Paul Hollywood Party Food: 19 Flaky British Pastry Bites for Holiday Gatherings

Paul Hollywood party food is all about flaky, golden pastry, and this is the week to bake it. Pastry Week is expected on The Great British Bake Off (The Great British Baking Show on Netflix in the US), with savory pies in the signature challenge. Paul’s own sausage roll video has close to 900,000 views. We turned his favorite pastry classics, plus a few more British bites, into easy party food for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. Most can be made ahead and frozen, so December gets easier. Preheat the oven..

Paul Hollywood Party Food: The Pastry Platter

On Bake Off, Paul Hollywood can spot soggy pastry from across the tent. These are the flaky party bites that would earn the famous handshake, and most can be frozen now for December. Start by building a big pastry platter: a few of each bite below, a bowl of grainy mustard and some chutney..

You will need: A selection of the bites below (about 6 pieces per guest), 1 jar grainy mustard, 1 jar onion or tomato chutney, cornichons, a large wooden board, fresh rosemary sprigs.

How to make it: 1. Pick 4 or 5 bites from this list, mixing meat, cheese and vegetarian options. 2. Bake the freezer-friendly ones straight from frozen on the day. 3. Warm the others in a 350 F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. 4. Arrange them in rows on a big board. 5. Add small bowls of mustard, chutney and pickles. 6. Tuck in rosemary sprigs and serve warm.

Paul Hollywood Party Food Star: Sausage Rolls

Paul’s video on how to make the best sausage rolls has close to 900,000 views on his own YouTube channel, and it is easy to see why. Seasoned pork wrapped in flaky pastry, brushed with egg and baked until deep golden is the ultimate British party bite. Cut them small for a buffet. Freeze them unbaked on a tray, then bake straight from frozen. Ketchup, mustard or brown sauce?

You will need: 1 lb pork sausage meat, 1 small onion (grated), 1 tsp dried sage, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs, 1 package (2 sheets, about 17 oz) all-butter puff pastry (thawed), 1 egg (beaten), sesame seeds.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet. 2. Mix the sausage meat, onion, sage, pepper and breadcrumbs. 3. Cut each pastry sheet in half lengthwise and lay a log of filling down each strip. 4. Brush the edge with egg, fold over and seal with a fork. 5. Cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces, brush with egg and sprinkle with sesame. 6. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until puffed, deep golden and cooked through.

Sausage Plait for a Crowd

A sausage plait is the family-size version of a sausage roll, and it looks amazing on a holiday table. The filling goes down the middle of a pastry sheet, the sides are cut into strips, and you fold them over like a braid. Slice it into thick pieces at the party. A spoon of onion chutney in the filling makes it extra special. Would you rather slice your own or grab a ready-made bite?

You will need: 1 lb pork sausage meat, 1 apple (grated), 2 tbsp onion chutney, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry, 1 egg (beaten), sesame seeds.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F. 2. Mix the sausage meat, apple, chutney and thyme. 3. Lay the pastry on a lined sheet and shape the filling into a log down the middle third. 4. Cut the sides into 1-inch diagonal strips. 5. Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides, to make a braid. 6. Brush with egg, sprinkle with sesame and bake 30 to 35 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Cheese Straws in 20 Minutes

Cheese straws are the easiest Paul Hollywood party food style bite you can make, and they disappear first. Sprinkle a sheet of puff pastry with sharp cheddar, parmesan and a pinch of paprika, fold, roll, cut into strips and twist. They bake in about 12 minutes and keep for days in a tin. Make a double batch, because people will snack on them all evening. Straight or twisted?

You will need: 1 package (2 sheets, about 17 oz) all-butter puff pastry (thawed), 1 egg (beaten), 1 cup finely grated sharp cheddar, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and line two baking sheets. 2. Brush the pastry with egg and sprinkle half of it with the cheeses and spices. 3. Fold the plain half over and roll lightly to seal. 4. Cut into 1/2 inch strips. 5. Twist each strip and lay on the sheets, pressing the ends down. 6. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.

Paul Hollywood Party Food: Mini Pork Pies

Pork pies are a Paul specialty: he has taught hot water crust pastry on Bake Off and baked a pork pie on his Pies and Puds show. The dough is made with boiling water and lard or butter, so it is easy to mold by hand. Mini versions baked in a muffin tin are perfect for a party platter with pickles and mustard. Hot water crust: have you ever tried it?

You will need: Pastry: 3 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 cup water, 1/3 cup lard or butter, 1 egg (beaten). Filling: 1 lb ground pork, 4 oz diced bacon, 1/2 tsp sage, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin. 2. Mix the filling ingredients. 3. Bring the water and lard to a boil, pour into the flour and salt, and mix into a dough. 4. While warm, press two thirds of the dough into the cups and fill with the meat. 5. Top with lids from the rest, seal, cut a small hole and brush with egg. 6. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until golden and the filling reaches 160 F.

Paul Hollywood Party Food Classic: Scotch Eggs, Halved

A Scotch egg is a soft-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, rolled in breadcrumbs and cooked until crisp. For a party, halve them so everyone sees the bright yolk. This oven-baked version skips the deep fryer, which is easier and safer at home. They are great warm or cold, and they travel well to potlucks. Jammy yolk or firm yolk?

You will need: 6 eggs plus 1 for coating, 1 1/2 lb pork sausage meat, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp mustard powder, 1/2 cup flour, 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs, cooking spray.

How to make it: 1. Boil 6 eggs for 6 1/2 minutes, then cool in ice water and peel. 2. Heat the oven to 400 F. 3. Mix the sausage with parsley and mustard and divide into 6. 4. Flatten each portion and wrap it around an egg. 5. Roll in flour, then beaten egg, then panko, and spray with oil. 6. Bake 25 minutes, turning once, until golden and the sausage is cooked through, then halve.

Pigs in Blankets, British Style

In Britain, pigs in blankets are little sausages wrapped in bacon, but at an American party everyone loves the pastry version. These mini sausages wrapped in flaky puff pastry with a little mustard are the bite that kids and grown-ups fight over. Assemble them a day ahead and keep them chilled, then bake right before guests arrive. Pastry or bacon wrap?

You will need: 24 cocktail sausages, 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry, 2 tbsp Dijon or honey mustard, 1 egg (beaten), flaky salt, everything seasoning (optional).

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet. 2. Cut the pastry into 24 thin strips. 3. Brush each strip with a little mustard. 4. Wrap a strip around each sausage, seam side down. 5. Brush with egg and sprinkle with salt or seasoning. 6. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until golden and puffed.

Paul Hollywood Party Food: Cornish Pasty Bites

Paul shared his classic Cornish pasty during Pastry Week on the very first series of Bake Off, and the dish is so famous that a Bon Appetit video recreating his pasties from taste has passed 3 million views. A traditional pasty has beef, potato, rutabaga and onion in a crimped pastry case. Make mini ones for a party and serve them warm. Would you call this a pasty or a hand pie?

You will need: Pastry: 3 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 cup cold butter, 1/2 cup cold water. Filling: 8 oz beef skirt or chuck (finely diced), 1 small potato, 1/2 cup rutabaga, 1 small onion (all finely diced), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 egg (beaten).

How to make it: 1. Rub the butter into the flour and salt, add water to form a dough and chill 30 minutes. 2. Heat the oven to 375 F. 3. Mix the beef, vegetables, salt and pepper. 4. Roll the pastry and cut 4-inch circles. 5. Spoon filling in the center, fold into half moons and crimp the edges. 6. Brush with egg and bake 30 to 35 minutes until golden.

Mini Scotch Pies

Paul made the Scotch pie on his show Paul Hollywood’s Pies and Puds, and it is one of Scotland’s best loved snacks. A crisp hot water crust case holds spiced ground lamb or beef, with a raised rim that leaves room for gravy or beans. Mini ones are fun for a game day or Hogmanay party. Serve them warm with brown sauce. Lamb or beef?

You will need: Hot water crust pastry (as in the pork pie slide), 1 lb ground lamb or beef, 1/2 tsp ground mace or nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 2 tbsp beef stock, 1 egg (beaten).

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin. 2. Mix the meat with mace, salt, pepper and stock. 3. Press warm pastry into the cups, leaving a little above the rim. 4. Fill two thirds full with meat. 5. Top with pastry lids set slightly below the rim, cut a hole and brush with egg. 6. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until golden and the meat reaches 160 F.

Cheese and Onion Pasties

Cheese and onion pasties are the vegetarian Paul Hollywood party food option, a favorite in British bakeries, and they are perfect for a mixed crowd. Sharp cheddar, soft cooked onion and a little potato make a creamy, savory filling in flaky pastry. Use store-bought puff pastry to keep it quick. Bake a tray and watch them vanish. Would you choose these or the meat pasties?

You will need: 2 sheets all-butter puff pastry, 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar, 1 large onion (sliced), 1 medium potato (boiled and diced), 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp mustard, 1 egg (beaten), salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Cook the onion in the butter 10 minutes until soft, then cool. 2. Mix with the cheese, potato, mustard, salt and pepper. 3. Heat the oven to 400 F. 4. Cut the pastry into 4-inch squares. 5. Fill, fold into triangles and seal with a fork. 6. Brush with egg and bake 20 minutes until puffed and golden.

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Pinwheels are the fastest Paul Hollywood party food style bite there is. Spread puff pastry with a thin layer of mustard, scatter ham and cheese, roll it up and slice. Chill the log before slicing so the rounds stay neat. They can be frozen as a log and sliced and baked when you need them. Want more easy bites? See holiday appetizers your guests will talk about. Ham and cheddar or turkey and Swiss?

You will need: 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 6 slices deli ham, 1 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss, 1 egg (beaten), 1 tsp dried thyme.

How to make it: 1. Unroll the pastry and spread with mustard. 2. Layer the ham and cheese, leaving a small border. 3. Roll up tightly from the long side and chill 20 minutes. 4. Heat the oven to 400 F. 5. Slice into 1/2 inch rounds and lay on a lined sheet. 6. Brush with egg, sprinkle with thyme and bake 15 to 18 minutes until golden.

Chicken and Mushroom Vol-au-Vents

Vol-au-vents were the height of elegance at 1970s British parties, and they are making a comeback. Buttery puff pastry cases are filled with a creamy chicken and mushroom sauce, and you can use ready-made cases to save time. Fill them at the last minute so the pastry stays crisp. Retro party food, yes or no?

You will need: 12 ready-made puff pastry cases (or cut from 1 sheet), 1 cup cooked chicken (finely diced), 4 oz mushrooms (chopped), 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp flour, 3/4 cup milk, 2 tbsp cream, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Bake the pastry cases according to the package until golden. 2. Cook the mushrooms in the butter 5 minutes. 3. Stir in the flour, then whisk in the milk and simmer until thick. 4. Add the chicken, cream and parsley and season. 5. Spoon into the warm cases just before serving. 6. Garnish with a little more parsley.

Mini Quiche Lorraine

Mini quiche Lorraine are the perfect two-bite party food, and they are the kind of savory bake Bake Off contestants are always judged on. Bacon, Gruyere and a silky egg custard fill little pastry cases made in a muffin tin. Use store-bought pie dough to keep it simple. They reheat beautifully, so bake them the day before. Bacon or veggie?

You will need: 2 rounds pie dough, 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled), 1 cup grated Gruyere, 3 eggs, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 tsp salt, a pinch of nutmeg, chives.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. 2. Cut circles of dough and press into the cups. 3. Divide the bacon and cheese among the cups. 4. Whisk the eggs, cream, milk, salt and nutmeg. 5. Pour into the cups until almost full. 6. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until set and golden, and top with chives.

Spinach and Feta Pastry Triangles

Spinach and feta triangles bring a fresh, green bite to a heavy party table. Wilted spinach, salty feta and a little dill wrap up in flaky pastry and bake until crisp. Phyllo is traditional, but puff pastry is easier for beginners. Make them ahead and freeze unbaked. Do you love feta?

You will need: 1 lb frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), 1 cup crumbled feta, 1/2 cup ricotta, 1 egg, 2 green onions (chopped), 1 tbsp chopped dill, 2 sheets puff pastry, 1 egg (beaten) for brushing.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F. 2. Mix the spinach, feta, ricotta, egg, onions and dill. 3. Cut the pastry into 3-inch squares. 4. Add a spoon of filling to each and fold into triangles, pressing the edges. 5. Brush with egg. 6. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden.

Yorkshire Pudding Bites With Roast Beef

Mini Yorkshire puddings topped with roast beef and horseradish cream are British Paul Hollywood party food at its best. Bake the little puddings in a mini muffin tin, then fill them with thin slices of rare beef. They are like a whole Sunday roast in one bite. Store-bought deli roast beef makes them quick. Horseradish: mild or strong?

You will need: 1 cup flour, 3 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp oil, 8 oz thinly sliced roast beef, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp prepared horseradish, chives.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the flour, eggs, milk and salt and rest 30 minutes. 2. Heat the oven to 450 F with a little oil in each cup of a 24-cup mini muffin tin. 3. Fill the hot cups halfway with batter. 4. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and golden. 5. Mix the sour cream and horseradish. 6. Top each pudding with beef, a dab of cream and chives.

Brie and Cranberry Puff Bites

This is the most festive Paul Hollywood party food bite on the list, and it takes ten minutes of work. Little squares of puff pastry are pressed into a mini muffin tin, filled with a cube of brie and a spoon of cranberry sauce, then baked until bubbly. It is a perfect use for leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce. Sweet and savory together: are you in?

You will need: 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry, 8 oz brie (cut into 24 cubes), 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, 2 tbsp chopped pecans, fresh thyme leaves.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. 2. Cut the pastry into 24 squares and press into the cups. 3. Add a cube of brie to each. 4. Top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a few pecans. 5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and bubbly. 6. Sprinkle with thyme and serve warm.

Cheese Scones

Warm cheese scones are the cozy Paul Hollywood party food choice: pure British comfort, and a great savory option for a holiday brunch or tea. Sharp cheddar, a pinch of mustard powder and a little cayenne give them a kick. Do not overwork the dough and they will rise tall. Make them small for a party platter. Butter or cream cheese?

You will need: 2 cups self-rising flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp mustard powder, a pinch of cayenne, 1/2 tsp salt, 4 tbsp cold butter, 1 cup grated sharp cheddar, 2/3 cup milk, 1 egg (beaten).

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet. 2. Mix the flour, baking powder, mustard, cayenne and salt. 3. Rub in the butter, then stir in most of the cheese. 4. Add the milk and mix into a soft dough. 5. Pat 3/4 inch thick, cut small rounds and brush with egg. 6. Top with the last of the cheese and bake 12 to 15 minutes until risen and golden.

Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

A puff pastry Christmas tree is the showstopper of any holiday buffet, and it is easier than it looks. Spread pesto and parmesan between two sheets of pastry, cut a tree shape, slice the branches and twist each one. Guests pull off a branch and dip it in warm marinara. It is the kind of fun bake that would steal the show at any Paul Hollywood party food table. Would you make it?

You will need: 2 sheets all-butter puff pastry, 1/3 cup basil pesto, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1 egg (beaten), warm marinara sauce for dipping.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and line a large sheet. 2. Spread one pastry sheet with pesto and parmesan. 3. Top with the second sheet and cut a large triangle tree shape with a small trunk. 4. Cut branches from each side toward the middle, leaving a center strip. 5. Twist each branch 2 or 3 times and brush with egg. 6. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden and serve with marinara.

Paul Hollywood Party Food Rules for Perfect Pastry

Want the handshake? Keep everything cold, from butter to hands, so the layers stay flaky. Always brush with egg for that shiny golden finish. Bake on a hot sheet so the bottoms are crisp, never soggy, the fear of every Bake Off baker. And freeze bites unbaked, then bake from frozen with a few extra minutes. Want to bake along? Read this week’s Bake Off theme.

You will need: Quick rough puff: 2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup cold butter (cut into small cubes), about 1/2 cup ice water.

How to make it: 1. Mix the flour and salt, then toss in the cold butter cubes so they stay in lumps. 2. Add ice water a little at a time to make a rough dough. 3. Roll into a rectangle, fold in thirds like a letter and turn a quarter turn. 4. Repeat the roll and fold 4 times, chilling 15 minutes after every 2 folds. 5. Wrap and chill 30 minutes before using. 6. Use in any recipe here in place of store-bought puff pastry.