Description
This Pesto Caprese Puff Pastry Pizza is a quick and elegant appetizer or light lunch option featuring flaky puff pastry topped with vibrant basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh basil leaves, this Italian-inspired dish combines fresh flavors with an irresistible crispy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Toppings
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls or sliced fresh mozzarella
Seasoning & Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
- Score and Dock Pastry: Using a sharp knife, score a 1/2-inch border around the edges of the pastry rectangle without cutting all the way through. Prick the inner area with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking.
- Add Pesto and Toppings: Spread the basil pesto evenly over the center of the pastry, inside the scored border. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls evenly over the pesto layer.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the top, then sprinkle with salt and ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Bake: Place the pastry in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the pastry is crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool slightly. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice into portions and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the pizza before baking.
- Use heirloom cherry tomatoes for a colorful presentation and varied taste.
- This dish serves perfectly as an appetizer or a light, vegetarian-friendly lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of pizza
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
