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Mozzarella Puffs Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

Mozzarella puffs are golden, crispy Italian-style pastry bites filled with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. These elegant appetizers or light main course items deliver stretchy cheese centers with a delicate, buttery exterior. Perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a sophisticated snack.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet (320g) thawed puff pastry, cut into 12 squares
• 200g fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 12 cubes (about 17g each)
• 12 fresh basil leaves
• 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sea salt
• ½ teaspoon (2g) freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30g) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• ¼ teaspoon (1g) dried oregano

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Remove puff pastry from refrigeration and gently unfold on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, cut the sheet into 12 equal squares (approximately 8cm × 8cm).

3. Cut fresh mozzarella into 12 cubes of approximately equal size. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

4. Place one mozzarella cube in the center of each pastry square. Top each cube with one fresh basil leaf.

5. Fold each pastry square in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly with the tines of a fork to seal. Ensure no filling is visible at the edges.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush this egg wash over the top surface of each pastry triangle.

7. In another small bowl, combine grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the egg-washed pastry tops.

8. Arrange the prepared mozzarella puffs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2cm space between each piece.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, until the pastry is deeply golden brown and slightly puffed.

10. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack for 3-4 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly inside the pastry.

Substitutions

• Use dairy-free mozzarella alternative and vegan puff pastry with aquafaba instead of egg wash for a vegan version
• Replace fresh basil with fresh oregano or thyme for different herb profiles
• Substitute mozzarella with smoked mozzarella or provolone cheese for deeper flavor
• Use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry for a lighter, crispier texture

Tips

• Keep mozzarella cubes cold and dry before assembly; moisture causes the pastry to become soggy and prevents proper sealing
• Do not thaw puff pastry completely—work with it while still slightly cold to prevent tearing and ensure optimal puffing during baking
• Serve mozzarella puffs immediately while warm for the best stretchy cheese pull and crispy pastry contrast

Mozzarella puffs reflect Italian pastry traditions blended with practical appetizer culture. While not a traditional regional dish, they embody the Italian appreciation for simple quality ingredients—fresh mozzarella and butter—prepared with precision and served with pride.

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