Looking for a mouth-watering and straightforward appetizer to impress your guests? These delightful eggplant puff pastry bites are the perfect solution. Combining the rich flavors of eggplant, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes with the crispy texture of puff pastry, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these bites will leave your guests asking for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant, sliced
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- Olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh basil or dried oregano
- 120g mozzarella, sliced
- 50g mozzarella for pizza
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 70g tomato sauce
- 1 egg yolk
- 15 ml milk
- Poppy seeds or sesame seeds
Instructions:
- 1. Set the Oven: Adjust your oven to 200°C (392°F) and let it preheat. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into thin rounds. Season each side with salt and allow them to rest for roughly 10 minutes to release extra moisture. Rinse the pieces and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.
- Cook the Eggplant: Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices until they achieve a golden-brown color on each side. Set aside.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into small squares, approximately 7×7 cm.
- Assemble the Bites: Place a spoonful of tomato sauce in the center of each puff pastry square. Add a slice of cooked eggplant, followed by a slice of mozzarella. Top with a cherry tomato half and sprinkle with fresh basil or dried oregano.
- Seal the Edges: Fold the corners of the puff pastry squares towards the center, creating a small parcel. Press the edges to seal.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with the milk. Brush the tops of the pastry parcels with the egg wash. Sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the assembled bites on the prepared baking tray. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry turns a rich golden brown and becomes crisp.
- Presentation: Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these delightful eggplant puff pastry bites warm.
Conclusion:
These tasty eggplant puff pastry snacks are simple to make and full of delicious flavors. Ideal for any event, they blend the savory flavor of eggplant with creamy mozzarella and fresh cherry tomatoes, all encased in a flaky puff pastry. Serve them at your next party and see how quickly they get devoured. Enjoy!