Salami and Cheese Pastry Pockets

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and utterly satisfying snack or meal, look no further than these Salami and Cheese Pastry Pockets. Crispy golden pastry filled with melty cheese and savory salami—what’s not to love? These pockets are perfect for when you need a handheld meal that’s both comforting and flavorful, whether for lunch, dinner, or an appetizer for a gathering. The best part? They come together in no time at all, with minimal prep and simple ingredients.

This recipe has become one of my go-to quick meals when I’m craving something savory but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. You can bake them ahead of time, freeze them for later, or even make them into mini versions for party snacks. They’re just so versatile, and they always hit the spot.

The idea for these little pockets came from my love for both pizza and the satisfying crunch of puff pastry. It’s a fun way to combine two classic flavors—salami and cheese—into something easy and finger-food friendly. If you’ve got puff pastry in the fridge and a few simple ingredients on hand, you can whip these up in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfectly crispy – Puff pastry delivers that irresistible, buttery crunch with every bite.
• Savory and satisfying – A winning combination of salty salami and melty cheese inside.
• Customizable – You can swap out the salami for pepperoni, ham, or even a veggie filling.
• Great for meal prep – Make a batch ahead of time and keep them in the fridge or freezer.
• Crowd-pleasing – Whether it’s for a family dinner or a party, these are always a hit.
• No special equipment needed – Just a baking sheet, pastry, and a sharp knife.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Puff pastry – The star of the show. You’ll need one sheet (or more, depending on how many pockets you want to make). Puff pastry makes the pockets light and flaky, but if you’re short on time, store-bought pastry is a life-saver.

Salami – About 4 ounces, sliced thin. You can use regular or spicy salami, depending on your preference. You could also swap it out for pepperoni or prosciutto for a twist.

Cheese – Go for a melty cheese like mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar. Mozzarella is my go-to for this recipe because it melts so perfectly and pairs well with the salami.

Cream cheese – A little bit of cream cheese helps bind the filling together and adds a creamy richness. It’s optional, but I think it really enhances the texture and flavor.

Mustard (optional) – A thin spread of mustard inside each pocket adds an extra kick. You can use Dijon or spicy mustard for a little zing.

Egg wash – For that gorgeous golden-brown finish, you’ll brush the tops of the pockets with a beaten egg before baking. It adds that extra shine and a slight crispness.

Salt & pepper – Just a pinch to season the filling.

Fresh herbs (optional) – Fresh parsley or basil can be used to garnish the pockets once they’re baked for a burst of color and flavor.

(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Prepare the puff pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your puff pastry is frozen, make sure to let it thaw for about 10 minutes so it’s easier to work with. Roll out the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into squares or rectangles (depending on how big or small you want your pockets).

Step 2: Prepare the filling
In a bowl, combine the sliced salami, shredded cheese, and cream cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like, spread a thin layer of mustard onto each square of pastry to add a little tangy flavor. Don’t overfill the pockets—about 1–2 tablespoons of the filling per square should be perfect.

Step 3: Assemble the pockets
Place the salami and cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over to create a triangle or rectangle shape, depending on your cut. Press the edges together to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges and make them extra secure. This will help keep all the cheesy goodness inside while they bake.

Step 4: Brush with egg wash
To get that beautiful golden color, lightly brush the top of each pocket with a beaten egg. This step is optional, but it makes all the difference for presentation and texture. You can also sprinkle a little salt on top for added flavor.

Step 5: Bake
Place the prepared pastry pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them toward the end, as puff pastry can brown quickly. Once they’re golden and crispy, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

Step 6: Serve
Serve the salami and cheese pastry pockets warm, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. They’re fantastic on their own, but you can also dip them in marinara sauce, mustard, or even a creamy ranch dressing.

Helpful Tips

Make them ahead of time: These pastry pockets are great for meal prep. You can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just make sure they’re wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Vary the fillings: The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can swap the salami for pepperoni, ham, or even a veggie option like spinach and feta. If you’re a fan of spicy foods, try adding some jalapeño slices or hot sauce to the filling for a kick!

No cream cheese? If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can skip it entirely, or substitute it with ricotta cheese or a bit of sour cream. This will still help bind the filling but with a slightly different flavor.

Serving suggestion: These pockets are great on their own, but they’re also amazing when served alongside a fresh salad or a cup of tomato soup for dipping. For a fun party platter, serve them with different dipping sauces like BBQ sauce, ranch, or a tangy mustard sauce.

Don’t overstuff: When adding the filling to the pastry, be careful not to overstuff the pockets. Puff pastry puffs up and expands in the oven, so leaving a bit of room around the edges will help the pockets bake evenly and ensure that the filling stays inside.

Gluten-free option: If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry at your local grocery store or specialty food market. You can make this recipe completely gluten-free by substituting the pastry and ensuring that the salami and cheese are also gluten-free (most are, but always check labels).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pockets up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake, or freeze them for up to a month and bake from frozen.

Can I freeze the pastry pockets?
Definitely! After assembling the pockets, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can cook them straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Cheddar, provolone, or gouda all work beautifully in this recipe. Just pick a cheese that melts well. If you want to go for something a little more exciting, try a smoked cheese or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra flavor boost.

How can I make these more kid-friendly?
If you’re making these for kids (or picky eaters), feel free to leave out any mustard or spicy elements. You can also swap the salami for a milder protein like ham or turkey, and use plain mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a simple, non-spicy option.

What’s the best way to reheat these?
To keep the pastry crispy, reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If you’re in a rush, a microwave will work, but the pastry won’t stay as crispy. Reheating in the oven or a toaster oven will keep the pockets flaky and delicious.

Quick & Tasty Handheld Delight

I make these Salami and Cheese Pastry Pockets all the time for lunch, snack time, or even when I need a last-minute dinner. They’re super satisfying, flavorful, and fun to eat. The best part is that they’re endlessly customizable, so you can make them your own. Whether you stick with the classic salami and cheese or add your twist, these pockets are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Try them next time you’re craving something crispy and savory, and let me know how they turn out! You can even share your own variations—whether you add more fillings or dip them in your favorite sauce. Drop a comment below or tag me if you give them a try—I’d love to hear what you think!