Description
These Caprese Bites are a delightful and elegant appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, topped with a savory flaky salt and finished with a sweet balsamic glaze and aromatic basil. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 package puff pastry
Filling
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into 12 slices
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
Toppings and Garnish
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon flaky salt
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a hot environment for baking the puff pastry to a golden, flaky texture.
- Prepare Muffin Tins: Lightly spray the bottom of one regular 12-count muffin tin and the inside wells of another muffin tin with cooking spray for easy release and to form the pastry cups.
- Shape Puff Pastry Cups: Place the muffin tin sprayed on the inside on the counter, and lay the puff pastry sheet on top. Then set the muffin tin sprayed on the bottom over the puff pastry and gently press down to push the pastry into the wells of the bottom muffin tin, creating small cups. Remove the top muffin tin carefully.
- Assemble Fillings: Place one slice of fresh mozzarella into each pastry cup formed in the bottom muffin tin, then nestle two halves of cherry tomatoes on top of each mozzarella slice.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Using a pizza cutter, slice the pastry between the wells to separate each portion. Brush the corners of each pastry bite with the egg wash to help them brown beautifully, then sprinkle flaky salt evenly over the tops for added flavor and crunch.
- Bake: Arrange the individual pastry bites on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, drizzle each bite with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and acidity, then sprinkle with freshly chopped basil to enhance the fresh, herbaceous flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Enjoy Your Caprese Bites: These flavorful bites are perfect for parties or a tasty snack. Savor the combination of textures and flavors as you dig in!
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture and flavor contrast with the puff pastry.
- Ensure your puff pastry sheet is thawed properly before shaping for easier handling.
- You can prepare the bites ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking, but add the basil and balsamic glaze just before serving.
- For a milder tomato flavor, use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes.
- Adjust the amount of flaky salt according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Caprese Bites, Puff Pastry Appetizer, Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, Balsamic Glaze, Italian Bites, Party Appetizers, Finger Food
