Description
Delight in these Caprese Pesto Tarts, a delicious Italian-inspired appetizer combining flaky puff pastry, fresh basil pesto, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. Perfect as a light lunch or elegant starter, these tarts blend vibrant flavors and are quick to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Pesto
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes (thinly sliced)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (sliced or torn into pieces)
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare puff pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet slightly on a floured surface to even thickness. Cut it into 4 equal rectangles for individual tarts.
- Score and dock pastry: Using a knife, lightly score a 1/2-inch border around each rectangle without cutting through, creating a raised edge when baked. Prick the center area with a fork to prevent excessive puffing in the middle.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the edges of each rectangle with the beaten egg wash, which will give the crusts a beautiful golden shine after baking.
- Add pesto and toppings: Spread about 1 to 2 teaspoons of basil pesto evenly in the center of each tart within the scored border. Layer on the thin tomato slices followed by fresh mozzarella pieces.
- Season and drizzle: Lightly drizzle each tart with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Bake tarts: Place the prepared tarts on the baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Serve these delightful Caprese Pesto Tarts warm or at room temperature, ideal for an appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- For best texture, pat tomato slices dry before layering to prevent the tarts from becoming soggy.
- Feel free to substitute store-bought pesto with your homemade version for a fresher taste.
- These tarts pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad for a complete light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
