Pin to Board Flaky puff pastry pinwheels filled with vibrant basil pesto and nutty Parmesan, shaped into cheerful stars perfect as a festive appetizer or party snack.
This recipe has become my go-to for holiday gatherings because everyone loves the combination of cheesy pesto and crisp pastry.
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.
- Roll 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.
- Sprinkle cheese:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pesto.
- Roll up:
- Starting from the longer side tightly roll up the pastry into a log.
- Slice log:
- Using a sharp knife slice the log into 16 even pieces.
- Shape stars:
- Lay each slice flat onto the prepared baking sheet To create star shapes 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.
- Prepare egg wash:
- In a small bowl whisk together the egg yolk and milk Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash.
- Add pine nuts:
- 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 to Board These pinwheels always bring smiles at family gatherings as they are fun to eat and taste delicious fresh out of the oven.
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: 95 calories 7 g total fat 7 g carbohydrates 2 g protein
Pin to Board 
These star-shaped pesto pinwheels are a delightful appetizer sure to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Common Questions
- → How do I achieve the star shape for the pinwheels?
After slicing the rolled puff pastry, make five evenly spaced cuts around each pinwheel's edge and gently pull each tip outward to form star points.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto for the filling?
Yes, store-bought basil pesto works well and saves time while keeping the vibrant flavor intact.
- → What type of cheese complements the pesto filling?
Finely grated Parmesan adds a nutty depth that pairs wonderfully with basil pesto.
- → Is there a way to add extra crunch to these bites?
Lightly toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top before baking provide a pleasant crunch and enhance the flavor.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container and reheat in a warm oven to restore crispiness before serving.