Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet sophisticated. The contrast between the creamy goats cheese, the sweetness of quince paste, and the savory turkey makes each bite burst with flavor. Using puff pastry means there’s no fussing over dough — I just bake, top, and serve. They’re quick, classy, and guaranteed to impress guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 sheet frozen ready-rolled puff pastry, just thawed
Goats cheese, softened
Quince paste
Turkey breast, shaved
1 fresh continental parsley sprig

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 220°C.

2. I cut a just-thawed sheet of frozen ready-rolled puff pastry into 5 cm squares.

3. I arrange the pastry squares on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

4. I bake for about 5 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

5. I remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.

6. Once cooled, I top each square with a small spoonful of softened goats cheese, followed by a thin slice of quince paste.

7. I place a small fold of shaved turkey breast on top and garnish with a fresh parsley sprig.

8. I serve immediately and enjoy the perfect blend of crisp pastry, creamy cheese, and sweet-salty topping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 16 puffs. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to cook, for a total of 15 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick appetizer or an elegant party platter.

Variations

I sometimes switch up the flavors by using brie or cream cheese instead of goats cheese. Fig jam or cranberry sauce can replace quince paste for a different kind of sweetness. If I want to make it vegetarian, I skip the turkey and top with caramelized onions or roasted capsicum instead. For a festive touch, I drizzle a little honey or balsamic glaze just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I like to serve these fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To refresh them, I reheat the pastry briefly in a 180°C oven for 3–4 minutes before adding the toppings again. I don’t recommend freezing once assembled, as the cheese and quince paste soften the pastry.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I can bake the pastry squares in advance and store them in an airtight container. I add the toppings just before serving.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Cream cheese, ricotta, or even feta all work beautifully.

Can I replace quince paste?

Yes, fig paste, cranberry relish, or even apricot jam are great substitutes.

How do I stop the pastry from going soggy?

I let it cool completely before adding any toppings and avoid overloading it with cheese or paste.

Can I serve these warm?

Yes, they’re delicious slightly warm — I just let the pastry cool a little so the cheese doesn’t melt too much.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Definitely! I skip the turkey and add roasted vegetables or olives for a veggie version.

Can I use mini puff pastry shells instead?

Yes, pre-made mini pastry cups work perfectly and save even more time.

What’s the best way to soften goats cheese?

I let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before using so it spreads easily.

Can I use leftover turkey?

Yes, it’s a great way to use up holiday turkey slices.

Can I make these bite-sized for parties?

Yes, I cut the pastry into 3 cm squares for smaller, one-bite canapés.

Conclusion

These Goats Cheese and Turkey Puffs with Quince Paste are the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and savory — all nestled on buttery, flaky pastry. I love how quick they are to make yet how elegant they look on a platter. Whether I’m hosting a party or just want a simple yet impressive snack, these little puffs never fail to delight. Every bite is rich, balanced, and completely irresistible.