29 delicious pastry recipes from around the world
Gazelle Horns, or Kaab El Ghazal, are delicate, crescent-shaped cookies originating from North Africa, particularly popular in Algeria and Morocco. They feature a sweet, tender shortcrust pastry filled with a fragrant almond paste, often flavored with orange blossom water and cinnamon. Traditionally, they are coated in powdered sugar.
Ma9roudet Louz, meaning 'almond makroud', is a delightful Algerian pastry from the region of Constantine. Unlike the semolina-based makroud, this version features a rich almond filling encased in a delicate, flaky dough, often flavored with orange blossom water and honey.
Pirukad are small, savory pastries filled with seasoned meat. They are a popular snack and appetizer in Estonia, often made with a simple, buttery dough and a flavorful ground meat filling.
Diples are traditional Greek honey scrolls made from thinly rolled fried dough, drenched in a sweet honey syrup, and often topped with crushed walnuts and cinnamon. They are a popular treat during holidays like Christmas and are also served at weddings.
A delightful sweet pastry similar to baklava, this Bosnian apple pie features thin layers of dough filled with chopped apples, walnuts, and warm spices, all soaked in a sweet syrup. It's a rich and aromatic dessert perfect with coffee.
Fataya are savory, deep-fried pastries popular in West Africa, including Burkina Faso. These handheld delights are typically filled with seasoned ground meat, onions, and spices, encased in a crispy, golden-brown dough. This recipe features a flavorful beef filling.
Sweet, fried turnovers filled with a creamy, milky custard, often flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. A popular dessert or snack.
Intensely spiced, soft, and fragrant Swedish cardamom buns, a beloved classic for 'fika' (coffee break). This recipe focuses on achieving a rich cardamom flavor and a tender crumb.
Quesitos, meaning 'little cheeses,' are a beloved Puerto Rican pastry made from flaky puff pastry wrapped around a sweet cream cheese filling and brushed with a simple syrup. They are a popular breakfast treat or dessert.
Mhadjeb are thin, savory crepes, often filled with a spiced tomato and onion mixture. They are a popular street food and snack in Algeria, known for their delicious, slightly chewy texture and rich flavor.
A popular Egyptian savory breakfast or snack, this Feteer features incredibly thin, flaky layers of dough generously filled with spiced Egyptian sausage and cheese, baked until golden and crispy.
A savory pastry filled with seasoned meat and onions, baked in a traditional tandoor oven, resulting in a crispy crust and juicy filling. This variation focuses on the samsa baked in a tandoor, distinct from other samsa preparations.
Baladi Feteer is a beloved Egyptian country pie, renowned for its incredibly flaky, layered texture. Traditionally made in villages, it can be enjoyed as a sweet treat with honey or sugar, or as a savory base for cheese and other fillings.
A quintessential Jamaican snack, these savory patties feature a flaky, golden crust made with turmeric and filled with a richly spiced ground beef mixture. The filling often includes Scotch bonnet pepper for a touch of heat, along with aromatic spices like thyme and allspice.
A beloved Egyptian layered pastry, Feteer Meshaltet, filled with savory white cheese and baked to golden perfection. Its signature flaky layers and rich, melted cheese filling make it a popular choice for breakfast, a hearty snack, or a light meal.
Feteer Baladi is a traditional Egyptian country pastry, renowned for its delicate, flaky layers. This simple yet delicious bread is a staple in rural Egyptian households and can be enjoyed on its own or with various sweet and savory accompaniments.
A rich and celebratory Egyptian nut pastry featuring delicate layers of phyllo dough, a fragrant nut filling, and a sweet, floral syrup. Perfect for special occasions.
A savory and rich Egyptian pastry featuring layers of crisp phyllo dough filled with spiced ground beef. This dish is distinct from its Hungarian namesake and is a popular comfort food.
Flaky puff pastry pockets filled with a sweet and tangy combination of guava paste and cream cheese, often finished with a light glaze or powdered sugar.
Sambusa are Djibouti's version of samosas, crispy fried pastries typically filled with spiced minced meat (often lamb or beef) and onions. They are a popular snack or appetizer, especially during Ramadan.
A rich and comforting Egyptian bread pudding, often called 'Mother of Ali's' dessert. This version uses puff pastry or croissants soaked in a sweet, creamy milk mixture, studded with nuts, raisins, and coconut, then baked to golden perfection.
A classic French vol-au-vent, meaning 'windblown' or 'puff', this elegant appetizer features delicate puff pastry cases filled with a rich, creamy mixture of chicken, mushrooms, and a hint of white wine. Traditionally served as a sophisticated first course.
A delightful variation of the classic Austrian apple strudel, originating from Salzburg, featuring a flaky pastry filled with tender apples, raisins, and warm spices.
A delightful Bulgarian pastry made with thin layers of phyllo dough filled with a sweet mixture of grated pumpkin, walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Often enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat, Tikvenik is a comforting taste of Bulgarian tradition.
