Tomato Pesto Tarts

Layer of Basil Pesto, tomato and cheese over a puff pastry sheet, baked till crisp gives you these delicious Tomato Pesto Tarts. These are yet another super easy  appetizers that are loaded with Italian flavors. The combination of fresh basil flavor combined with the juicy tomatoes over the crisp pastry works wonders. Best part is all the ingredients can be kept ready before hand and just before the party assemble the tarts and bake. In less than 30 mins you will have delicious, crispy and flavorful appetizers ready.

I made these for this year's Valentine's party and they were a huge hit.  Had to be after all it had the classic Italian combination of Basil Pesto, tomato and cheese which I absolutely love. I have used homemade Basil Pesto for this recipe but store bought would work just fine. The pastry sheets however are store bought ones from Pepperidge Farm brand and the recipe idea is adapted from their website. I love stocking these ready made Puff Pastry sheets as they come in really handy for quick appetizer/snack options. You will notice I haven't mentioned any measurements for this recipe. The reason is it completely up to once taste and you don't need to be accurate at all. 

Now to the recipe... 

Ingredients:
1 Puff Pastry Sheet 
Basil Pesto (Homemade or Store bought)
2-3 tomatoes thinly sliced
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and black pepper
Dry oregano
Dry parsley flakes and red chilli flakes for garnishing


Method:
Preheat the oven to 400F and line the baking tray with aluminium foil/parchment paper. Keep aside. Thaw the puff pastry sheet on the counter as per package instructions (around 40 mins). 

Now divide the thawed sheet into 9 equal squares. Place them on the lined baking sheet. Add a tsp or less of basil pesto in the center of each square and spread evenly leaving some space around the edge. Now using a knife draw a rough border around the spread pesto. Next lay 2-3 slices of tomato on each square over the pesto. Sprinkle a pinch of salt, black pepper and oregano over the tomato slices and top of with cheese (As much as you like). Bake for 15-20 mins or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for 5 mins. Garnish with some red chilli flakes and dry parsley before serving. 

That's it, our delicious, crispy and  flavorful Tomato Pesto Tarts are ready. Serve these warm and crisp. Enjoy!!

Happy Baking!!
Shweta