Caprese Empanada Recipe with Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella
This Caprese Empanada recipe is a mouthwatering appetizer inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, featuring a rich, buttery, and flaky crust filled with the fresh and vibrant flavors of tomato, basil, and mozzarella. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply indulging in a savory snack, these empanadas bring the bright tastes of summer in every bite, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy shell. The combination of the smooth mozzarella cheese, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic basil, perfectly complements the flaky crust, making these empanadas irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Maida) | 2 ½ cups |
| Salt | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
| Butter (unsalted), cut into ¼-inch cubes | 1 cup |
| Whole egg | 1 |
| Chilled water | ⅓ cup |
For the Caprese Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes | 100 grams |
| Tomatoes, red, finely chopped | 3 |
| Basil leaves, finely chopped | 2 sprigs |
| Paprika powder, smoked | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | As needed |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 180 minutes (for chilling dough)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Begin by sifting the all-purpose flour with salt into a large mixing bowl. Once sifted, add the Italian seasoning and stir to combine well.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, beat together the whole egg and chilled water using a fork. Slowly add this wet mixture to the flour-butter combination, stirring gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together.
-
Form the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently with the heel of your hand once or twice, just enough to bring it all together. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should stay crumbly yet cohesive.
- Shape the dough into a flat rectangle and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed mozzarella, finely chopped tomatoes, chopped basil leaves, smoked paprika powder, and salt to taste. Stir gently to mix the ingredients together, creating a flavorful and fresh filling.
-
Assemble the Empanadas:
- After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough large enough to hold a generous amount of filling.
- Place a spoonful of the Caprese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, then press the edges together to seal the empanadas. For an extra touch, you can crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they stay closed during baking.
-
Bake the Empanadas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops of the empanadas with a light egg wash (whisked egg), which will give them a beautiful golden finish as they bake.
- Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
-
Serve:
- Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve these delicious Caprese Empanadas warm as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of mozzarella, tomato, and basil wrapped in a perfectly flaky crust!
These Caprese Empanadas are a beautiful, savory snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying a light lunch, or simply craving something comforting, these little pockets of delight will not disappoint. The balance of the creamy mozzarella, the fresh basil, and the sweet-tart tomatoes, all tucked inside a crisp, buttery shell, is an irresistible combination!
This vegetarian-friendly snack is easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and can even be made in advance, making it ideal for busy days when you want to impress your guests with a homemade touch. Enjoy!
