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.
I first tried making these star-shaped pesto pinwheels for a holiday party and they disappeared fast everyone loved them!
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 oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll 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.
- Add Parmesan:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pesto.
- Form log:
- 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.
- Shape stars:
- 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.
- Brush egg wash:
- In a small bowl whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash.
- Add pine nuts:
- Sprinkle with pine nuts if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and serve:
- Cool slightly garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Save My family always looks forward to these at our gatherings especially kids who love the fun star shapes.
Notes
Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio for a perfect appetizer experience.
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.
Save These star-shaped pesto pinwheels bring both flavor and festive fun to any occasion, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I shape the pinwheels into stars?
After slicing the rolled pastry, make five evenly spaced cuts around each piece’s edge and gently pull the tips outward to form star shapes.
- → Can I use homemade pesto for this?
Yes, homemade basil pesto works wonderfully and enhances the fresh herb flavor in the pinwheels.
- → What is the best way to ensure flaky pastry?
Keep the puff pastry cold before baking and avoid overhandling it to maintain flakiness and rise during cooking.
- → Are there alternative toppings I can try?
Try sun-dried tomato pesto or olive tapenade as flavorful alternatives to basil pesto.
- → How should the pinwheels be stored if not eaten immediately?
They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly in a hot oven to regain crispness if stored.