I love appetizers that feel special without requiring a long prep list, and these 4-Square Foldovers always deliver. I make them when I want something flaky, cheesy, and balanced with a touch of sweetness. With just a few ingredients and a clever folding method, I end up with a crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks impressive but stays easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it keeps things simple while still feeling creative. I don’t need to pre-cook anything, the folding process is fun and quick, and the flavor combination hits that perfect sweet-and-savory note. I also enjoy how flexible the fillings are, which makes this recipe easy to adapt for different occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup red pepper jelly
Directions
I begin by preheating my oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the puff pastry is fully thawed, I cut each sheet into four equal squares.
For each square, I make a slit starting at the bottom edge and cutting up to the center. I picture the pastry divided into four quadrants. In the bottom right quadrant, I spread about one tablespoon of cream cheese. In the top right quadrant, I add roughly one tablespoon of red pepper jelly. In the top left quadrant, I sprinkle about one tablespoon of cheddar cheese. In the bottom left quadrant, I spread about one tablespoon of uncooked Italian sausage.
To fold, I lift the bottom right quadrant up over the top right quadrant. Then I fold that section to the left, and finally fold everything down over the sausage so it forms a compact square. I place each folded pastry onto the prepared baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining squares.
I bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are puffed, flaky, and golden brown. I usually let them cool slightly before serving.
Servings And Timing
I get 8 foldovers from this recipe.
Prep time is about 10 minutes.
Cook time is 20 to 25 minutes.
Total time is approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
Variations
I like switching up the fillings depending on my mood or what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I replace the sausage with ground beef or pepperoni. I also swap cheddar for mozzarella, Gruyère, or goat cheese. For the sweet element, I enjoy using fig jam, raspberry jam, or even pizza sauce for a more savory version. The folding technique stays the same, which makes experimenting easy.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, I use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for a few minutes to keep the pastry crisp. I avoid reheating in the microwave because it softens the puff pastry too much.
FAQs
Can I prepare these in advance?
I can assemble the foldovers a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator, then bake them just before serving.
Does the sausage really cook through?
I’ve found that the sausage cooks completely during baking as long as I don’t overfill the pastry.
Can I freeze these?
I can freeze them after baking and cooling. When I’m ready to eat them, I reheat them in the oven until warmed through.
What if my puff pastry cracks?
If the pastry cracks a bit, I gently press it back together. Once baked, the puff pastry usually expands and hides small imperfections.
Can I make these without meat?
I often skip the meat and add extra cheese or cooked vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
I keep these 4-Square Foldovers in mind whenever I need a reliable appetizer that feels a little fancy without being complicated. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and always disappear fast. Every time I serve them, I’m reminded how far a few simple ingredients and a smart technique can go.
4-Square Foldovers are flaky puff pastry appetizers filled with sausage, cheese, cream cheese, and red pepper jelly, folded into a clever layered square that delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite.
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:8 foldovers
Ingredients
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup red pepper jelly
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut each thawed puff pastry sheet into four equal squares.
For each square, make a slit from the bottom edge to the center of the square.
In the bottom right quadrant, spread 1 tbsp of cream cheese. In the top right, 1 tbsp red pepper jelly. In the top left, 1 tbsp grated cheddar. In the bottom left, 1 tbsp uncooked sausage.
To fold: bring bottom right quadrant over the top right, then fold over to the left, then fold down over the sausage to form a compact square.
Place folded pastries on prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Substitute sausage with ground beef, pepperoni, or omit for a vegetarian version.
Try different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or goat cheese.
Use fig, raspberry, or pizza sauce instead of red pepper jelly for variety.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to keep pastry crisp.
