Pin It 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 remember making these for a family gathering and everyone loved the fun star shapes and the rich pesto flavor.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare 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.
- Roll:
- Starting from the longer side tightly roll up the pastry into a log.
- Slice:
- Using a sharp knife slice the log into 16 even pieces.
- Shape Stars:
- Lay each slice flat onto the prepared baking sheet. 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.
- Add Garnish:
- Sprinkle with pine nuts if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16 18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve:
- Cool slightly garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Pin It Making these pinwheels always brings joy to our family gatherings and is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
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
Per pinwheel: Calories 95, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 7 g, Protein 2 g
Pin It These star-shaped pesto pinwheels make a festive addition to any party spread and can be customized with your favorite fillings.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pastry is best for these pinwheels?
Flaky puff pastry works best for creating light, buttery pinwheels that hold their star shape well during baking.
- → Can I make the pesto filling from scratch?
Yes, homemade basil pesto adds fresh flavor, but high-quality store-bought pesto is a convenient alternative.
- → How do I achieve the star shape on each pinwheel?
Make five evenly spaced cuts around the edge of each pinwheel slice and gently pull each tip outward to form points.
- → Are pine nuts necessary for this recipe?
Pine nuts add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor but can be omitted or substituted if preferred.
- → What is the best way to store leftover pinwheels?
Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container and reheat briefly in a warm oven to preserve crispness.
- → Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, sharp cheeses like aged Asiago or Grana Padano complement the pesto well as alternatives.