Name: Pesto Caprese Puff Pastry Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen; 1 to 2 beefsteak tomatoes, thinly sliced; Kosher salt and pepper; ⅓ cup pesto, plus more for drizzling; 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, pulled apart into pieces; 1 egg + 1 teaspoon water, beaten together for egg wash; Balsamic glaze, for drizzling; Fresh basil, for topping; Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling

Alright, pizza lovers, get ready to meet your new best friend! This Pesto Caprese Puff Pastry Pizza is a total game-changer. We’re talking flaky, buttery puff pastry topped with vibrant pesto, juicy tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella, all finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh basil. It’s like a Caprese salad and pizza had a delicious baby, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy appetizer. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Elegance: It looks fancy, but it’s ridiculously easy to make. Puff pastry does all the hard work!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella is a classic for a reason. It’s fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious.
Quick and Versatile: Ready in under 30 minutes, this pizza is perfect for busy nights or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Puff Pastry: Thawed, if frozen. This is the magic ingredient!
Beefsteak Tomatoes: Thinly sliced and salted to remove excess moisture. We don’t want a soggy pizza!
Pesto: Store-bought or homemade, it adds a burst of herbaceous flavor.
Fresh Mozzarella: Pulled apart into pieces for that melty, gooey goodness.
Egg + Water (Egg Wash): For brushing the edges and creating a beautiful golden crust. Optional, but highly recommended.
Balsamic Glaze: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang. Drizzle generously!
Fresh Basil: For topping and adding a pop of fresh flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: For sprinkling and adding a salty, nutty note.
Kosher Salt and Pepper: To season the tomatoes.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun ideas:

Add Veggies: Toss on some roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts.
Protein Boost: Add prosciutto or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Cheese Swap: Use burrata or goat cheese instead of mozzarella.
Spice it Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Pesto Caprese Puff Pastry Pizza

Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry

Preheat oven to 425°F. Place puff pastry on parchment paper on a baking sheet. Poke all over with a fork to prevent bubbles.

Step 2: Prep the Tomatoes

Slice tomatoes and place on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. Pat dry.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

Spread pesto on puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with tomatoes and mozzarella.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush edges with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from oven. Drizzle with more pesto and balsamic glaze. Top with basil and parmesan. Slice and serve!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Poke the Puff Pastry: Don’t skip this step! It prevents the pastry from puffing up too much.
Dry the Tomatoes: Salting and patting dry ensures a crispy crust.
Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and good pesto make a big difference.
If you find your puff pastry is browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil for the last few minutes of cooking.

How to Serve

This pizza is perfect for:

Appetizer: Cut into small squares for a party-friendly bite.
Quick Dinner: Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Brunch: A delightful addition to any brunch spread.
Snack: Enjoy a slice anytime you need a flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as the puff pastry will become soggy.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in a toaster oven until warm and crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tomatoes?

I don’t recommend using frozen tomatoes as they will release too much moisture and make the crust soggy.

2. Can I use a different type of pesto?

Absolutely! Feel free to use sun-dried tomato pesto, kale pesto, or any other pesto you love.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free puff pastry. Just be sure to check the ingredients to ensure it’s truly gluten-free.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble and bake the pizza right before serving for the best texture. However, you can prep the tomatoes and have the pesto ready ahead of time.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! A Pesto Caprese Puff Pastry Pizza that’s sure to impress with minimal effort. Go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with this easy and delicious recipe!

Jaden Christner

Hey everyone! I'm Jaden, and welcome to YummyHere! Basically, I'm obsessed with food. Like, really obsessed. So, I figured, why not share all my yummy creations with the world? Hopefully, you'll find something here that makes you say "Yum!" (because that's the goal, right?). Let's get cooking!

Pesto Caprese Puff Pastry Pizza Recipe