278 delicious pastry recipes from around the world
A traditional French king cake, made with flaky puff pastry filled with a rich frangipane (almond cream). The lucky person who finds the hidden 'fève' (a small charm) is crowned king or queen for the day. Perfect for Epiphany celebrations.
Qatayef Asafiri, meaning 'little bird qatayef,' are delicate, small pancakes originating from Syria and Lebanon. They are traditionally filled with a sweet, creamy cheese filling (ashta) and often drizzled with a fragrant syrup. Unlike their larger, fried counterparts, these mini qatayef are typically served soft and uncooked, offering a light and delightful dessert, especially popular during Ramadan.
Maslenica is a type of Bosnian pita characterized by its many thin, flaky layers, often made with a simple dough and enriched with butter or oil. It's a versatile dish that can be filled with various ingredients, though it's often enjoyed simply with a drizzle of butter and oil, or served alongside savory dishes.
Flaky, golden pastries filled with a savory, spiced ground beef mixture. A beloved Jamaican snack and street food.
Queijadas de Sintra are traditional sweet cheese pastries originating from the town of Sintra, Portugal. These delicate tarts feature a creamy, sweet cheese filling encased in a light, flaky pastry.
Jachnun is a traditional Yemenite Jewish pastry that has become a beloved Shabbat morning dish in Israel. It's made by rolling out a thin dough, brushing it generously with butter or margarine, and then rolling it up tightly. Baked slowly overnight at a very low temperature, the jachnun emerges golden brown, rich, tender, and slightly sweet, with a unique, almost caramelized flavor. It's typically served with grated tomatoes and hard-boiled eggs.
A popular snack in Singapore, these golden-brown pastries are filled with a savory curry-spiced potato and chicken filling, often with a hint of sweetness from peas or carrots.
Soft, sweet Moroccan rolls infused with the fragrant aroma of anise and a hint of orange blossom water, topped with toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for breakfast or tea time.
A classic Moroccan sweet and savory pie featuring tender, spiced chicken and a crunchy almond filling encased in layers of flaky, golden-brown pastry. This version offers a simplified approach to the traditional pigeon bastila.
A delicate pastry tart with a crumbly, buttery crust filled with a smooth, sweet, and rich egg custard. Popular in dim sum and bakeries.
Filipino sweet brioche - a rich, buttery, and slightly sweet bread topped with grated cheese and sugar. Traditionally enjoyed during Christmas and special occasions.
Kajmačnica is a delightful Bosnian sweet pastry that beautifully combines the richness of kaymak (a traditional clotted cream) with the sweetness of walnuts and semolina, all encased in delicate layers of phyllo dough. Doused in a fragrant sugar syrup (agda), it offers a taste experience that is both comforting and indulgent, reminiscent of Greek galaktoboureko but with its own distinct Bosnian character.
Authentic Swedish cinnamon buns featuring a fragrant cardamom-infused dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and a sprinkle of pearl sugar. Perfect for 'fika' (a coffee break).
A delightful sweet pastry featuring a tender, slightly tangy dough filled with a creamy, sweet cottage cheese mixture. This koláč is often enjoyed as a dessert or a special treat.
A beloved Levantine dessert, Knafeh Nabulsieh features a base of shredded phyllo dough or semolina dough, layered with a sweet, stretchy cheese, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. This Syrian variation often incorporates rose water and orange blossom water for an aromatic touch.
A delightful savory pastry, hojaldre relleno de atún features crispy, deep-fried dough pockets filled with a flavorful tuna salad. It's a popular snack and appetizer, often found at local markets and bakeries.
A beloved Egyptian dessert made from shredded phyllo dough (kadaif) layered with a rich cream or cheese filling, baked until golden and crispy, then drenched in a sweet sugar syrup and garnished with pistachios.
Milhojas, meaning 'thousand leaves,' is a classic Argentine pastry shop delight featuring delicate layers of puff pastry generously filled with creamy dulce de leche, often crowned with meringue or a dusting of powdered sugar. It's a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients.
Soft and slightly sweet yeast rolls filled with a rich poppy seed mixture, often topped with a chocolate glaze. These are a beloved pastry in Latvia, perfect with coffee or tea.
Svatební koláčky, or wedding pastries, are small, round, sweet yeast dough pastries traditionally filled with a creamy tvaroh (farmer's cheese) and fruit preserve. They are often decorated with a streusel topping and are a staple at Czech celebrations, especially weddings. This recipe combines the classic tvaroh filling with a touch of fruit for a delightful balance of flavors.
A savory pastry from the Idrija region, featuring a delicate dough filled with a mixture of cottage cheese, horseradish, and herbs. This is a hearty and flavorful dish, often served as a main course or a substantial appetizer.
Orechovník is a beloved sweet bread roll originating from Slovakia, characterized by its rich, nutty filling encased in a tender, slightly sweet dough. While variations exist across Eastern Europe, the Slovak version often features a finely ground walnut mixture, sometimes enhanced with a touch of honey or sugar, rolled into a beautiful spiral.
Samsa is a beloved Uzbek pastry, typically baked in a tandoor oven, featuring a flaky dough encasing a savory filling. This version highlights the classic combination of ground lamb, finely chopped onions, and aromatic spices, creating a rich and satisfying bite. The dough is often layered with ghee for extra flakiness, and the resulting samsa are golden brown and incredibly flavorful.
Tirit pita is a traditional Bosnian savory pastry made with thin yufka (phyllo dough) sheets, shredded chicken, and sour cream. The chicken is cooked in water, deboned, and shredded, then layered with yufka and a mixture of sour cream. The pie is assembled in a round baking dish, with each layer of yufka being moistened with chicken broth. It's a comforting and flavorful dish, often served as a main course.
