Get ready to elevate your game day spread with a show-stopping treat that’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy – the Puff Pastry Football! All you need is four simple ingredients for this buttery puff pastry dessert filled with creamy Nutella. Bonus: Don’t miss all of my best football party recipes to make a winning game day spread!
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When it comes to football, I’m as much about the game as I am about the food. And football-shaped foods, like my football-shaped cheese ball and my recipe for Nutella football truffles, are at the top of my list.
But this puff pastry football may just be my favorite of all! It stars layers of buttery puff pastry embracing a creamy Nutella filling. This football-themed recipe not only captures the spirit of the season but also promises to be the MVP of your snack lineup.
Whether you’re hosting a watch party, tailgate, or just craving a unique and tasty snack, this puff pastry football is a game-changer. Join me as I break down the playbook and guide you through creating this crowd-pleaser that will have your guests cheering for both the team and your culinary skills. Let’s dive into the recipe and make your game day memorable!
Why You’ll Love This Gameday Recipe
- Impress your guests with a visually stunning centerpiece that requires surprisingly little effort. The straightforward preparation allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the game.
- No need to juggle plates and utensils – your guests can simply tear and share, making it the ultimate game day finger food.
- You can tailor your puff pastry football to match your favorite team’s colors. Just add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting!
- Can be filled with your favorite spread, from sweet jam to savory pesto.
Store-bought puff pastry is one of those ingredients I always have stashed in my freezer. It’s so versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes from breakfast through dessert. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my collection of delicious puff pastry recipes that showcase the endless possibilities of this flaky favorite.
- Puff pastry: Ensure it’s properly thawed for easy handling and optimal puffing during baking.
- Nutella or melted chocolate: I’m a huge fan of the creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread but melted chocolate or your favorite spread, works too!
- Egg: Whisk one egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. This egg wash not only creates that golden and shiny finish on the puff pastry but also helps seal any edges for a crisp exterior.
- Vanilla frosting: Serves as the “icing on the cake” or, in this case, the football! Use it for decorative touches, such as laces or stripes, to bring the puff pastry football to life.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
While this football-shaped pastry may seem complicated, fear not – it’s actually pretty easy to make. Follow these steps to pastry success:
- Prep the pastry. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the pastry from sticking then unfold both sheets of puff pastry and lightly roll over them with a rolling pin to seal any perforations.
- Cut into the shape of a football. Place the cut-out football atop the second sheet of pastry to trace and cut out a second football.
- Add the Nutella. Place one of the cut-out pastry footballs on the baking sheet then spread the Nutella in an even layer. Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges to prevent the Nutella from oozing out during baking. Add the second pastry football on top.
- Brush the top of the football with the eggwash. Use a pastry brush for even application, and make sure to coat the entire surface for that beautiful golden finish.
- Twist. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, make slits 1 inch apart along the sides of the football without cutting all the way across and leaving a 3-inch-wide strip down the center of the football. Twist each strip tightly.
- Bake until dark golden, 12 to 15 minutes. All ovens vary, so if needed, add additional time until the football reaches your desired doneness.
- Remove the puff pastry football from the oven and let it cool completely before piping on the laces. Transfer frosting to a plastic or piping bag for precise application when piping laces. Start with a small cut on the tip for more control.
Pro Tip: No piping bag? No problem! Learn how to make homemade piping bags with parchment paper.
- Just like my recipe for chocolate puff pastry twists, this is definitely best when fresh, but I’ve had it the day after being made and it’s still tasty. Just reheat it at 250°F for a few minutes to warm it up.
- Save the pastry scraps! Bake them separately for bite-sized treats perfect for dipping into additional Nutella.
Not a fan of Nutella? Swap in your favorite spread or find inspiration with these ideas:
- Pesto – try my all-time favorite pesto recipe for an herbaceous appetizer
- Cheese and herb – blend herbed cream cheese with shredded cheddar for a rich and flavorful savory filling
- Pizza – tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella and a dash of Italian seasonings
- Jam – use your favorite variety for a sweet and fruity burst
- Cinnamon sugar – sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a churro-inspired twist
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While this treat tastes the best the day it is made, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and served the next day. To re-warm it (prior to adding the frosting), microwave it for 15 to 20 seconds.
Leaving a small border around the edges when spreading the Nutella helps prevent it from leaking out while baking. Also, make sure the edges are properly sealed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a 250°F oven for a few minutes to maintain the pastry’s texture.
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Ingredients
- All-purpose flour, for dusting work surface
- 1 (17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
- 1/4 cup Nutella (See Kelly’s Notes)
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 Tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup store-bought white (vanilla) frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your work surface then unfold both sheets of puff pastry and lightly roll over them with a rolling pin to seal any perforations.
- Using a sharp knife, trace the shape of a football. Place the cut-out football atop the second sheet of pastry to trace and cut out a second football. (Scraps can be baked separately for dipping into additional Nutella.)
- Place one of the cut-out pastry footballs on the baking sheet then spread the Nutella in an even layer, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Add the second pastry football on top.
- Brush the top of the football with the eggwash.
- Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, make slits 1 inch apart along the sides of the football without cutting all the way across and leaving a 3-inch-wide strip down the center of the football. Twist each strip tightly.
- Bake the puff pastry football until it is dark golden, 12 to 15 minutes. (All ovens vary, so if needed, add additional time until the football reaches your desired doneness.)
- Remove the puff pastry football from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Transfer the frosting to a sealable plastic bag or piping bag. Snip off the tip and pipe the laces atop the football then serve.
Kelly’s Notes
- Not a fan of Nutella? Swap in melted chocolate or your favorite spread, sweet or savory!
- This is definitely best when fresh, but I’ve had it the day after being made and it’s still tasty. Just reheat it at 250°F for a few minutes to warm it up.
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I never dreamed how easy AND delicious this could be! It was the biggest hit with my family and I am putting it on our Super Bowl menu. Yummy!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Ainsley!