunning centerpiece when baked in a bundt pan.
