Pesto Caprese Puff Pastries: A Delicious Bite of Italy
If you’re looking for a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer that captures the essence of Italian cuisine, these Pesto Caprese Puff Pastries are the perfect choice. Combining the fresh flavors of homemade pesto, juicy Roma tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, these pastries are sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal dinner, these bites are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Homemade Pesto:
- ¼ cup walnuts 🌰
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves 🌿
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice 🍋
- ½ tsp salt 🧂
- Pinch of pepper 🌶️
- 3-4 cloves garlic 🧄
- ¼ cup olive oil 🫒
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese 🧀
Puff Pastry Bites:
- 1 sheet of store-bought puff pastry 🥐
- 1/2-3/4 cup homemade pesto 🌿
- 2-3 Roma tomatoes, cut into 9 slices 🍅
- 9 one-inch slices of fresh mozzarella, cut to match tomato size 🧀
- 9 small basil leaves 🌿
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze 🍷
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare an egg wash by whisking together an egg and a splash of water, then set it aside. 🔥
2️⃣ Make the Homemade Pesto:
In a food processor, combine the walnuts, salt, and garlic. Blend until the mixture resembles sand. Add the basil leaves and lemon juice, then pulse until combined. Gradually add the olive oil while blending until smooth. Finally, fold in the grated parmesan cheese. 🌿🧄🫒🧀
3️⃣ Prepare the Pastry:
On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 9 equal squares. Dollop a spoonful of your homemade pesto onto each square, followed by a slice of Roma tomato and a slice of fresh mozzarella. 🍅🧀
4️⃣ Shape the Pastries:
Take two opposite corners of each pastry square and fold them over the mozzarella, pinching the corners together to enclose the filling. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet. 🥐
5️⃣ Chill:
Refrigerate the pastries for 20 minutes to help them set. ❄️
6️⃣ Add the Finishing Touches:
Remove the pastries from the fridge and brush them with the egg wash. Sprinkle with garlic salt and grated parmesan cheese. 🥚🧂🧀
7️⃣ Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown. ⏳
8️⃣ Serve:
Allow the pastries to cool slightly before drizzling them with balsamic glaze. Top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. For an extra burst of flavor, add an additional dollop of pesto. 🍷🌿🧀
9️⃣ Enjoy!
Serve these delightful pastries warm and watch them disappear quickly. 😋
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 9 pastries
- Calories: Approximately 180 Kcal per serving
These Pesto Caprese Puff Pastries are a bite-sized version of the classic Italian Caprese salad, wrapped in a flaky, buttery puff pastry. They’re perfect for any occasion and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch. Enjoy the harmony of fresh basil, tangy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella in every bite!
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Pesto Caprese Puff Pastries
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 1x
Ingredients
Homemade Pesto
¼ cup walnuts 🌰
1 cup fresh basil leaves 🌿
3 tablespoons lemon juice 🍋
½ tsp salt 🧂
Pinch of pepper 🌶️
3–4 cloves garlic 🧄
¼ cup olive oil 🫒
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese 🧀
Puff Pastry Bites
1 sheet of store-bought puff pastry 🥐
1/2–3/4 cup homemade pesto 🌿
2–3 roma tomatoes, cut into 9 slices 🍅
9 one-inch slices of fresh mozzarella, cut to match tomato size 🧀
9 small basil leaves 🌿
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze 🍷
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together the egg and a splash of water, then set aside. 🔥
2️⃣ To make the homemade pesto, add the walnuts, salt, and garlic to the food processor and blend until it resembles a sand-like consistency. Add in the basil and lemon juice, then pulse until combined. Add in the olive oil and blend until smooth. Gently fold in the grated parmesan cheese. 🌿🧄🫒🧀
3️⃣ Roll the pastry sheet out on a floured surface and cut it into 9 squares. Dollop a spoonful of pesto onto each square. Then, top with a slice of Roma tomato and fresh mozzarella. 🍅🧀
4️⃣ Take 2 corners of the pastry and wrap them up and over the mozzarella, pinching the puff pastry corners to enclose (refer to photos if needed). Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining squares. 🥐
5️⃣ Once all of the pastries are made, pop them in the fridge for 20 minutes to set. ❄️
6️⃣ Remove the pastries from the fridge. Brush each pastry with the egg wash. Sprinkle each puff pastry with garlic salt and grated parmesan. 🥚🧂🧀
7️⃣ Transfer to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. ⏳
8️⃣ Allow to cool slightly. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, top with fresh basil, and sprinkle with parmesan. If desired, dollop on more pesto. 🍷🌿🧀
9️⃣ Serve and enjoy! 😋
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal