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 have always loved serving these at parties because their star shape never fails to impress guests and the flavors are a big hit.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 sheet (about 250 g) puff pastry, thawed
- Filling: 4 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Filling: 40 g (about 1/2 cup) finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Filling: 1 egg yolk
- Filling: 1 tbsp milk
- Garnish (optional): 1 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted
- Garnish (optional): Fresh basil leaves, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 25 x 30 cm (10 x 12 inches).
- Step 3:
- Evenly spread the basil pesto over the pastry, leaving a 1 cm (1/2 inch) border all around.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pesto.
- Step 5:
- Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the pastry into a log.
- Step 6:
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 16 even pieces.
- Step 7:
- 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.
- Step 8:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash.
- Step 9:
- Sprinkle with pine nuts if using.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 16 18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Step 11:
- Cool slightly garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Save My family always gathers in the kitchen to help shape the stars which makes for a fun and memorable moment.
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 pinwheels make a delightful appetizer that’s easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I shape the pinwheels into stars?
After slicing the rolled pastry into pinwheels, use a sharp knife or scissors to make five evenly spaced cuts around the edges, then gently pull each tip outward to form star points.
- → Can I use homemade pesto for the filling?
Absolutely, homemade basil pesto works wonderfully and adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to the puff pastry pinwheels.
- → What can I substitute for pine nuts in the garnish?
Toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts can be used as alternative garnishes for a similar crunch.
- → How long should I bake the pinwheels?
Bake the shaped pinwheels at 200°C (400°F) for 16 to 18 minutes, until they are puffed and golden brown.
- → Can these bites be prepared in advance?
They are best served fresh but can be prepared ahead, refrigerated, and then reheated in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving.
- → Are there variations for the filling?
Yes, try variations like sun-dried tomato pesto or olive tapenade for different flavor profiles.