Crisp Puff Pastry with Chorizo, Creamy Goat’s Cheese & Spicy Mango Chutney
A Golden Puff Pastry Bite for the Festive Table
With Christmas nearly here, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by what to cook—especially when you’re hosting and want everything to feel thoughtful, yet effortless. I always find that having one or two simple, reliable canapés up your sleeve makes all the difference. This canapé is wonderfully simple, yet brings together flavours that feel refreshing and a little unexpected for Christmas.
I’ve made this many times for friends. It’s quick to prepare, yet feels indulgent even with just a handful of ingredients. Crisp, golden puff pastry forms the base, topped with creamy goat’s cheese, rich chorizo, and little pockets of sweetness from mango chutney and apricot, finished with a gentle kick of chilli flakes—though you can easily omit these if you prefer something milder. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savoury is beautifully moreish.
What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together and sets the tone for the evening. It can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving, or prepared in advance and lightly warmed when needed. I personally love a touch of spice at Christmas—it offers a welcome contrast to some of the richer, heavier dishes of the season.
This is the kind of canapé that asks little of you as a host, yet gives generously in return—simple to make, elegant to serve, and perfect for those moments when friends arrive, coats are draped over chairs, and the kitchen hums with warmth and conversation.
Crisp Puff Pastry with Chorizo, Creamy Goat’s Cheese & Spicy Mango Chutney
Serves: 6 canapés
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 20–30 minutes
Ingredients
2–3 tablespoons spicy mango chutney
A handful of dried apricots, roughly chopped
2 inches of chorizo, sliced or diced
About 50g creamy goat’s cheese cut into thick chunks
A light sprinkle of chilli flakes (optional)
1 sheet of puff pastry
1 egg white, lightly beaten (to brush the edges for a crisp finish)
Method
Preheat your oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / 400°F.
Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry lightly, fold the edges gently, and brush with egg white to ensure a beautifully crisp finish.
Assemble the canapés: Spread the spicy mango chutney over the pastry, then top with chopped apricots, a few pieces of chorizo, and the goat’s cheese broken into thick chunks. Finish with a light sprinkle of chilli flakes if you’d like a gentle kick
Bake: Place the pastry in the oven for 20–30 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crisp and the cheese is slightly melted.
Serve warm: Allow the pastry to rest for about 5 minutes, then cut into smaller rectangles and enjoy straight from the oven, ideally shared with friends or family over a glass of wine. I like to garnish mine with a few sprigs of fresh watercress and a light scattering of thyme for a touch of colour and freshness.
A little festive treat from my plate to yours—perfect for sharing with those you love. I’d love to hear if it finds a place on your festive table!