These Southwestern Bruschetta Bites are an easy and unique appetizer that uses puff pastry as the base for the toppings.

southwestern bruschetta bites on a platter

They’re a Mexican-style version of Italian bruschetta (which is usually toasted bread with a chunky tomato mixture placed on top). Instead of using the bread, I’ve utilized a spiced-up baked Puff Pastry base with a Southwestern-style topping. These Southwestern Bruschetta Bites are very different than classic bruschetta, but they’re the same idea with a bread-like base and a flavorful topping.

ingredients displayed for making southwestern bruschetta bites

Ingredients needed:

  • puff pastry
  • egg
  • cheddar jack cheese
  • fresh cilantro
  • corn
  • black beans
  • red onion
  • red bell pepper
  • jalapeño
  • cumin powder
  • lime juice 
  • avocado
  • sour cream
  • salt and pepper

three photos showing process of making puff pastry rolls

How to make Southwestern Bruschetta Bites:

The complete, printable recipe is at the end of this post.

Lay a sheet of thawed puff pastry out on a work surface. Brush it with egg wash, and then sprinkle cheddar jack cheese and cilantro on top. Roll it up, and slice it into 1/2-inch slices. 

baked puff pastry bites

Place the slices on a baking sheet, and then bake them for 15 minutes. Because it’s “puff” pastry, they’ll tend to puff up a little bit while baking. When they come out of the oven, just use a spatula to flatten them down a bit. These will act as the base for your Southwestern Bruschetta Bites.

bowl of salsa and bowl of guacamole

Next, you’ll combine the topping ingredients to make a black bean and corn salsa. And you’ll also make a simple guacamole.

southwestern bruschetta bites on a baking sheet

Spread a little of the guacamole on top of each piece of puff pastry. Then spoon the salsa on top. You can sprinkle a little fresh cilantro on top if you’d like.

southwestern bruschetta appetizer bites

I’d recommend assembling these Southwestern Bruschetta Bites no more than one hour before serving. You don’t want the avocado to brown (though there is lime juice in there to help prevent that). You can, however, bake the puff pastry ahead of time and assemble the salsa. Make the guacamole right before serving. They’re so delicious with the flaky, flavored puff pastry and those fabulous toppings. Enjoy!

More recipes to make using puff pastry:

southwestern bruschetta bites on a platter
5 from 1 vote

Southwestern Bruschetta Bites

These are a Mexican-style version of the classic Italian appetizer with a unique twist.
Prep: 40 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 20 appetizers
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Ingredients

BRUSCHETTA BASE:

TOPPING:

GUACAMOLE:

Instructions 

MAKE THE BRUSCHETTA BASE:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Brush the pastry with the egg mixture. Sprinkle with the cheese and cilantro to within ½ inch of the edge. Starting at a long side, roll up like a jelly roll. Press the seam to seal. Cut the pastry roll into 20 (½-inch) slices. Place the slices, cut-side down, onto 2 baking sheets.
  • Bake for 15 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown. Gently flatten the hot pastries with a spatula. Let cool on baking sheets on wire racks for 10 minutes.

MAKE THE TOPPING:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the corn, beans, onion, red pepper, jalapeño, cumin and lime juice.

MAKE THE GUACAMOLE:

  • In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash the avocado. Stir in the sour cream and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

ASSEMBLE THE BRUSCHETTA:

  • Top each pastry with about 2 teaspoons of guacamole and 1 tablespoon of the topping mixture. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1appetizer, Calories: 105kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 74mg, Potassium: 93mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 110IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 40mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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white plate with southwestern bruschetta bites

 

5 from 1 vote

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31 Comments

  1. Heather says:

    5 stars
    These were phenomenal! My entire family loved them and they were surpsingly easy. We had to sub pico de gallo because I forgot to buy a bell pepper, but it worked wonderfully. Next time I’m going to try baking them in mini muffin tins to create a bowl shape to better hold the delicious toppings. And double the recipe – they went way too fast!

  2. Robin says:

    Can you make the pastry a day ahead?

    1. Lori Lange says:

      I think that would be fine!

  3. Emily says:

    Made these for Mother’s Day. I had shared this recipe with my Mom when you first published it, and when I asked her if there was anything special she wanted for the dinner I was planning she asked for these. Neither of us had ever made them, and they did not disappoint. Thet were a huge hit and everyone was sitting in the kitchen waiting for the next batch to come out of the oven. They will definitely make another appearance at my next party.

    1. Lori Lange says:

      So great to hear! Glad you enjoyed them so much 🙂

  4. Jen says:

    Great pics and great twist on the italian bruschetta 🙂 Looking forward to reading your blog and hope you can check mine out as well 🙂

  5. shelly-cookies&cups says:

    These are genius!! I am SO making these…

  6. Cookin' Canuck says:

    These are fantastic, Lori! What a great idea to top the swirls with the guacamole mixture.

  7. Tracy says:

    These are so cute! What a great appetizer!

  8. Adriana says:

    Just made these and they were an absolute hit!!