Bite-sized caprese enveloped in puff pastry and slightly Americanized
I love one-bite appetizers; in my opinion, that’s what party appetizers should be. Who wants to juggle a plate, a glass, and socializing at a party? No need to if you make these festive, all-encompassing poppers for the Fourth of July. Plus, they’re vegetarian, and who doesn’t love good-quality buffalo mozzarella on tomato and basil with a sweet balsamic glaze? I don’t think anyone I’ve met.
I think pretty much anything wrapped in puff pastry is amazing – jalapeño poppers, puff pastry hand pies, pigs in a blanket, fruit tarts with puff pastry crusts – the list is pretty much endless.
And then there’s the caprese. I know, I know, caprese is Italian, but if you want to make the traditional salad Americanized, substitute white cheddar for the mozzarella. And add even more July 4th festivity by adding blueberries to the poppers. Now you have the traditional red, white, and blue theme going on.
This post is going to be super short just like the period of time these poppers will last at your Fourth of July BBQ 🙂
If you make this recipe, be sure to tag your creation with the hashtag #foodfinessa.
American Caprese Puff Pastry Poppers
Balsamic Reduction
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
Caprese
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg + 1 teaspoon of water ((for egg wash))
- 8 oz buffalo mozzarella
- 2 ripe Roma tomatoes ((or any type of tomato))
- bunch fresh basil ((about 2 cups))
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, boil vinegar and honey. Simmer for about 10 minutes until vinegar has reduced to about ½ cup. Allow to cool, and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350? F. On a well-floured surface, roll out puff pastry until it is about ¼” thick. Using a star cookie cutter or any cookie cutter of your choice, cut puff pastry into stars. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, brush on egg wash, and bake for 5-7 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. Allow to cool.
- Once puff pastry is cool, cut mozzarella and tomatoes into about 1” chunks. To assemble, place tomato piece on top of one puff pastry star, then top with a basil leaf and a piece of mozzarella. Top with another puff pastry star, and drizzle with balsamic reduction. Serve with festive toothpicks!
