This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These puff pastry caprese bites, made using ready-rolled puff pastry, are quick, simple and eye-catching. Perfect for any party table! I’ve included a video below so you can see just how simple they are!
“Quick, fab, tasty, easy what more do I need to say. These were so delicious and loved by all my guests. Thank you.”
Nicky’s Notes
I do love a good pastry nibble, especially when there’s melted cheese involved! These Caprese pastry bites originally featured in my Christmas party food collection, but they’re far too good to save just for the festive season.
The key is getting lovely, crisp, flaky pastry that holds the toppings without going soggy. I use two layers of puff pastry and bake them before adding the mozzarella and tomatoes. This gives them that gorgeous golden rise.
I prefer sun-dried tomatoes to fresh tomatoes here. They have a more concentrated, sweet-tangy flavour and less moisture, so the pastry stays crisp.
One little trick I’ve found helpful is to slice a tiny bit off the rounded side of each mozzarella half. This gives it a flat base so it doesn’t slide off as it melts.
I’ve also made these with gluten-free puff pastry. They didn’t rise quite as much and browned more quickly, but still tasted lovely.
Serve them warm, while the pastry is crisp and the mozzarella is still soft and melty. They’re always a tempting addition to a party spread!
Table of Contents
📋 Ingredients for these pastry bites
***Full recipe with detailed quantities in the recipe card below***
These Caprese Pastry Bites are my first step in embracing the festive season, they’re super simple, with minimal ingredients of puff pastry, mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, pesto, basil leaves and an egg.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: I prefer these to fresh tomatoes as they have a lovely concentrated, sweet-tangy flavour and less moisture, which helps keep the pastry crisp. I use the ones packed in oil, drained well.
- Basil pesto: Adds a lovely fresh, herby, garlicky flavour. A good-quality shop-bought pesto works perfectly, or you can use homemade. I add it after baking to keep that fresh basil flavour.
- Puff pastry: Ready-rolled puff pastry makes these lovely and quick, with plenty of golden, flaky layers.
- Mozzarella pearls: Just the right size for these little bites. Drain them well so they don’t make the pastry soggy.
- Fresh basil: Adds a final pop of freshness and colour.
Do I need a mini muffin tin to make these?
No, and that’s one of the things I like about them! They’re baked as little pastry squares on a regular baking tray, so there’s no need for a muffin tin or individual pastry cases.
🧑🍳 Abbreviated Recipe
***Full recipe with detailed steps in the recipe card below***
First we unroll the pastry and brush with the whisked egg wash:
Then slice the pastry in half widthways, and place one piece of pastry on top of the other (so you have egg in the middle and on top). This double layering of pastry will give lovely puffy bites. Then cut the doubled up pastry in 20 squares.
and place the squares on a non-stick baking tray:
Bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 200C/400F until golden and risen:
Top each with half a mozzarella pearl and place back in the oven for 1-2 minutes to melt:
Then top each bite with a piece of sun dried tomato and a little blob of pesto.
Top each one with a teeny tiny basil leaf (or use larger leaves that have been torn into small pieces) and serve!
Recipe Tips
- Some jarred pestos can be quite oily, so give the jar a good stir before using. If you’re making these for vegetarians, check the pesto label, as some contain cheese made with animal rennet.
- Slice a tiny bit off the rounded side of each mozzarella half to give it a flat base. This helps it sit securely on the puff pastry instead of sliding off as it melts. Such a simple little trick, but it makes all the difference!
I love the contrast of the crisp, buttery pastry with the creamy mozzarella and punchy pesto. They’re one of those little nibbles where you finish one and immediately start eyeing up another.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItYou get that gorgeous crisp, buttery crunch from the golden pastry, followed by soft, creamy mozzarella, the rich sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and a lovely garlicky, herby hit from the pesto.
The fresh basil finishes everything off with a little burst of freshness. Such a delicious combination!
Can I make them ahead?
I think these pastry bites taste best hot or a little warm. If you want to get a head start on them you can cook the pastry squares first, then cool them and place them in an air-tight box at room temperature up to two days ahead. Then reheat for 1-2 minutes in a 200C/400F oven before adding the mozzarella and finishing the bites with the tomato and pesto toppings.
Can I make them gluten free?
Yes! You can use ready-rolled gluten free puff pastry in place of regular puff pastry. I find gluten free pastry doesn’t go as puffy (if you know of one that puffs nicely i’d love to know, drop me a comment please!), and it browns more quickly, so I bake it for a couple of minutes less. The gluten free ones still went down really well when I last made them.
📺 Watch how to make them
Caprese Pastry Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 400 g (14 oz) pack ready-rolled Puff Pastry
- 1 egg lightly whisked
- 10 mozzarella pearls use vegetarian mozzarella if needed
- 5-7 sundried tomatoes chopped into small pieces
- 2 tbsp fresh basil pesto
- 20 baby basil leaves or a few large basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F (fan) and line a baking tray with baking parchment or a silicone liner.
- Unroll the pastry and brush with egg wash, then slice the pastry in half width-ways and place one piece on top of the other, so you have two layers of pastry (don't sandwich the egg wash together – there should be an egg wash layer in the middle and one on top).400 g (14 oz) pack ready-rolled Puff Pastry, 1 egg lightly whisked
- Cut the pastry into approx 20 small squares (4 squares by 5 squares).
- Place the squares on the prepared tray and bake for 10 minutes. Then take them out of the oven.
- Slice the mozzarella pearls in half (*tip 1) and place a piece on top of each of the pastry puffs. Place back in the oven for 1-2 minutes to melt the mozzarella.10 mozzarella pearls
- Place the puffs on a plate and top each one with a piece of sundried tomato and a small blob of pesto. Decorate with fresh basil leaves, then serve.5-7 sundried tomatoes, 2 tbsp fresh basil pesto, 20 baby basil leaves
Video
Notes
Can I make them ahead?
I think these pastry bites taste best hot or a little warm. If you want to get a head start on them you can cook the pastry squares first, then cool them and place them in an air-tight box at room temperature up to two days ahead. Then reheat for 1-2 minutes in a 200C/400F oven before adding the mozzarella and finishing the bites with the tomato and pesto toppings.Can I make them gluten free?
Yes! You can use ready-rolled gluten free puff pastry in place of regular puff pastry. I find gluten free pastry doesn’t go as puffy (if you know of one that puffs nicely i’d love to know, drop me a comment please!), and it browns more quickly, so I bake it for a couple of minutes less. The gluten free ones still went down really well when I last made them.Other topping ideas?
I think the cheese element works well on these, but you can swap out the mozzarella for brie/camembert or your favourite meltable thinly sliced cheese – such as gouda or applewood. Mix and match the sauce element with toppings such as chutney, red pesto, cranberry jelly, chilli jam or mustard. Then finish off a little crunch or bite such as pickled veg, bacon bits, slivers of beef or salmon.Other party table/appetizer ideas?
Here are some of my favourites!- Cranberry brie bites
- Sticky and crispy chicken wings
- Vegetarian sausage rolls
- Easy sausage roll wreath
- Lamb samosa cups
- or go sweet with these chocolate cheesecake stuffed strawberries!
- and don’t forget the Christmas punch!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This caprese pastry bites recipe was first posted in Nov 2018. Updated since with recipe improvements and for housekeeping reasons.
🍲 More Holiday Party Foods
Other topping ideas?
I think the cheese element works well on these, but you can swap out the mozzarella for brie/camembert or your favourite meltable thinly sliced cheese – such as gouda or applewood.
Mix and match the sauce element with toppings such as chutney, red pesto, cranberry jelly, chilli jam or mustard.
Then finish off a little crunch or bite such as pickled veg, bacon bits, slivers of beef or salmon.
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Kitchen Sanctuary running. The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors. For more information please see our Terms & Conditions.
What about putting the “toppings” between the two puff pastry squares? Prepare just as you say putting both pieces in the oven for precooking. Put the mozzarella on half the squares, tomatoes and pesto on the others and bake as shown. Put them together and finish them off. Does that sound like it would work?
Quick, fab, tasty, easy what more do I need to say. These were so delicious and loved by all my guests. Thank you.
These look delicious Jennie!
This is a definite make.
No it’s not mean to make them wait until December.
I think there is more anticipation when they have to wait.
Things are too early in the stores, and then by the time Christmas comes your more apt to be tired of it. It just loses something without the anticipation.
I do though get most of my baking and chocolate making done by the end of Nov..
Taking the leisurely route so I can enjoy everything I do in preparation, is the way I like to do things.
I hate being exhausted on Christmas day. It is a day to be treasured and enjoyed.
Sorry Nicky!
I got my sites mixed up. I think it is going to be one of those days. :~D