Name: Upside-Down Puff Pastry Pizza Tarts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
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 tablespoon sweet chilli jam; 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry; 1/4 cup grated parmesan; 1 egg (for egg wash)

There’s something downright magical about this Upside-Down Puff Pastry Pizza Tarts Recipe. The crisp, golden puff pastry hiding a melty, cheesy, garlicky pizza filling underneath is a total crowd-pleaser and honestly, a breakfast-for-dinner kind of delight. Let me tell you why it’s become a staple in my kitchen.

The image shows four rectangular pieces of pizza on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each pizza has a golden-brown, slightly crisp crust with melted cheese that has browned in spots. On top, there is a layer of bright red tomato sauce with some shiny spots from oil. Green fresh basil leaves are scattered over the sauce, adding a pop of color. The pizzas look rustic with uneven edges. In the top right corner, there is a honey dipper with a small drop of honey on the marble. The bottom left corner shows a small white bowl with dark chili flakes in oil. Some basil leaves are scattered around the pizzas. 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 Puff Pastry Pizza Tarts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Upside-Down Puff Pastry Pizza Tarts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Upside-Down Puff Pastry Pizza Tarts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t resist sharing this because it hits that perfect sweet spot between easy and impressive. Whether you’re whipping up a quick snack or throwing a casual get-together, these tarts deliver flavor and flair without hours in the kitchen.

Simple Assembly: The filling is prepped right on the tray, making clean-up a breeze.
Flippin’ Brilliant: Baking the tarts upside down locks in all those toppings and flavors.
Crispy & Gooey: The puff pastry crisps beautifully, contrasting the melty mozzarella and tender pepperoni.
Customizable: Easy to change toppings, sauces, or even spice levels to fit your mood and pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Upside-Down Puff Pastry Pizza Tarts Recipe lies in simple, approachable ingredients that bring maximum flavor. Each part plays a starring role, from spicy pepperoni to fresh basil, and the puff pastry does all the heavy lifting for that crowd-pleasing crunch.

Flat lay of fresh bright red pepperoni slices neatly arranged, three whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, six plump garlic cloves peeled, a small heap of finely grated white mozzarella cheese, a smooth sheet of pale golden puff pastry, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich red pizza sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, a handful of vibrant green chopped basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with glossy deep red sweet chili jam, freshly ground coarse black pepper scattered lightly, all 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: Adds bold, salty, meaty flavor that’s classic on a pizza but concentrated here for extra punch.
Garlic cloves: Crushed for aromatic depth; confit garlic is a game-changer if you want mellow sweetness.
Pizza sauce (or crushed tomatoes): A rich base that ties everything together; using tinned tomatoes with salt and pepper works beautifully and is super accessible.
Mozzarella: Melts creamy and stringy, creating that irresistible oozy texture you want in every bite.
Puff pastry sheet: Ready-rolled is your best friend here—flaky, buttery, and perfect for encasing the filling.
Parmesan: Sprinkled on top for extra golden crisp and sharp flavor contrast.
Fresh basil leaves: Added at the end for a pop of herbal brightness and freshness.
Sweet chili jam: A surprising but brilliant drizzle—adds just the right kick of sweetness and spice.

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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 like to keep this recipe pretty classic, but there’s so much you can do to make these tarts your own. Sometimes I swap out the pepperoni for sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers if I’m in a veggie mood. You should definitely feel free to experiment!

Variation: One time, I added finely chopped jalapeños and swapped the sweet chili jam for a smoky chipotle sauce — such a fun twist that gave it a spicy kick!
Dietary swap: Use a vegan puff pastry and dairy-free cheese blend to make these suitable for plant-based diets without losing that satisfying crunch and flavor.
Seasonal changes: Swap fresh basil for a sprinkle of fresh oregano or thyme during cooler months for a cozy twist.

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

The image shows four rectangular pastry pieces on parchment paper with a light brown texture, laid out in a two-by-two grid. Each pastry has a pale yellow dough base with a shiny egg wash layer giving it a glossy look. On top of each piece, there is a thick layer of white, shredded cheese spread unevenly, with some cheese falling onto the parchment around the pastries. The edges of the pastries are slightly crinkled and irregular, and the light falls from the top casting soft shadows around the cheese flakes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) fan and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange your pepperoni slices in six evenly spaced groups on the tray, about three slices per tart. Scatter one crushed garlic clove or some confit garlic on top of each pile. This little base packs a punch and will infuse your tarts with amazing aroma as it cooks.

Step 2: Add the Sauce and Cheese

If you’re using crushed tomatoes instead of pizza sauce, mix them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper now. Spoon a generous amount of sauce over the pepperoni piles, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top. It might look a little messy, but that’s exactly what you want — it all comes together after baking.

Step 3: Encase with Puff Pastry

Unroll your sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry and divide it into six rectangles, making sure each piece can fully cover its topping pile. Lay each pastry piece over the filling and gently press down around the edges to seal everything in. This step locks in the flavors and helps the tarts hold their shape after flipping.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Parmesan Finish

Whisk an egg in a small bowl and brush it generously over each pastry-topped tart — this will give you that perfect glossy finish and help the parmesan stick. Sprinkle grated parmesan over the top for that extra golden crisp and cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Bake and Flip

Bake for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for a deeply golden, puffed-up pastry crust. Once they come out of the oven, carefully flip each tart right-side-up using a spatula. Then drizzle sweet chili jam on top and scatter fresh basil leaves. Eat immediately for the best combo of crispy and gooey.

Top Tip

Through many turns in the kitchen, I’ve found these tips really boost the success of your Upside-Down Puff Pastry Pizza Tarts Recipe:

Keep it sealed tight: Press around edges firmly but gently to keep all that delicious filling contained while baking.
Don’t overload the filling: Too much sauce or cheese and you risk soggy puff pastry instead of crisp layers — balance is the secret.
Use fresh basil last-minute: Adding basil right after flipping keeps its flavor bright and fresh instead of wilted.
Flip with confidence: Use a wide spatula or fish slice and flip gently but quickly to avoid breakage—practice makes perfect!

How to Serve Upside-Down Puff Pastry Pizza Tarts Recipe

Upside-Down Puff Pastry Pizza - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish mine with fresh torn basil and a drizzle of sweet chili jam straight from the recipe. Sometimes, I add a pinch of chili flakes or even a flick of garlic-infused olive oil to really bring out the layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

Those crisply cheesy tarts go beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of garlic-roasted vegetables. For something heartier, try a side of creamy coleslaw or simple roasted potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these on a large wooden board, garnished with extra basil and chili jam in small ramekins for dipping. They also make fun handheld snacks when skewered with a toothpick or two, perfect for mingling guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tarts keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually pop them in when I want a quick snack because they reheat nicely without losing too much crisp.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing after baking, but you can definitely assemble the tarts and freeze them unbaked. Just wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer to use the oven or a toaster oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes. This helps the puff pastry regain its crispiness much better than microwaving, which turns it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these tarts without pepperoni?

Absolutely! You can swap pepperoni for any topping you love, like mushrooms, olives, or roasted vegetables. Just make sure the topping isn’t too wet to avoid soggy pastry.

What should I do if my puff pastry isn’t cooking through?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated and try baking on the middle rack for even heat. If the puff pastry edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil and continue baking.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the tarts up to the point of egg wash and parmesan topping, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the egg wash and parmesan just before baking.

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

Use a wide spatula or fish slice and make sure the pastry is well sealed around all edges. Flip them quickly but gently right after baking while the pastry is still crisp.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Upside-Down Puff Pastry Pizza Tarts Recipe has saved many a busy night or last-minute get-together at my house. It’s simple, fast, and so much fun to eat—like a little pizza surprise you flip instead of bite. I’m confident you’ll love making these just as much as I do. Give them a try, and soon they’ll be a go-to in your cooking rotation too.