Save on Pinterest Celebrate any gathering with this delightful Star-Shaped Pesto Dip featuring a creamy, vibrant pesto filling nestled within golden, flaky pastry edges. Its festive star shape and crispy cracker-like borders not only add a visual feast but also offer the perfect vessel for scooping up the savory, cheesy dip. Ideal for holiday parties or casual get-togethers, this appetizer is as fun to make as it is to share.
Save on Pinterest This Star-Shaped Pesto Dip balances delightful textures, with the crisp cracker edges complementing the smooth cheese and herb filling. Make it your own by including add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or olives to elevate the flavor profile effortlessly. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm, flaky pastry and cool, creamy dip.
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
To achieve the perfect flaky crust, ensure your puff pastry is well chilled before rolling it out. Be gentle when pressing the border strips to avoid tearing. Allow the baked pastry to cool fully to maintain crispness before adding the dip. For best flavor, use fresh basil pesto or your preferred homemade version.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives into the pesto dip for extra depth and texture. Substitute gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate gluten sensitivities. You can also experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto, to customize the flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this star-shaped pesto dip as a festive appetizer at holiday parties or casual get-togethers. Pair with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy and herbaceous flavors. Use the flaky edges as crackers and add an assortment of fresh vegetables or cured meats on the side to create a full platter.
Save on Pinterest With its striking appearance and irresistible combination of textures and flavors, this Star-Shaped Pesto Dip is sure to become a favorite for your appetizer repertoire. Whether for festive occasions or simple friendly gatherings, it delivers both charm and taste, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve a crispy pastry edge?
Brush the pastry strips with beaten egg before baking to ensure a golden, crisp finish.
- → Can I prepare the pesto filling ahead of time?
Yes, the creamy pesto mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
- → What can I use if I don’t have a star-shaped cutter?
Use a knife to carefully cut a star shape freehand or create a paper template to guide cutting.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the filling?
Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the creamy mixture for a richer taste.
- → Is gluten-free puff pastry a good alternative?
Yes, gluten-free puff pastry works well for this dish without compromising texture or flavor.