Technically speaking, YES, it is okay to reheat puff pastry in a microwave.
But just because you can do something doesn’t always mean you should.
That said, we’ll give you the puff pastry pros and cons of microwave heating.
This delicate dough is fairly basic: flour, butter and salt, and some water.
That’s it. No leavening agents are needed; less really is more in this case.
Whether you’re reheating a dessert-like caramel apple strudel or a strawberry tart, or maybe a main dish like chicken pot pie, puff pastry is a buttery, flakey and tender treat no matter what is inside of it.
Reasons for microwaving puff pastry
It comes down to convenience. If you don’t have the time or desire to heat puff pastry in an oven or toaster oven, that’s fine. (Just know that there are some disadvantages to heating it this way.)
Follow these quick steps:
- Remove pastry from the fridge and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a paper towel, preferably one that’s damp.
- Heat on high for 20-second intervals, being careful not to overheat.
- Remove with caution and enjoy.
Reasons for not microwaving puff pastry
A good puff pastry should have a slight crunchiness to it. When you reheat in the microwave, the dough takes on more of a greasy texture (thanks to all the butter melting inside) and then starts to get too moist, making it soggy and flat.
Poof! Your puff pastry isn’t so puffy anymore.
Microwave or oven? The choice is yours.
Although one thing’s for sure: We have the French to thank for perfecting this simple but elegant puff pastry dough.
Vive la puff pastry!
Sources:
https://www.lefoodist.com/guides/cooking-classes-paris/cookingparis21.html
