TikTok's Upside-Down Puff Pastry Hack Is the Easiest Way to Make Dessert

Upside-down puff pastry treats have gone viral on TikTok, and for good reason. They’re super easy and affordable to make with grocery store ingredients, and are hyper versatile for nearly any occasion. Put simply, these creations are pastries made by adhering any filling to parchment paper with a dollop of honey (or something just as sticky) and then placing a blanket of puff pastry over said filling. Once baked, the treats can be turned right side-up and enjoyed as normal.

The recipe works with both sweet and savory combinations, so it’s (almost) endlessly modifiable for your favorite flavors. Try transforming your favorite pies, sandwiches, and more using just a few ingredients and one pan. Better yet, you can make a whole spread of appetizers, snacks, or even a brunch on a single sheet pan cooked consistently at a single temperature. It tastes homemade, and is just as easy as preparing a meal kit! Here’s how to make TikTok's upside-down puff pastries.

TikTok’s Upside-Down Caramelized Pastry Recipe

As you’ll see, all you need to make this viral recipe is an egg, some kitchen staples, and the fillings of your choice. Follow the recipe below for wow-worthy pastries in minutes:

• 1 box puff pastry, defrosted if frozen
• ½ cup honey 
• 1–2 cups desired fillings 
• 1 egg, beaten for egg wash

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. Prepare your toppings, such as thinly sliced fruits, like apples or strawberries, thinly sliced meats, such as prosciutto or bacon, and/or melty cheese, like sliced Brie or goat cheese.
3. Cut one package of puff pastry sheets into 6 rectangles (three per sheet). 
4. Next, drizzle honey on the baking sheet, spacing out honey drizzles to be at the center of each rectangle of puff pastry. 
5. Lie the fruit or meat topping on the drizzles of honey, top with cheese, if desired, and press a rectangle of puff pastry on top.
6. Brush with an egg wash. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-18 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden. Remove from the oven and rest for a few minutes before removing the pastries from the sheet and flipping to see all the caramelized filling. 
7. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
   

Upside-Down Pastry Variations

This method lends itself to countless variations and flavor combinations. Consider making a salad-inspired pastry, using tomato, basil, and mozzarella for Caprese; sliced beets and goat cheese; or kale, Parmesan, and anchovies for a riff on a classic Caesar. You can also make a melty cheese plate-inspired spread with combos including berries and Brie, sharp Cheddar and apple, Manchego and figs or fig spread, strawberries and feta, and more. Use bacon, cheese and soft scrambled eggs for a breakfast-flavored pastry, and top the egg wash with everything bagel seasoning. 

You can brush pestos, tapenades, and condiments on the inner side of the puff pastry to add another layer of flavor to your treat. Pretty much anything you’d spread on a crostini works here, but maybe skip the avocado or anything best served cold. 

Instead of a honey drizzle, you could use hot honey, maple syrup, or a thin layer of brown sugar for a similar caramelized effect. You can also use a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a more savory creation, or use olive oil if you’re not looking to add sweetness. Parmesan cheese also works well as a first layer, and you can add small cut vegetables on top (such as sliced cherry tomatoes or zucchini spears) for a crisp result.

If you want a pie-style treat, use this same method, but with pre-made pie crust.

You can also achieve a similar result with phyllo dough, which must be layered with butter or olive oil in between, making it crispier and attractive to serve, but a bit more labor intensive to prepare. 

If you’re cooking for one, just make a single puff pastry turnover in your toaster oven!