Description
This Pesto Caprese Puff Pastry Pizza is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or light meal featuring flaky puff pastry topped with aromatic basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy fresh mozzarella. Baked to golden perfection, it’s garnished with fresh basil for a vibrant finish, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a knife, score a 1-inch border around the edges without cutting all the way through to help create a raised crust.
- Egg Wash Border: Brush the scored border with the beaten egg. This will help the edges puff up nicely and develop a beautiful golden color while baking.
- Spread Pesto: Evenly spread the basil pesto over the inner section of the puff pastry, staying within the scored border to avoid sogginess at the edges.
- Add Toppings: Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella slices or torn pieces evenly over the pesto layer for balanced flavor and texture.
- Season and Drizzle: Drizzle the toppings with olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Use good quality basil pesto or make your own for the best flavor.
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before baking to ensure even puffing.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or sliced regular tomatoes if preferred.
- If you want a crispier crust, bake directly on a pizza stone or preheated baking steel.
- To make it vegetarian-friendly, ensure the pesto does not contain any animal-derived cheese or substitute with vegan pesto.
- This pizza is best eaten fresh but can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.
