Mini Caprese Muffin Bites
Recipe: #22907
February 18, 2016
Categories: Snacks, Cheese, Mozzarella, Tomato, Appetizers, Italian, 5 Ingredients Or Less, One-Pot Meal, Baby Shower, Christmas, Game/Sports Day July 4th, Labor Day, Potluck, Oven Bake, No Eggs, Vegetarian, Fresh Tomatoes, Refrigerated Dough, Herbs, more
"These little appetizers are quick and easy - a few simple ingredients; and, just minutes to prepare. Great for entertaining; or, a party/game night. These make approximately 24 bites. And, warning ... they are totally addictive."
Ingredients
- Garnish
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Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (22.6 g)
- Calories 56
- Total Fat - 3.3 g
- Saturated Fat - 1.4 g
- Cholesterol - 5.7 mg
- Sodium - 85.7 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 4.2 g
- Dietary Fiber - 0.2 g
- Sugars - 0.9 g
- Protein - 2.5 g
- Calcium - 58.1 mg
- Iron - 0.2 mg
- Vitamin C - 0.9 mg
- Thiamin - 0 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Puff Pastry ... The best way to thaw the pastry is in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Then, on a lightly floured pastry board or your counter; layout the sheet of pastry (which is 10x15"), and press the seams flat. Lightly flour the dough, and roll flat. Brush the pastry with the pesto. I just used a store bought pesto; however, you can make your own if you want.
Step 2
Then, divide the 10" wide pastry into 6 equal strips; and, cut using a pastry, pizza cutter, or knife (about 1 1/2-1 3/4" wide). Then, cut the 6 long strips into 8 equal strips (about 2" wide); creating 48 squares. They don't have to be perfect, so don't worry.
Step 3
Muffin Tin ... I used a standard mini muffin tin; which makes 24 muffins. Lightly spray with a non stick spray. Then, add 2 squares to each muffin; offset them so they cover the bottom; but, come up the sides a bit too. Again, there is no right or wrong. Just don't PUSH or SMASH the pastry down in the cup. After handling the pastry, you can brush it with a bit more pesto if you want ... just not too much - you want a light coating.
Step 4
Cheese and Tomatoes ... Add three (3) small cheese cubes to each muffin; so, cut them small. If you use larger cubes; they don't melt as well. Next, add 1 cherry tomato (cut in half) to each muffin. Now, if using grape tomatoes which are smaller; I used 1 1/2 tomatoes per muffin.
Step 5
Bake and Finish ... Bake on the middle shelf, in a preheated 400 degree oven, for 9-12 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown; and, the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven; and, using a fork, pull out the bites ... they will pop right out.
Step 6
Serve and ENJOY! ... Garnish with a drizzle of good balsamic vinegar, and a fresh basil leaf. Warning - they are totally addictive.
Tips
No special items needed.