Fantasy of Savoury Pastries
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Prep time: 20 min
- Cook time: 15 min
- Makes: 24 pieces
- Cost: Low
PRESENTATION
Fantasia di rustici is one of those foods that really turns any get-together into a full-blown celebration. You know, the kind where everyone just hangs out and has a good time. These rustic appetizers hail from Southern Italy, where people love mixing up a spread of small bites for parties and birthdays. And the options? Seriously good. You’ll see rolls stuffed with ham and moist mozzarella, little triangles filled with spinach and Greek feta, mini sausages wrapped in a crispy puff pastry spiral, and classic 'pizzette'—those tiny pizzas. It’s like, each has its own vibe. Pretty much, there’s something for everyone.
Italian finger foods are different—no question—because they’re not just easy to share but also quick to whip up when you’re expecting a crowd. And you know what? That mix of fillings—from the tangy feta to the gooey cheese—makes each bite fun and super super different from the last. When planning for a big group, Fantasia di rustici simplifies things. Instead of stressing over fancy appetizers, you get a tray full of puff pastry snacks. So here's the thing: people can just grab and go.
In Southern Italy, it’s totally normal to see these at birthdays or relaxed family hangouts. Everyone gathers around—grabs their favorite—and it's all good. The golden pastry, those tender bites of cheese and ham, little crispy pizzas with tomato sauce—they bring the crowd-pleasing flavors. The kind that make Italian gatherings warm and relaxed. Also, the multicultural twist? Like, with Greek feta sneaking into some pastries. It adds a little kick to the usual Italian party food lineup. With so many options, these puff pastry snacks show off what’s great about easy Italian recipes—lots of variety, no fuss, and plenty of flavor in every savory bite. Perfect for anyone who just wants good food and a fun time with friends. Whether it's a big party or a simple get-together, these tasty bites are bound to be a hit.
INGREDIENTS
- Ingredients for 6 Mozzarella and Ham Pastries
- Pasta disks 6
- Mozzarella cheese 4.4 oz (125 g)
- Prosciutto cotto 3.5 oz (100 g)
- For 8 Spinach and Feta Triangles
- Pasta disks 4
- Spinach 2 ½ cups (70 g) - (fresh)
- Feta cheese 1.1 oz (30 g)
- Extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp (10 g)
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- For 6 Mini Sausage Rolls
- Pasta disks 1
- Frankfurter 6 - (small)
- Poppy seeds to taste
- Eggs 1
- For 4 Mini Pizzas
- Pasta disks 4
- Tomato purée 0.4 cup (100 g)
- Scamorza (provola) cheese 3.5 oz (100 g) - (smoked)
- Anchovies in oil 4
How to prepare Fantasy of Savoury Pastries
To prepare the fantasy of savoury pastries, start with the ham and mozzarella rolls. Slice the mozzarella into 6 portions. Take the pastry discs out of the package 1, remove the plastic wrap they are on and place them on a work surface: place a slice of mozzarella in the center 2 and, on top, a slice of ham folded in half. Moisten the edges of the disc with water, using a kitchen brush 3.
Fold the pastry disc over itself to form a half-moon 4, which you can seal by pressing the edges with the tines of a fork 5. Continue until you have 6 rolls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Proceed with the spinach triangles. Wash and dry the greens, then transfer them to a pan drizzled with olive oil 6,
cover them with a lid 7 and cook the spinach for 3-4 minutes. Dice the feta cheese. Now place 3 pastry discs on the work surface and cut them in half to get 6 triangles. On each piece of pastry, place a tuft of spinach and, on top, a cube of feta. Brush the edges with water or beaten egg, using a kitchen brush 8. Fold each half over itself and press the edges with a fork to seal them 9.
Place the triangles on the baking sheet alongside the ham and mozzarella rolls, then brush the surface of all the pastries with a beaten egg 10. Set them aside and proceed with the mini sausages. Place a pastry disc on the work surface and cut it into 6 strips with a pastry cutter 11. Take the 6 mini sausages and wrap each one with a strip of pastry, stretching it gently 12.
Place the mini sausages on the baking sheet, then brush them with the beaten egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds 13. Preheat the oven to 392°F for 10 minutes (if fan-assisted, 356°F for 8 minutes). Meanwhile, prepare the mini pizzas. Dice the scamorza cheese, then place 4 pastry discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and gently add a spoonful of tomato sauce in the center, leaving the edges free 14. Top the mini pizzas with the diced scamorza and place half an anchovy on each 15.
Take out the first pastries: they should be beautifully golden 16. Now bake the mini pizzas, again in a preheated static oven at 392°F for 10 minutes (if fan-assisted, 356°F for 8 minutes): these too should be golden and crispy. Your fantasy of savoury pastries is ready 18.