If You Love Puff Pastry Tarts, Try Them Upside Down
If puff pastry wasn't already amazing in and of itself, now there's a new way to use it that's become a viral sensation, called the "upside-down puff pastry hack." Particularly popular on TikTok, this trending technique has proved so versatile, easy, and fun that everyone and their grandma has excitedly been sharing their take on this flaky, tart-tastic treat.
The concept is simple. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, grab a sheet pan, line it with parchment paper, drizzle, squirt, plop, or place your tart fillings — sweet or savory — onto the pan, layering as you like and allowing space in between for more than one tart. Once you've laid out your fillings, cover them each with a cut rectangle of puff pastry, then, using a fork, press down along the edges to create a textured ridge helping to hold everything in place. Slide them into the oven to bake. You'll know they're done when the puff pastry has turned a golden brown. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes to let the ingredients set for easy removal from the tray. Finally, turn your pastry creations right side up to reveal a pan of food-magazine-worthy tarts. You'll soon be asking, "Why haven't I done this before?"
Ideas for the upside-down puff pastry hack
This hack is great for both sweet and savory, but if you're like most people, you probably want to try some sweet options first. For one of the most basic iterations, all you need is a drizzle of honey, some thinly sliced pear, and puff pastry.
Remember pineapple upside-down cake? Why not pineapple upside-down puff pastry? Circular to accommodate the ringed fruit, this one also starts with honey followed by a slice of pineapple, and a maraschino cherry in the hole, followed by puff pastry with forked edges. Baste with eggwash or melted butter and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of ice cream.
Missing Hot Pockets? (They're never as good as you remember, anyway.) This savory grown version lets you explore all the possibilities, using as much (or as little) filling as you like. Try pizza (pepperoni, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese, sauce), or ham and cheese (swiss cheese, ham, and asparagus) all topped off with puff pastry before baking.
On the lookout for new options for the most important meal of the day? Don't forget this hack at breakfast. Two slices of ham or bacon, followed by a ring of shredded cheddar and an uncooked egg in its center (careful with the yolk), lets you get that piping hot brekkie to go, with a yolk that's still gooey when you flip it. Lazy weekend at home or meal on the go — this viral hack is a keeper.