Save Bring a touch of festive elegance to your next gathering with this Star-Shaped Pesto Dip with Cracker Edges. The vibrant green pesto filling sits beautifully nestled within a golden, flaky puff pastry star, creating a perfect harmony of creamy and crispy textures. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply want a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Italian-inspired dish combines simplicity and charm effortlessly.
Save This appetizer is as fun to make as it is to eat. Rolling out the puff pastry and creating the star shape brings a playful element to your kitchen routine. Once baked to a golden crisp, the pastry edges invite guests to scoop up the fresh, herbaceous pesto mixture, making each bite a combo of comfort and sophistication.
Ingredients
- For the Pesto Dip
- 200 g cream cheese, softened
- 100 g ricotta cheese
- 80 g basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 20 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Star Shape & Cracker Edges
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 250 g), thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Cut out the star shape
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 3 mm thick. Using a large star-shaped cookie cutter (about 20 cm across), cut out a star shape. Place the pastry star on the prepared baking sheet.
- 3. Form the raised border
- With the remaining pastry, cut strips about 1.5 cm wide. Arrange these strips around the edges of the star to form a raised border. Press gently to seal.
- 4. Add the egg wash and garnish
- Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- 5. Bake the pastry
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- 6. Prepare the pesto dip
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, pesto, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- 7. Assemble the dip
- Once the pastry base has cooled, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Spoon the pesto dip into the center of the star and spread evenly within the border.
- 8. Serve
- Serve immediately, using the crispy pastry edges as crackers to scoop up the dip.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the perfect crispness, make sure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling out and do not over-roll it, as thickness affects texture. When arranging the pastry strips, pressing gently will help the border stay intact during baking. Letting the pastry cool fully before adding the dip prevents it from becoming soggy.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For an extra burst of flavor, incorporate finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the pesto dip mixture. To cater to dietary needs, substitute the puff pastry with a gluten-free variant. This recipe pairs beautifully with crisp Italian white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the fresh herbaceous notes.
Serviervorschläge
Present this appetizer on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh basil leaves or cherry tomatoes for a vibrant look. The crispy pastry edges serve as perfect dippers, inviting guests to scoop and savor. Ideal as a starter at holiday parties or casual get-togethers, it pairs well with chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon slices.
Save This star-shaped pesto dip is a delightful blend of flavor and festivity that brings everyone together. Its balance of creamy, herbaceous filling and crispy pastry edges offers an engaging eating experience. Perfect for any celebration, its easy preparation means more time to enjoy with friends and family while impressing guests with its charming presentation.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I create the star shape for the dip?
Roll puff pastry to thinness, then use a large star-shaped cutter to shape the base. Create raised edges by adding strips of pastry around the star.
- → Can I prepare the pesto filling ahead of time?
Yes, the pesto mixture can be combined in advance and refrigerated, but assemble it with the pastry base just before serving for best texture.
- → What are good garnish options for this dish?
Sprinkling sesame seeds and extra Parmesan cheese on the edges before baking adds flavor and visual appeal.
- → Is there a way to make this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free puff pastry instead of regular pastry to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → What beverages complement this pesto star dip?
Crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pair well, enhancing its fresh and savory profile.