Description
Delightful caprese phyllo cups blend Italian flavors in crispy pastry shells. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil create a perfect appetizer you’ll savor at first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (15 count) pre-made phyllo shells
- 15 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 15 cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat: Calibrate oven to 375F (190C), establishing an optimal thermal environment for transforming phyllo shells.
- Toasting Phyllo: Arrange phyllo shells on baking sheet, allowing them to crisp and turn golden for 5 minutes, then cool completely to maintain structural integrity.
- Filling Preparation: Gently combine halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls, delicately dressing with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate natural flavors.
- Assembly: Carefully position one mozzarella ball and corresponding tomato half into each crisp phyllo shell, crowning with a fresh basil leaf to introduce aromatic complexity.
- Finishing Touch: Immediately before serving, elegantly drizzle balsamic glaze across filled shells, ensuring a dramatic flavor accent while preserving the phyllo’s delicate crunch.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Shells: Toast phyllo cups beforehand to create a crisp barrier that prevents moisture from tomatoes making the base soft and mushy.
- Temperature Matters: Serve immediately after filling to maintain the delicate crunch of phyllo shells and ensure optimal texture contrast.
- Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, room-temperature mozzarella and ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor intensity and authentic taste.
- Customize Creatively: Swap basil with other herbs like oregano or mint, or add a protein like prosciutto for varied dietary preferences and flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg