Name: Upside Down Pepperoni Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 18 slices pepperoni; 6 garlic cloves, crushed (or use confit garlic); 3/4 cup pizza sauce (or crushed tinned tomatoes); 1 teaspoon salt; Good grind of black pepper; 1 cup grated mozzarella; A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry; 1/4 cup grated parmesan; 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon sweet chilli jam

There’s something incredibly fun and tasty about these little treats – the golden, crispy puff pastry on the outside with that melty, cheesy, pepperoni-packed inside is just irresistible. The Upside Down Pepperoni Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe turns everything you love about pizza into bite-sized perfection that’s perfect for sharing or snacking anytime.

The image shows four rectangular pieces of flaky, golden-brown pastry on white parchment paper with a white marbled surface underneath. Three of the pastries have a layer of bright red tomato sauce topped with melted golden cheese and fresh green basil leaves scattered on top, giving a fresh contrast. The fourth piece looks fully covered with a bubbly, browned cheese crust. There is a wooden honey dipper near the top right corner with a small pool of honey. A small bowl with dark, chunky sauce is partially visible in the bottom left corner. Small bits of green basil leaves are scattered around the pastries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Upside Down Pepperoni Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Upside Down Pepperoni Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Upside Down Pepperoni Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly get a kick out of the “upside down” twist in this recipe. Instead of the usual pizza layering, flipping these tarts after baking locks in all those fantastic flavors in a neat, portable package. Plus, the ease of ready-rolled puff pastry means you’re minutes away from the oven with minimal fuss.

Simple Prep: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes.
Crunchy & Gooey: That perfect contrast between crispy edges and melty cheese will keep you coming back for more.
Party Friendly: These tarts are bite-sized and easy to share, making them ideal for gatherings or casual lunches.
Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap out the toppings or add extras to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Upside Down Pepperoni Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe brings a unique element that makes the final bite sing – from savory pepperoni to fresh basil. I always make sure to get good-quality pizza sauce and fresh mozzarella because they really elevate these tarts beyond just a simple snack.

Flat lay of six slices of vibrant red pepperoni arranged neatly, three whole uncracked brown garlic cloves with papery skin, a small white bowl filled with smooth bright red pizza sauce, a small white bowl of fine white salt crystals, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper specks, a small white bowl brimming with shredded white mozzarella cheese, a sheet of golden puff pastry rolled flat, a small white bowl with finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, a handful of fresh green basil leaves roughly chopped, and a small white bowl containing glossy red sweet chilli jam, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pepperoni slices: Adds that classic spicy, savory flavor you expect in a pepperoni pizza.
Garlic cloves (crushed or confit): Garlic deepens the flavor – confit garlic adds a mild sweetness, perfect if you want a gentler garlic touch.
Pizza sauce (or crushed tomatoes): The base that makes these tarts taste like pizza – seasoned well with salt and pepper for balance.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the sauce and bringing out all the flavors.
Mozzarella cheese: The gooey melty goodness that ties everything together.
Ready-rolled puff pastry: The magic ingredient for that golden, flaky crust—easy to work with and bakes beautifully.
Grated parmesan: Sprinkled on top to add an extra savory, nutty layer and help the pastry crisp up beautifully.
Fresh basil leaves: Adds a fresh, bright herbal note that cuts through the richness.
Sweet chili jam: My secret finishing touch – a tiny drizzle adds a touch of sweet heat that complements the pepperoni perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about making recipes fit your style, so don’t hesitate to customize your tarts. I’ve played around with loads of variations depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood—trust me, it’s always a win.

Variation: When I want a veggie boost, I add thinly sliced bell peppers or mushrooms beneath the cheese—baked to juicy perfection.
Dietary tweak: For a gluten-free version, try gluten-free puff pastry and swap regular pepperoni for a turkey or plant-based alternative.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce amps up the heat if you’re like me and enjoy some spice.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Upside Down Pepperoni Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe

Four rectangular pieces of light yellow dough lay flat on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Each piece is topped with a thick layer of shredded white cheese, and the edges of the dough are slightly uneven and folded in some areas. The baking sheet and parchment paper have a few scattered bits of cheese and slight shadows from the light above. The colors are mostly pale yellows and whites with a soft contrast between the dough and cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Tray Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) fan. I like to line my baking tray with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze—plus, it helps keep the tarts from sticking. If your oven tray is small, feel free to use two so each tart has some breathing room while baking.

Step 2: Arrange Pepperoni and Garlic

Divide the pepperoni slices into six piles—three slices per tart works perfectly. Scatter one crushed clove of garlic (or confit garlic if you prefer a milder flavor) on top of each pepperoni pile. This layering creates that punchy base of flavor!

Step 3: Add Saucy Goodness and Cheese

If you’re using tinned crushed tomatoes, mix them with a teaspoon of salt and a good grind of black pepper before spooning over each pepperoni and garlic pile. Next, sprinkle grated mozzarella – don’t be shy here, the melty cheese is the star!

Step 4: Cover with Puff Pastry and Seal

Unwrap your puff pastry sheet and cut it into six equal rectangles. Double-check they’ll fully cover and encase the filling before slicing—that’s a little trick I learned to avoid messy leaks. Gently press the pastry edges down with your fingers to seal in all those tasty fillings.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Parmesan Topping

Whisk an egg in a small bowl, then brush it over the top of each pastry tart. This not only gives a beautiful golden color but also helps the parmesan stick. Scatter grated parmesan all over the top—you’ll love the slightly nutty crispness it adds.

Step 6: Bake and Flip

Bake your tarts for about 20 minutes until they’re deep golden and crispy. Here’s where the fun part comes in: carefully flip each tart upside down using a spatula or fish slice. Then drizzle with sweet chili jam and sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top. Serve immediately, while everything’s still warm and gooey.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned these few tricks that really help nails the perfect Upside Down Pepperoni Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe. They save me time and frustration, and I’m sure you’ll find them handy too.

Seal the edges well: Don’t rush this step—pressing the pastry edges carefully prevents juices from leaking and keeps your tarts neat.
Use confit garlic for milder flavor: If you’re not a raw garlic fan, confit garlic is a game-changer, adding a mellow sweetness that complements the pepperoni.
Brush with egg wash thoroughly: It gives the perfect golden crust – make sure to cover every inch of the exposed pastry for that irresistible crunch and color.
Flip carefully but promptly: The tarts are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, so flip them right after baking for the best texture and flavor combination.

How to Serve Upside Down Pepperoni Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe

pepperoni puff pastry - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for fresh herbs, so I always sprinkle chopped basil on top right after flipping. Sometimes I add a light drizzle of extra chili jam or even a touch of garlic-infused olive oil if I’m feeling fancy. The fresh basil really brightens these tarts and balances all the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is my go-to pairing—it cuts through the richness and feels fresh. Alternatively, some roasted veggies or even a bowl of soup work great to make a more substantial meal around these tarts.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these tarts on a wooden board with small bowls of extra chili jam and fresh basil leaves on the side for guests to customize. It’s always a conversation starter and looks super inviting. For kids, you can swap chili jam for a honey mustard drizzle to keep it milder and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pastry can lose a bit of its crispness overnight, but reheating in the oven or air fryer helps restore that delightful crunch.

Freezing

These tarts freeze surprisingly well! I freeze them before flipping—just wrap them individually in cling film and seal them in a freezer bag. When you want to eat them, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake and flip according to the recipe instructions.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the tarts on a baking sheet in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicious puff pastry crunch intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these tarts vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the pepperoni for your favorite veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even grilled zucchini slices, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that still has all the cheesy goodness.

What if I don’t have sweet chili jam?

No worries! You can substitute it with honey mixed with a pinch of chili flakes or even a mild BBQ sauce for a different but delicious flavor twist.

Can I use homemade pizza sauce?

Definitely! Homemade pizza sauce works beautifully here and gives you a chance to control the seasoning exactly how you like it. Just make sure it’s not too watery to avoid soggy pastry.

What’s the best way to flip the tarts without breaking them?

Use a thin, wide spatula or a fish slice and slide it carefully under each tart. Gently turn it upside down with one smooth motion. It helps if the tarts are fully baked and the pastry is firm and golden before flipping for the cleanest flip.

Final Thoughts

This Upside Down Pepperoni Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe has quickly become one of those easy favorites I turn to when I want something satisfying and shareable with minimal prep. The texture and layers of flavor always impress guests and family alike. I really hope you give these a try—once you do, I bet they’ll become a staple in your recipe box too.