Description
This Pesto Caprese Puff Pastry Pizza is a light, flaky, and flavor-packed dish perfect for a quick lunch, appetizer, or elegant party bite. Featuring creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil pesto, and fresh basil leaves layered over golden puff pastry, it’s the perfect fusion between classic Caprese salad and crispy, savory pizza.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Puff Pastry Pizza
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 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 facilitate easy clean-up.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth the seams and slightly enlarge it. Transfer the pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Score the Border: Using a sharp knife, score a 1/2-inch border around the edges of the pastry without cutting all the way through. This will help the edges puff up nicely while keeping the toppings contained.
- Egg Wash: Brush the scored border with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden shine once baked.
- Add Pesto: Spread the basil pesto evenly within the scored border, covering the central area of the pastry.
- Layer Cheese and Tomatoes: Arrange the sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto, followed by halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up around the edges.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought pesto with homemade pesto for a fresher taste.
- For a crisper puff pastry base, pre-bake the pastry for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Try using burrata or goat cheese instead of mozzarella to add a creamy twist to the pizza.
