Description
Caprese Puff Pastry Bundles are a delightful Italian-inspired appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil. These golden, bite-sized bundles are perfect for parties or a light snack and can be optionally drizzled with balsamic glaze for added sweetness and depth.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll and Cut Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet smoothly and cut it into 6 equal squares to form individual bundles.
- Assemble Filling: Place a cube of fresh mozzarella in the center of each square, add a few halved cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle with chopped basil. Lightly season with salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Form Bundles: Carefully bring the corners of each puff pastry square up around the filling and pinch them together at the top, sealing the edges to create a neat bundle.
- Apply Egg Wash: Arrange the bundles on the prepared baking sheet and brush their tops with the beaten egg. This will help them brown beautifully and develop a shiny finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bundles from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving to add a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Notes
- Serve these puff pastry bundles warm for the best flavor and texture.
- They can be made ahead of time and reheated in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes before serving.
- For a savory twist, add a slice of prosciutto inside each bundle along with the cheese and tomatoes.
- If balsamic glaze is unavailable, you can reduce balsamic vinegar over low heat until thickened as a homemade alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bundle
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
