Puff pastry is a light, flaky pastry made from layers of dough and butter. It is created by folding and rolling the dough multiple times, which creates thin layers that puff up when baked. This unique texture is achieved through a process called lamination, where the butter is encased in the dough and rolled out repeatedly. Puff pastry is commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be found in popular recipes like croissants, vol-au-vents, and palmiers. When baked, it becomes golden brown and crispy, making it a favorite choice for appetizers, desserts, and pastries.