Caprese Pesto Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Caprese Pesto Puff Pastry Bites are savory, flaky appetizers combining buttery puff pastry with fresh basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. Perfect for parties or quick snacks, these colorful, bite-sized treats offer the classic Caprese flavors elevated with a golden, puffed crust and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 10 oz), thawed if frozen
- 1 large egg, beaten with a splash of water (egg wash)
For the Pesto and Caprese Topping
- 1/2 cup (120g) basil pesto, store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (125g) fresh mozzarella balls, small or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves (about 10-12), torn, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Your Puff Pastry: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Thaw the puff pastry if frozen, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface to smooth creases. Cut into 12-16 squares with a pizza cutter, aiming for rustic, bite-sized pieces.
- Add the Pesto Layer: Spread about a teaspoon of basil pesto evenly onto each pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges to maintain puffiness and avoid sogginess.
- Top with Caprese Goodies: Place a halved cherry tomato and a small mozzarella ball or piece on each pesto-covered square, pressing down lightly so toppings stay during baking.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brush the edges of each square with the beaten egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake on the prepared sheet for 18-20 minutes until the pastry puffs up and turns golden brown. Keep an eye towards the end to prevent over-browning. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes once out of the oven.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle each puff pastry bite with balsamic glaze and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not overload the pesto or tomatoes to avoid soggy pastry.
- Use the egg wash to ensure a beautiful golden crust.
- Ensure oven is fully preheated to 400°F for proper puff pastry rise.
- Let the bites cool slightly before handling to prevent them falling apart.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp before serving.
- Freezing unbaked bites is possible for up to one month; bake from frozen with a few extra minutes added.
Keywords: Caprese, pesto, puff pastry, appetizer, bite-sized, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze, savory snack
Find it online: https://reemcook.com/caprese-pesto-puff-pastry-bites-recipe/
