Savory Tomato Mozzarella Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe
These Savory Tomato Mozzarella Puff Pastry Tarts are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer or light lunch featuring golden puff pastry topped with fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and fragrant basil, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 tarts 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
Tomato and Cheese Layer
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Herbs and Seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet gently to smooth any creases. Cut it into four equal squares and transfer them carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
- Score the Edges: Use a sharp knife to lightly score a ½ inch border around each square without cutting through. This helps create a raised edge when baked.
- Dock the Pastry: Poke holes with a fork inside the inner square to prevent the center from puffing up too much during baking, ensuring a flat base for toppings.
- Season the Pastry: Brush the edges of each square with beaten egg to give a golden shine. Drizzle olive oil over the inner sections and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place a slice of tomato in the center of each pastry square, then add a slice of fresh mozzarella on top. For a more appealing look, you can alternate layers if desired.
- Finish with Basil: Scatter torn fresh basil leaves on top of the cheese layers, and lightly drizzle with extra olive oil for richness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown, puffed, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle each tart with balsamic glaze to add a tangy sweetness.
- Serve Warm: Serve these tarts warm as a delicious appetizer or light lunch that everyone will enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw the puff pastry sheet fully before rolling to prevent tearing.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with burrata for an even creamier texture.
- Use ripe, firm tomatoes to avoid soggy pastry.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of dried oregano or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- The tarts are best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: twenty five g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: tomato mozzarella tart, puff pastry tart, savory appetizer, easy Italian appetizer, basil tomato tart