Delicious Caprese Tarts Recipe: A Simple and Elegant Appetiser
Savour the delightful fusion of Italian Caprese and buttery puff pastry! These delicious tarts are quick to prepare and perfect as an appetiser for gatherings or a quiet afternoon meal. The combination of flaky pastry with the classic flavours of Caprese—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil—will leave you wanting more. With just a few simple ingredients and a fantastically tasty result, these Caprese tarts are sure to impress everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Caprese Tarts, you’ll need one sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry, a large ripe tomato or two small ones, fresh mozzarella, green pesto, an egg yolk, and some milk for the egg wash. Fresh basil leaves make the perfect garnish, adding a pop of colour and freshness to finish off these tarts.
Simple and Quick Preparation
To begin, slice the tomatoes and drain them by placing them on a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. If using large tomatoes, cut the slices in half.
Preparing juicy tomato slices for Caprese tarts.
Next, slice the mozzarella and pat it dry. With all your ingredients prepared, you’re ready to assemble the tarts.
Preparing creamy mozzarella slices for Caprese tart
Start by cutting the puff pastry into rectangles and creating a raised border using pastry strips.
Placing pastry strips around the edges to form a raised border.
Then, spread the pesto evenly over the base.
Spreading a generous layer of green pesto on puff pastry rectangles.
Layer the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on top, slightly overlapping them for a beautiful presentation.
Layering sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on top of pesto-covered puff pastry.
Brush the edges with the egg wash to give your tarts a lovely golden colour when baked.
Applying an egg wash to the edges of puff pastry rectangles.
Finally, bake them for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
Golden Caprese tarts, a delicious combination of flaky pastry, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, topped with fresh basil.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
These Caprese Tarts are best served fresh from the oven or at room temperature. Pair them with a simple green salad for a light, satisfying meal. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To enjoy them later, reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the pastry’s crispness.
Customise Your Caprese Tarts
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Try adding olives, roasted red peppers, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a delicious twist. Whatever your preference, these Caprese Tarts are versatile enough to accommodate your favourite flavours.
Watch our quick video tutorial on Instagram for a step-by-step guide to making these Caprese Tarts! Plus, be sure to check our another scrumptious puff pastry recipe: the Pesto Twist.
Prep Time: 15 minsCook Time: 15 minsTotal Time: 30 mins
Servings6
Description
This easy Caprese tarts recipe combines flaky puff pastry, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant pesto for a delicious and elegant appetizer or light meal. Perfect for any occasion, these tarts are sure to impress with their simple ingredients and fresh flavours.
Ingredients
For the tarts:
320g puff pastry (ready rolled)
1 large tomato (halved and thinly sliced)
150g mozzarella (sliced)
2tbsp green pesto
Egg wash (1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tbsp milk)
For garnish:
Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan).
Unfold the puff pastry and cut it into two rectangles, each measuring 11cm x 24cm. Place the rectangles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and use a fork to pierce the pastry all over.
Cut the remaining puff pastry into six strips, each 2cm wide, and place these strips along the edges of the rectangles to create raised borders. Trim any excess to fit the dimensions of the rectangles.
Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto over the base of each pastry rectangle, then arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on top, slightly overlapping them.
Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the tarts are golden and puffed.
Once baked, transfer the tarts to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your Caprese tarts warm or at room temperature.
Make sure your puff pastry is cold when working with it. If it becomes too warm, it can be difficult to handle and won't puff up as much in the oven. Keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the tarts.
Brushing the pastry edges with egg wash gives the tarts a beautiful golden-brown colour and a glossy finish.
Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the tarts as they bake, and remove them once the pastry is puffed and golden.
These Caprese tarts are best served fresh from the oven or at room temperature. Pair them with a simple green salad for a light meal or serve as a starter at your next dinner party.
