Savory Puff Shell Sliders are the ultimate blend of trendy presentation and satisfying flavor. These shell-shaped puff pastry bites are filled with a creamy avocado tuna salad and topped with a slice of hard-boiled egg. With their crisp golden crust, soft interior, and flavorful filling, they make an ideal option for brunches, stylish picnics, or snack boxes designed for aesthetic appeal and on-the-go convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sliders offer more than just good looks—they’re full of vibrant taste and texture. Here’s what makes them a must-try:
- Stylish and snackable: Their unique shape and colorful filling make them perfect for food styling and social sharing.
- Easy to customize: Adjust the filling to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Balanced and nutritious: Avocado and tuna provide healthy fats and protein.
- Entertaining-friendly: Ideal for brunch tables, buffets, or tea parties.
- Prep ahead: Make the puff shells in advance and fill before serving for convenience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- puff pastry, thawed
- egg yolk + milk (for egg wash)
- avocado, mashed
- canned tuna, drained
- mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- lemon juice
- salt and pepper
- hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- optional: microgreens, sesame seeds, chili flakes for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a floured surface. Using a shell-shaped or scallop cookie cutter (or by cutting freehand), cut out pairs of shapes for the slider tops and bottoms.
- Lightly score the top halves with a sharp knife to mimic shell ridges, taking care not to cut through.
- Place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the edges lightly with water and place the top halves over them, pressing gently to seal.
- Mix the egg yolk with milk and brush over the tops for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until puffed and deeply golden. Let them cool slightly before filling.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mashing the avocado and mixing it with drained tuna, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Carefully slice each baked shell horizontally like a sandwich bun.
- Spoon the tuna-avocado mixture onto the bottom half, top with a slice of hard-boiled egg, and close gently with the top shell.
- Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chili flakes, or microgreens for an extra flair.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8 shell sliders
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 210 kcal
Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Replace tuna with mashed chickpeas or a seasoned egg salad.
- Use smoked salmon: For a more luxurious twist, swap in smoked salmon slices for the tuna.
- Add crunch: Include thin cucumber slices or radish for extra texture.
- Spice it up: Mix in a dash of sriracha or finely chopped jalapeño to the filling.
- Change the shape: Use heart or star-shaped cutters for themed occasions.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store unfilled puff shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Filled sliders should be kept in the refrigerator and eaten within 24 hours.
Reheating: Reheat unfilled shells in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid reheating filled sliders to preserve the texture and flavor of the avocado mixture.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastry cutouts or fully baked but unfilled shells. Reheat directly from frozen before assembling.
FAQs
Can I make the puff shells ahead of time?
Yes, bake the shells up to a day in advance. Store in an airtight container and fill just before serving.
What if I don’t have a shell cutter?
You can cut the shapes freehand or use any circular or decorative cutter you have on hand.
Can I use store-bought tuna salad?
Yes, although homemade allows you to control the flavor and ingredients.
Are these good served cold?
Yes, they are delicious served at room temperature or slightly chilled—great for lunchboxes or picnics.
Can I use puff pastry cups instead?
Yes, mini puff pastry shells or cups make excellent substitutes and are easy to fill.
What’s the best substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or mashed avocado alone work well for a healthier, tangy option.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Add a little extra lemon juice to the filling to help preserve the green color.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes—use plant-based puff pastry, mashed chickpeas or tofu, and a vegan mayo substitute.
Are these sliders filling enough for a meal?
They’re great as a light lunch or snack but can be paired with a salad or soup for a full meal.
How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Fill just before serving and avoid overly wet fillings to maintain the crisp texture.
Conclusion
Savory Puff Shell Sliders are a stylish, satisfying, and modern twist on classic puff pastry snacks. With their flaky exterior and flavorful avocado tuna filling, they make a statement both visually and on the palate. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a picnic, or looking to elevate your lunchbox game, these sliders are sure to impress and delight with every bite.
PrintSavory Puff Shell Sliders
Elevate your snack game with Savory Puff Shell Sliders—the viral Gen Z-approved mini bites you’ve been craving! These golden, shell-shaped puff pastries are filled with creamy avocado tuna salad and topped with sliced egg for a cute, flavorful, and highly photogenic treat. Ideal for brunch, bento boxes, or social-worthy snacking!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 8 shell sliders
- Category: Appetizer, Brunch, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients
-
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
-
1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
-
1 avocado, mashed
-
1 can tuna, drained
-
1 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
-
1/2 tsp lemon juice
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
-
Optional Garnish: microgreens, sesame seeds, chili flakes
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Roll out the puff pastry slightly. Use a shell-shaped cutter or cut freehand into pairs of matching shell shapes.
-
Lightly score ridges into the top pastry pieces for a seashell look.
-
Place bottom pastry pieces on the baking sheet. Brush edges with water, then gently place the matching top pieces. Press lightly to seal.
-
Brush tops with egg wash.
-
Bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden. Let cool slightly.
-
While puffs bake, mix mashed avocado, tuna, mayo or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
-
Slice the cooled shells horizontally like buns.
-
Fill with a spoonful of avocado tuna salad and top with an egg slice.
-
Garnish with chili flakes, sesame seeds, or microgreens if desired. Serve fresh or pack in stylish bento boxes!
Notes
-
Use flavored tuna (like spicy or lemon herb) for added dimension.
-
These are best served fresh but can be prepped in advance and filled later.
-
Customize with alternative fillings like chicken salad, egg salad, or hummus and roasted veggies.
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 kcal per slider