Save Flaky puff pastry pinwheels filled with vibrant basil pesto and nutty Parmesan, shaped into cheerful stars& perfect as a festive appetizer or party snack.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 18 minutes Total Time: 38 minutes Category: Appetizer Difficulty: Easy Cuisine: Italian-Inspired Yield: 16 pinwheels Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 sheet (about 250 g) puff pastry, thawed
- Filling: 4 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) 40 g (about 1/2 cup) finely grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg yolk 1 tbsp milk
- Garnish (optional): 1 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted Fresh basil leaves, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 25 x 30 cm (10 x 12 inches).
- Spread pesto:
- Evenly spread the basil pesto over the pastry, leaving a 1 cm (1/2 inch) border all around.
- Sprinkle Parmesan:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pesto.
- Roll pastry:
- Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the pastry into a log.
- Slice log:
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 16 even pieces.
- Create star shapes:
- Lay each slice flat onto the prepared baking sheet. To create star shapes, use the tip of a small sharp knife or kitchen scissors to make five evenly spaced cuts around the edge of each pinwheel, then gently pull each tip outward to form a star.
- Egg wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle pine nuts:
- Sprinkle with pine nuts, if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and garnish:
- Cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.
Save Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio.
Required Tools
Rolling pin Baking sheet Parchment paper Sharp knife or kitchen scissors Pastry brush Small bowl
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, pine nuts (tree nuts), and cheese (milk). Always check labels for pesto and pastry to ensure no hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 95 Total Fat: 7 g Carbohydrates: 7 g Protein: 2 g (per pinwheel)
Save These star-shaped pesto pinwheels make a delightful appetizer that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry is best for these pinwheels?
Puff pastry works best as it becomes light and flaky when baked, providing the ideal texture to complement the creamy pesto filling.
- → Can I use homemade pesto for this dish?
Absolutely. Homemade basil pesto brings fresh herbal brightness, but store-bought pesto also offers convenient, delicious results.
- → How do I create the star shapes on the pinwheels?
Slice each rolled piece evenly, then make five small cuts around the edges and gently pull each tip outward to form star points.
- → Are there any garnish options to enhance flavor?
Toasted pine nuts add a subtle crunch, and fresh basil leaves provide a fragrant, fresh finish when served.
- → Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?
They are best served fresh the same day, but they can be reheated briefly in a hot oven before serving.