Name: Delicious Basil Tomato Puffy
Ingredients: 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed): This forms the base of the pastry, providing a light and flaky texture when baked. Using high-quality frozen puff pastry ensures consistent results.; 1 beaten egg (for egg wash): The egg wash gives the pastry a beautiful golden brown finish, enhancing its visual appeal.; 3 medium tomatoes (thinly sliced): These juicy tomatoes add moisture and richness, making them the star of the dish. Opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor.; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The mozzarella provides a creamy, gooey texture that complements the tender tomatoes perfectly.; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: This cheese adds a nutty flavor and savory depth, balancing the richness of the mozzarella.; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped): Basil contributes a fragrant aroma and vibrant flavor, bringing freshness to the dish.; 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic introduces an aromatic element, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the topping.; 2 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil helps to meld all the ingredients together and provides a rich, luscious mouthfeel.; ½ tsp dried oregano: Oregano offers a hint of earthiness, which elevates the Italian flavors in the dish.; Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasonings that ensure all the flavors are well-balanced.; Fresh basil leaves: Adding fresh basil as a garnish enhances the dish’s presentation and provides a burst of flavor.; Balsamic glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cheese and pastry.

Description

Delicious Basil Tomato Puffy—flaky puff pastry topped with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and optional cheese. A light, flavorful appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed): This forms the base of the pastry, providing a light and flaky texture when baked. Using high-quality frozen puff pastry ensures consistent results.
1 beaten egg (for egg wash): The egg wash gives the pastry a beautiful golden brown finish, enhancing its visual appeal.

Topping Ingredients

3 medium tomatoes (thinly sliced): These juicy tomatoes add moisture and richness, making them the star of the dish. Opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The mozzarella provides a creamy, gooey texture that complements the tender tomatoes perfectly.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: This cheese adds a nutty flavor and savory depth, balancing the richness of the mozzarella.
¼ cup fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped): Basil contributes a fragrant aroma and vibrant flavor, bringing freshness to the dish.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic introduces an aromatic element, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the topping.
2 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil helps to meld all the ingredients together and provides a rich, luscious mouthfeel.
½ tsp dried oregano: Oregano offers a hint of earthiness, which elevates the Italian flavors in the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasonings that ensure all the flavors are well-balanced.

Optional Garnish

Fresh basil leaves: Adding fresh basil as a garnish enhances the dish’s presentation and provides a burst of flavor.
Balsamic glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cheese and pastry.

Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to fit your baking sheet. Once rolled out, carefully place the pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a 1-inch border around the edge of the pastry, ensuring not to cut all the way through. This will create a raised edge as it bakes. Brush the border with your beaten egg to achieve a glossy finish.
Prepare the Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Layer the thinly sliced tomatoes within the scored border, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Next, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the tomatoes. Finally, drizzle the olive oil mixture over the layered ingredients, making sure everything is nicely coated.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Serve: Just before serving, scatter the chopped fresh basil over the top as a garnish. For an extra touch, drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Slice the pastry into squares or wedges and enjoy it while warm or at room temperature!