Save Celebrate your next gathering with this festive Star-Shaped Pesto Dip with Cracker Edges. Featuring a creamy, vibrant pesto filling nestled within a crispy, golden puff pastry shaped like a star, this appetizer is both eye-catching and irresistible. It’s an easy Italian-inspired treat perfect for holiday parties or any special occasion when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Save This recipe balances rich, creamy cheeses with the herbal brightness of basil pesto and a hint of garlic, all embraced by golden pastry. The combination of textures—smooth dip and crunchy edges—makes it a memorable appetizer sure to be requested again and again.
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 to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Roll and cut pastry.
- 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 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 egg wash and garnish.
- Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- 5. Bake 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
For best results, ensure the pastry is well chilled before rolling and handle it gently to keep it flaky. When spreading the dip, avoid overfilling to maintain the crispiness of the edges. Let the pastry cool fully so it remains crisp when serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives directly to the pesto dip for a flavorful twist. To accommodate gluten-free diets, substitute with gluten-free puff pastry. Experiment with different pesto bases, such as sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto, for variety.
Serviervorschläge
This star-shaped pesto dip pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Serve alongside fresh vegetable crudités for a fuller appetizer spread, or complement with a light green salad for a perfect start to any meal.
Save This Star-Shaped Pesto Dip with Cracker Edges is sure to be a standout on your appetizer table, bringing flavor, texture, and festive spirit in every bite. Whether for holiday celebrations or casual parties, it’s a delightful crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with elegance.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What type of pastry works best for this dish?
Puff pastry is ideal for its flaky, buttery texture which crisps nicely around the pesto filling.
- → Can I prepare the pesto filling ahead of time?
Yes, mixing the creamy pesto filling in advance allows the flavors to meld; just keep it refrigerated until serving.
- → Are there alternatives to basil pesto?
You can substitute with sun-dried tomato spread or olive tapenade for different flavor profiles.
- → How do I ensure the pastry edges stay crisp?
Brushing the edges with beaten egg before baking helps achieve a golden color and a crunchy texture.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, herbaceous flavors beautifully.