Salted Croissants 'alla Pizzaiola'

Salted croissants ‘alla pizzaiola’ are an original idea for an aperitif or a tasty appetizer that combines the taste of breakfast croissants with the classic flavor of pizza. Here’s how to prepare them.

Ingredients

• 1 roll of rectangular puff pastry
• 100 g of mozzarella for pizza (or fiordilatte), well drained and cut into cubes
• 100 g of tomato sauce
• Oregano to taste
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• 50 g of cooked ham, cut into cubes (optional)
• A few fresh basil leaves (optional)
• 1 egg yolk for brushing

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into medium-sized rectangular triangles. On each triangle of puff pastry, distribute a teaspoon of tomato sauce, leaving the edges free to roll them up easily.
3. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and oregano on each triangle to season the sauce.
4. Distribute cubes of mozzarella, and if you wish, add the cooked ham and some torn basil leaves.
5. Roll up each triangle starting from the wider base and proceeding toward the tip, thus forming the croissant.
6. Slightly bend the ends of the croissants inwards to give them the typical crescent shape.
7. Beat an egg yolk and gently brush the surface of the croissants to give them a tempting golden color when baking.
8. Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave a bit of space between each one.
9. Bake the croissants for about 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed and golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Curiosity

The word “pizzaiola” refers to the typical style of seasoning used for pizza, and in this case, it is used to season the puff pastry, thus creating a fusion between the bakery and typical Italian dishes. You can serve these croissants as appetizers or for a buffet. They are ideal for surprising guests with an Italian touch and an original format. Enjoy your meal!