This eggplant puff pastry appetizer is a delightful combination of flaky pastry, tender eggplant, and melted mozzarella cheese, topped with cherry tomatoes and aromatic herbs. It’s a perfect appetizer for any gathering or a simple snack that’s sure to impress. With its crispy texture and rich flavors, this dish is both easy to make and delicious to eat.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant, sliced
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- Olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh basil or dried oregano
- 120g mozzarella, sliced
- 50g shredded mozzarella for pizza
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 70g tomato sauce
- 1 egg yolk
- 15 ml milk
- Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Slice the eggplant into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and lightly brush the eggplant slices with olive oil. Grill the eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until tender and slightly browned. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into rectangles or squares, depending on your preference.
- Place the pastry pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Assemble the Appetizer:
- Spread a small amount of tomato sauce in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Place a slice of grilled eggplant on top of the tomato sauce.
- Add a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the eggplant, followed by a few pieces of the shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
- Top with half a cherry tomato and sprinkle with fresh basil or dried oregano.
- Prepare the Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash.
- Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash to give them a golden color when baked.
- Add the Seeds:
- Sprinkle the edges of the puff pastry with poppy seeds or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the puff pastry appetizers from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Conclusion:
These quick and easy eggplant puff pastry appetizers are a perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. The combination of crispy puff pastry, savory eggplant, and gooey melted cheese makes for a delightful appetizer that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious snack, these appetizers are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best experience!