Description
Succulent French-inspired Pesto Caprese Croissants merge Mediterranean flavors with flaky pastry, creating a delightful fusion of fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and ripe tomatoes. Crisp layers and creamy textures invite you to savor this elegant, quick culinary escape.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) can crescent rolls
- 4 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) fresh diced tomatoes
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) basil pesto
Topping Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) and covering a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Carefully spread each crescent dough triangle, adding a dollop of vibrant basil pesto near the wider edge.
- Place a segment of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle fresh tomato chunks onto the pesto-covered section.
- Gently roll the croissant from the wide end, encasing the filling and creating a neat, compact package.
- Arrange the rolled croissants on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Craft a flavorful coating by whisking melted butter with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, chopped parsley, oregano, and a pinch of salt.
- Delicately brush the butter mixture over the surface of each croissant, ensuring complete coverage.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 11-13 minutes until the croissants transform into a rich, golden-brown color.
- Remove from the oven and let cool briefly before serving alongside warm marinara sauce for enhanced dipping pleasure.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes and homemade pesto for maximum flavor burst.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like fontina or provolone to customize the taste profile of your croissants.
- Cut mozzarella into thin strips to ensure even melting and prevent cheese from pooling during baking.
- Dairy-free alternative: Swap mozzarella with plant-based cheese and use vegan pesto
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg