Golden puff pastry folded around layers of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato, and vibrant pesto, finished with a sprinkle of parmesan – the perfect application of Italian flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bites bring together buttery, flaky puff pastry with classic Caprese flavors in a convenient, handheld format. They look impressive but are incredibly easy to prepare, and taste delicious whether served warm or at room temperature for gatherings big or small

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
• ¼ cup basil pesto
• 1–2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 6 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Roll out the puff pastry slightly into a 12×12‑inch square.
3. Cut the pastry into 9 equal squares.
4. Place about 1 teaspoon of pesto in the center of each square.
5. Top each with a tomato slice and a slice of mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Fold two opposite corners over the filling and press gently to seal in the center.
7. Beat the egg and brush the tops of the pastries.
8. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 9 bites (adaptable—some recipes scale to 20 bite-sized servings)
• Prep time: 10–15 minutes
• Cook time: 15–20 minutes
• Total time: 25–35 minutes depending on chilling steps included

Variations

• Mini muffin cups: Press pastry squares into a mini muffin tin for a cup‑style presentation
• Homemade pesto: Use a walnut-and-basil pesto rather than store-bought for a fresh flavor boost
• Cheese swap: Try provola, brie, or gouda in place of mozzarella for variation
• Balsamic drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for sweetness and depth

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store unassembled pastry squares and toppings separately. Assembled pastries are best kept at room temperature or lightly covered in the refrigerator and consumed the same day (daniliciousdishes.com).
• Reheating: Warm in a 350 °F (180 °C) oven for 5–10 minutes until crisp, or bake from chilled for about the same time.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the bites and refrigerate until ready to bake. One tip is to chill the filled pastries for 20 minutes before baking to maintain their shape (blog.giallozafferano.com).

2. Can I use puff pastry cups instead?

Absolutely. Press squares of puff pastry into mini muffin tins and fill with pesto, tomato, and cheese before baking

3. Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes. Store-bought pesto works well, though homemade adds extra freshness

4. What cheeses work best?

Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but provola, brie, gouda, or sheep’s-milk cheeses also work well .

5. Should I drizzle balsamic glaze?

Though optional, a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a delicious, tangy sweetness—recommended .

6. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes—use a ready-rolled gluten-free puff pastry sheet. Bake slightly less, as these tend to brown faster

7. What size should I cut the pastry?

Cut into small squares (~2 inches) for bite-size portions; adjust the number of servings accordingly .

8. Can I serve at room temperature?

Yes—they taste great warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for parties

9. How to prevent soggy bottoms?

Chill pastries before baking and ensure tomatoes are patted dry to avoid sogginess

10. Can I freeze them?

Not recommended. Puff pastry loses its crispiness when frozen after baking. Instead, freeze components separately and assemble fresh.

Conclusion

Caprese Pesto Puff Pastry Bites transform classic Italian flavors into elegant, bite-sized appetizers with minimal effort. Quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and crowd-pleasing warm or at room temperature, they’re a reliable choice for entertaining or easy indulgence. Enjoy the delicious combination of pesto, tomato, and melted cheese in a flaky puff pastry embrace!

Print