Tasty Caprese Puff Pizza

As seen in Satisfying Entrées for Every Table.

This dish starts with a flaky puff pastry base brushed with pesto. Sliced tomatoes are salted and left to sit to pull out moisture and boost flavor. Fresh mozzarella is layered on top. The edges get a light egg wash to help them turn shiny and crisp. After baking until golden brown, it’s finished off with balsamic glaze, parmesan sprinkles, and fresh basil for a perfect mix of fresh and rich tastes that’s great to share.

Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:46:58 GMT
Slice of pizza with basil and tomatoes. Save Pin
Slice of pizza with basil and tomatoes. | foodthingle.com

Here’s a tasty Pesto Caprese Puff Pastry Pizza that’s simple and fancy enough for a quick bite. Flaky, buttery pastry meets juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh pesto for a light meal or a wow appetizer when friends are over.

The first time I whipped this up on a hectic night, I wanted something fresh with little hassle. The mix of melty cheese and crispy pastry quickly won over my family.

What You Need

  • One sheet of puff pastry thawed: makes that flaky yummy crust
  • Firm but ripe beefsteak tomatoes: sliced thin for juicy sweetness and good texture
  • Kosher salt and pepper: sprinkles to boost the tomato flavor
  • Pesto: packs a fresh herb punch; use homemade or a quality jar
  • Fresh mozzarella: creamy and melts perfectly without stealing the show
  • Egg beaten with water: for brushing pastry edges, gives a shiny golden look
  • Balsamic glaze: drizzle at the end adds a sweet tang
  • Fresh basil leaves: for a bright, fragrant finish
  • Grated parmesan cheese: a nutty, savory sprinkle on top

How to Make It

Base Prep
Heat your oven to 425°F. Place puff pastry on parchment paper on a baking tray. Prick the dough with a fork all over so it doesn’t puff up too much while baking.
Tomato Prep
Slice your tomatoes thin then lay them on paper towels. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let them rest for 5 minutes. This pulls out extra juice so the pastry stays crisp when you pat them dry.
Add the Layers
Spread pesto over the pastry but leave about an inch border empty. Layer the dried tomato slices evenly then tear fresh mozzarella and scatter on top.
Make It Shine
Brush the pastry edges with the egg wash to get a shiny golden crust after baking.
Baking
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed up and golden crisp.
Finishing Touches
Pull the pizza out of the oven. Drizzle more pesto and balsamic glaze on top. Toss on basil leaves and sprinkle parmesan. Slice and enjoy right away.
A slice of pizza with tomatoes and basil. Save Pin
A slice of pizza with tomatoes and basil. | foodthingle.com

My favorite bit is tossing fresh basil at the end for that fresh pop. I served this at a summer picnic and everyone loved how light but filling it was.

How to Store
If you have leftovers, pop them in the fridge up to two days. Warm gently in a low oven so the crust stays crisp. Skip the microwave or the pastry might get soggy.

Swaps
If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, burrata or a mild fresh cheese like fior di latte works well. Store-bought pesto is fine but making your own with basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil tastes even better.

Serving Ideas
Pair your pizza with a simple green salad tossed lightly with lemon and olive oil. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with a lemon wedge also makes a nice match.

Where It Comes From
Caprese flavors come from Italy’s Campania area famous for its fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. Using puff pastry to make a pizza mix Italian basics with a French twist for exciting textures and tastes.

A slice of pizza with tomatoes and cheese. Save Pin
A slice of pizza with tomatoes and cheese. | foodthingle.com

Common Recipe Questions

→ Which puff pastry is best?

Go for a good quality puff pastry that's thawed. It’ll bake up flaky and golden.

→ How do I stop the pastry from puffing up too much?

Poke the pastry with a fork all over so steam can get out and big bubbles don’t happen.

→ Why salt and rest the tomatoes before baking?

Salting pulls out extra water from the tomatoes, keeping the crust from getting soggy and making the tomatoes sweeter.

→ Can I swap fresh mozzarella for another cheese?

Mozzarella is creamy and works great, but burrata or fontina are tasty swaps too.

→ Why brush the edges with egg wash?

The egg wash helps the crust get shiny and golden and makes it nice and crisp when baked.

→ How can I switch up the toppings?

You can throw on roasted veggies, prosciutto, or extra herbs to mix up the flavors.

Caprese Puff Pizza

Crispy puff pastry covered with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, and pesto for a tasty snack.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
25 Minutes
Overall Time
40 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Simple

Regional Style: Italian

Output: 6 Number of Servings

Special Diets: Meat-Free

What You'll Need

→ Dairy

01 170 grams fresh mozzarella
02 Parmesan for topping

→ Pastry

03 One sheet of puff pastry, thawed

→ Condiments & Spices

04 Balsamic glaze to drizzle
05 Black pepper as you like it
06 ⅓ cup ready-made pesto
07 Kosher salt to your taste

→ Other

08 1 large egg beaten with a teaspoon of water for egg wash
09 Fresh basil leaves for decorating

→ Vegetables

10 1 or 2 beefsteak tomatoes, sliced thin

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Turn your oven up to 425°F (220°C). Put the puff pastry sheet on parchment on a baking tray. Use a fork to poke the dough all over so it doesn’t puff up too much.

Step 02

Slice the tomatoes thin. Lay them on a paper towel and sprinkle with kosher salt. Wait 5 minutes for the salt to pull out the water, then blot gently with another paper towel.

Step 03

Spread pesto all over the dough but leave about an inch open around the edge. Lay the tomato slices evenly on top. Then add chunks of mozzarella over the tomatoes.

Step 04

Use the egg and water mix to paint the bare edges of the pastry so it turns shiny and golden when baked.

Step 05

Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry looks golden and crispy.

Step 06

Take it out of the oven. Drizzle some extra pesto and balsamic glaze on top. Scatter fresh basil leaves and some parmesan over everything. Cut into slices and enjoy right away.

Additional Tips

  1. Using fresh, top-notch mozzarella and pesto makes a big difference. Add balsamic glaze how you like it. You can throw on extras like roasted veggies or some prosciutto if you want.

Essential Tools

  • Oven
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Fork
  • Paper towels
  • Pastry brush

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has dairy and egg
  • Contains gluten from the puff pastry

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fat Content: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Protein: 15 g