Description
Mini Caprese Tarts are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry topped with fresh tomato slices, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Perfect for parties or an elegant snack, these tarts combine classic Italian flavors in an easy-to-make puff pastry shell baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 17 oz. package puff pastry dough
Toppings
- 5-6 Roma tomatoes, sliced into 18 thin slices (or any tomato works)
- 6 oz. fresh whole milk mozzarella, cubed into 1-inch blocks
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (for drizzling)
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves (do not substitute with dried)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry dough evenly to prepare for cutting.
- Cut Circles: Using the top of a wine glass or a biscuit cutter, cut out 9 circles from the puff pastry sheet. Repeat if needed to get a total of 18 circles.
- Arrange Dough Circles: Place the puff pastry circles onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Score Dough: Use a paring knife to gently score an inner circle about ¼ inch inside the edge of each pastry circle. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Then prick the center of each circle 2-3 times with the knife tip to prevent excessive puffing in the middle.
- Add Tomato and Balsamic: Place one thin tomato slice on each dough circle and drizzle 3-4 drops of balsamic vinegar over the tomato slices for a tangy flavor.
- Add Basil: Sprinkle some freshly chopped basil leaves on top of each tomato slice to add a fresh, aromatic component.
- Top with Mozzarella: Place a 1-inch cube of fresh mozzarella cheese on each tart, covering the tomato and basil.
- Bake: Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is fully cooked, puffed, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the tarts from the oven and transfer to a serving tray. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use fresh whole milk mozzarella for the best creamy texture and flavor; avoid pre-shredded mozzarella.
- Fresh basil is essential for authentic Caprese taste; do not substitute with dried basil.
- Make sure to score the inner circle of the puff pastry carefully to help the edges puff up and create a little well to hold the toppings.
- Adjust balsamic vinegar quantity to taste, adding just enough to complement without overpowering.
- These tarts are best enjoyed the same day they are baked to keep the pastry crisp and fresh.
