How to Make Upside

Two things we’re all about: stupid-simple summer recipes that still manage to make our friends swoon when we bring them out at our alfresco fêtes and frozen puff pastry. Luckily, these items happen to go hand in hand. And sure, you could make a glistening cherry tomato galette or spicy-sweet pineapple prosciutto tartlets—neither are bad options—but there's a new appetizer taking over summer 2023's menu, and it's coming straight from TikTok. Meet the upside-down pastry, the easiest finger food that also happens to be elegant enough for entertaining…and has amassed 77 million views and counting on the social media app.

Upside down puff pastry with caramelized shallots, ham and gruyere cheese [e-1f9c0]

If you’ve ever made or eaten a tarte tatin, you’re already familiar with the upside-down pastry. Instead of building a pie with the crust on the bottom, you start with a buttery filling and blanket it in a crust, flipping it over after it caramelizes in the oven for a stunning reveal.

The upside-down pastries that are all over #FoodTok are much the same, except they’re miniature (always a plus, in our opinion) and they’re effortless to make. They start frozen with puff pastry, can contain any filling that tickles your fancy and can be sweet or savory (or both). Since they’re small, you can make an entire batch on a baking sheet and don't need a special pie or tart pan. And, most importantly, you’ll still elicit oohs and ahhs when you flip them onto a plate.

Another benefit? Since the filling sits beneath the crust, juices don't seep into the puff pastry, turning it soggy, so you wind up with a beautifully crisp result.

The beauty of this food trend is that anyone can partake in it, regardless of skill level. You only need a handful of ingredients, and you can be pretty creative in your approach. Here's how to make upside-down pastries like the ones you’ve seen on TikTok.

1 box frozen puff pastry, thawed

Honey or another flavor element (optional)

1 to 2 cups filling of your choice (such as thinly sliced shallots and shredded cheese)

1 egg, beaten

Flaky salt and/or fresh chopped herbs, to finish

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cut the puff pastry into even rectangles (the amount will vary based on how many sheets are in the box, but you should be able to get 4 to 6 rectangles per large sheet).

3. If you are using honey or another drizzle (such as balsamic glaze), drizzle it onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing it out to be in the center of each puff pastry piece.

4. Arrange the filling on top of the drizzles. If you’re using a fruit or vegetable and a cheese, place the cheese down last.

5. Top each pile with a piece of puff pastry. Brush with egg wash. Bake until the puff pastry is golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before using a metal spatula to flip the pastries over onto a serving platter. Finish with flaky salt and fresh chopped herbs, if using.

Of course, that's a very simplified, bare-bones way to make these tarts—we highly recommend searching "upside-down pastry" on TikTok and browsing the many renditions to get a sense of what you want to make at home (and how it's done).

Since the method for these bite-size pies is essentially the same regardless of flavor, you can fill them with whatever you crave. Need inspiration? Here are a few ideas to spark your appetite:

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Katherine Gillen is PureWow's senior food editor. She's a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City restaurants. She used to sling sugary desserts in a pastry kitchen, but now she's an avid home cook and fanatic baker.