Save Celebrate the festive season with a Star-Shaped Pesto Dip that brings elegance and flavor to your appetizer table. This creamy pesto filling shaped into a festive star is surrounded by crispy, golden cracker edges made from puff pastry, perfect for scooping and sharing at any holiday gathering or party.
Save This Italian-inspired dish offers more than just good looks. The richness of cream cheese and ricotta blends perfectly with fresh basil pesto and a hint of garlic, while the buttery puff pastry provides a delightful crunch that acts as an edible cracker. It’s an inviting starter that’s sure to impress guests and bring everyone together.
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 to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. 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. 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. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- 5. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- 6. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, pesto, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- 7. 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 immediately, using the crispy pastry edges as crackers to scoop up the dip.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling it out to achieve the best crispy texture when baked. Press the border strips gently but firmly to prevent the dip from overflowing. Cooling the pastry completely before adding the dip helps maintain the crispness of the edges.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For additional flavor, consider folding sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives into the pesto dip mixture. If you require a gluten-free variant, substitute traditional puff pastry with a gluten-free alternative. This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Serviervorschläge
Present this dip on a festive platter surrounded by fresh vegetables or additional crackers for guests who prefer alternatives to the pastry edges. It serves as a great party centerpiece, inviting everyone to gather around and share the delicious flavors.
Save This Star-Shaped Pesto Dip is a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and crispy textures that fits perfectly into any festive menu. Its attractive presentation and approachable recipe make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – a true celebration of Italian flavors with a twist of holiday charm.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I shape the pastry star?
Roll out puff pastry to about 3 mm thickness and use a large star-shaped cutter to cut the shape. Cut strips to form edges and press them to seal around the star, then brush with egg wash before baking.
- → Can I make the pesto filling ahead of time?
Yes, the pesto mixture can be prepared a few hours in advance and chilled. Allow it to come to room temperature before spreading on the pastry for best texture.
- → What can I use instead of puff pastry for a gluten-free version?
Gluten-free puff pastry sheets are available in many stores. Using these will maintain the flaky texture while accommodating gluten-free diets.
- → How do I ensure the edges stay crispy after serving?
Bake until golden brown and cool on a wire rack to prevent steam from softening the pastry. Serve shortly after assembly to retain crispiness.
- → What wines pair well with this dish?
Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy, herby flavors nicely, balancing richness with refreshing acidity.