Caprese Baskets Recipe
Caprese baskets are a delightful twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, transforming it into a fun and elegant appetizer. These individual servings combine the iconic trio of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil in crispy phyllo or pastry shells, adding texture and a touch of sophistication. They’re perfect for parties, brunches, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something light yet flavorful.
Ingredients:
For the baskets:
- 1 pack of phyllo dough or puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing the dough)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the filling:
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), cut into halves
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves (roughly torn or left whole)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh arugula leaves for added flavor and garnish
For the balsamic glaze (if making it homemade):
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Phyllo or Puff Pastry Baskets:
For phyllo dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay out the phyllo sheets on a clean work surface. Cover them with a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent drying.
- Take one sheet of phyllo and brush it lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Layer another sheet on top and repeat the process until you have a stack of 4-5 sheets.
- Cut the phyllo stack into squares (about 4-5 inches per side).
- Gently press each phyllo square into a muffin tin cup, molding it to form a basket. Be careful not to tear the dough. Repeat this process with all of the phyllo squares.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the baskets are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before filling.
For puff pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8-inch thick.
- Cut the pastry into squares, similar to the size of the muffin cups you’re using.
- Press each pastry square into the cups of a greased muffin tin, making sure to form a basket shape.
- Prick the bottom of each pastry square lightly with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Let the baskets cool before filling them.
2. Prepare the Caprese Filling:
- While the baskets cool, prepare the filling. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls.
- In a bowl, toss the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Set aside and let the flavors meld together while you prepare the balsamic glaze.
3. Make the Balsamic Glaze (Optional):
If you’re using store-bought balsamic glaze, skip this step. To make homemade balsamic glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon of honey (optional for added sweetness).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces by about half. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and let it cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
4. Assemble the Caprese Baskets:
- Once the phyllo or puff pastry baskets have cooled, fill each basket with a spoonful of the mozzarella and tomato mixture. Don’t overfill; a generous tablespoon should be enough per basket.
- Drizzle each basket with a bit of the balsamic glaze, adding a touch of sweetness and tang to the fresh filling.
- For added flair, garnish with fresh basil leaves or a small handful of arugula. If you want a bit of heat, you could also sprinkle a few red pepper flakes on top.
5. Serving Suggestions:
- Caprese baskets are best served immediately while the pastry is still crisp. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, bake the baskets and make the filling separately. Assemble just before serving to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- These baskets pair beautifully with a light white wine such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, and they can be served alongside a variety of other appetizers for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Customizations and Variations:
- Add a Protein: For a heartier version, add thin slices of prosciutto or crispy pancetta to the filling. Grilled chicken or shrimp would also work well.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs. Try adding fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the mozzarella and tomato mixture for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
- Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is traditional for Caprese, you can swap it with burrata for a creamier filling or feta for a tangier twist.
- Sweet Touch: Instead of a balsamic glaze, you can drizzle a bit of honey or fig jam over the top for a unique combination of sweet and savory.
Final Thoughts:
Caprese baskets are a wonderful appetizer that brings together the fresh, simple ingredients of the classic Caprese salad in a crispy, handheld form. Whether served at a casual summer gathering or a more formal dinner party, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Feel free to get creative with the filling and garnishes to make this recipe your own.