Mozzarella Pillows – The Ultimate Party Appetizer!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Perfect party appetizer - makes 16 individual servings!
• Impressive looking but surprisingly easy to make.
• Great make-ahead option for stress-free entertaining.
• Customizable fillings to suit any taste preference.

Tools You'll Need

Ingredients

• 1 (26-ounce) jar marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 slices prosciutto, finely chopped
• 4 storebought 9-inch pie crusts
• 2 eggs, beaten, for egg wash
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Place the marinara sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook until reduced to a thick, jam-like consistency, about 30 minutes. There should be 1 1/2 to 2 cups of reduced sauce.
3. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and prosciutto.
4. Meanwhile, place 1 piece of dough on a work surface. Roll the dough out gently until you can cut an 8 1/2 by 9 1/2-inch rectangle.
5. Press the scraps into a small rectangle and roll it out to the same thickness as the other rectangle. Cut 3 rectangles from the large rectangle and 1 rectangle from the small rectangle. Each should measure 8 1/2 by 3 inches.
6. Continue rolling and cutting the remaining pie dough.
7. To form the tarts, place the rectangles on a work surface. Brush each rectangle with egg wash.
8. Place a large spoonful of the marinara mixture in the middle of the bottom half of the rectangle.
9. Fold the dough in half over the marinara mixture to make a 3 by 4-inch rectangle. Press the edges to seal.
10. Using a scalloped ravioli cutter, trim the rectangles to make a decorative edge.
11. Place the tarts on the baking sheets. Brush with egg wash and generously sprinkle with cheese.
12. Bake until golden, about 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm! 

Pro Tips

• Reduce properly: The sauce should be thick like jam to prevent leaking during baking.
• Work with cold dough for easier handling and cleaner cuts.
• Make ahead: Assemble tarts and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit prosciutto and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped pepperoni to the filling.
• Different Cheeses: Try provolone, fontina, or gorgonzola for different flavor profiles.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?
Absolutely! Puff pastry will give you a flakier, more buttery result. Adjust baking time as needed.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Ensure your reduced sauce is thick enough and don't overfill the parcels. Seal edges well with egg wash.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months before baking.

So there you have it - the most impressive Mozzarella Pillows that will make you the star of any gathering! 

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments what filling variations you created.