Baked Caprese Bites

If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to make, look no further than these baked caprese bites! They take classic caprese ingredients, add them to mini puff pastry cups, and pop them in the oven until the mozzarella is melted and gooey, the tomatoes are lightly roasted, and the puff pastry is flaky and golden. And don’t forget the sweet balsamic glaze drizzle on top. My mouth is watering just thinking about these!

I love to add these to my appetizer spread on game day and serve them at holiday parties. They’re a nice contrast to other popular appetizers, like buffalo chicken dip and bacon jalapeno popper dip, and make a great vegetarian appetizer option too. Expect them to disappear quickly, though – they’ve never made it to the end of any gathering at my house!

Why You’ll Love These Caprese Bites

Here are a few more reasons I can’t stop making this recipe (and why you should try it for your next gathering!).

• Perfectly bite-sized. These baked caprese bites are just the right size – one to two bites each, guaranteeing you get ALL the flavors in every bite, small enough to have multiples (because, trust me, no one is eating just one of these!), and perfect for sharing.
• Fresh flavors. One of the reasons I love caprese anything is that the flavors are so simple yet bold. Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and earthy, basil topped with some tangy-sweet balsamic…it’s such a perfect combination of flavors!
• Quick and easy. With just 5 main ingredients and less than 15 minutes of prep, you can whip these caprese bites up pretty much anytime. They’re my go-to when I need an appetizer fast or just don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The ingredients list for these puff pastry caprese bites is short and sweet! Here’s an overview, but be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the exact measurements.

• Puff pastry – Puff pastry is typically found in the freezer section, near the frozen pie crusts. Let it thaw in the fridge before starting this recipe.
• Fresh mozzarella – I used sliced mozzarella but small mozzarella balls or pearls work too. Just make sure it’s FRESH mozzarella packaged in water.
• Cherry tomatoes – Grape tomatoes work too. Sometimes I’ll grab the package of multi-colored cherry tomatoes for added pizzazz.
• Fresh basil – Be sure to use basil leaves that are not wilting or browning. Bonus points if you have your own basil plant and can just pluck a few leaves off!
• Sea salt flakes – A final touch of sea salt really elevates the flavor in these caprese bites. Feel free to use your favorite finishing salt.
• Balsamic glaze – Be sure to use balsamic glaze and not vinegar. The glaze is thickened and sweetened, not just pure vinegar.
• All-purpose flour – Dusting the work surface with flour makes the puff pastry much easier to work with.

How To Make Caprese Bites

These little puff pastry bites might look fancy, but they’re so easy to make. Here’s a look at how to do it. (More detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.)

1. Prep. Preheat the oven to 400F. Cut the tomatoes and pre-sliced mozzarella In half.
2. Roll & slice the puff pastry. Lightly dust the work surface with flour. Unfold the thawed puff pastry and roll it out gently with a rolling pin. Cut it into 24 even squares.
3. Shape the pastry. Press each puff pastry square into the cup of a greased mini muffin tin, using a measuring spoon to press down and create a small well in the center.

4. Assemble. Place one piece of mozzarella in each pastry cup. Top with a cherry tomato half, cut-side up.
5. Bake. Bake for 20 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown and the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish. Sprinkle the tops with sea salt. Chiffonade the basil leaves and add a bit to each cup. Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze.

Recipe Tips & Modifications

These caprese bites are pretty simple and straightforward to make, but there are a few things that make them even better (and easier). I included a few variations too, in case you want to switch things up!

• Quality matters. For recipes with a short ingredient list, every ingredient matters. Choose fresh basil, fresh mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor in these baked caprese bites.
• Keep the dough chilled. I recommend keeping the puff pastry refrigerated until you’re ready to roll it out. It warms up quickly, and warm puff pastry sheets are notoriously difficult to work with. The flour helps, but keeping it chilled is still the way to go.
• Try it with pesto. Don’t have fresh basil? Try using pesto instead! It can either be layered on after the cheese and baked or drizzled over the top just before serving.
• Use flavored mozzarella. Want to add even more flavor to these little bites? Use marinated mozzarella!
• Wait to garnish. If you’re not diving in immediately, wait to drizzle the balsamic glaze on top to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

How To Store Baked Caprese Bites

Truthfully, these caprese bites are best enjoyed right away. However, if you do end up with leftovers (unlikely), here’s what to do:

• Fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, preferably without the balsamic drizzle on top, for 1-2 days.
• Reheat. To reheat, pop them back in a preheated oven or air fryer just until they’re warmed through.

Looking for More Appetizers?

Whether you’re hosting game day or a holiday party, these easy appetizer recipes are sure to disappear quickly!

• Tomato Burrata Dip
• Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders
• Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread
• Boursin Candied Bacon Crackers

I hope you enjoyed this recipe for my Caprese Bites! I look forward to your questions and feedback below.

Please be sure to tag me @BadBatchBaking using hashtag #badbatchbaking if you made this recipe, and I will feature you on my story! Plus, I LOVE to see your baking accomplishments.