Save to Pinterest This Star-Shaped Pesto Dip with Cracker Edges is a festive and savory appetizer that combines creamy, flavorful pesto filling with a golden, crispy puff pastry border shaped like a star. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any party, this Italian-inspired dish not only tastes delicious but also adds a charming touch to your table, inviting everyone to scoop up every last bite with the crispy pastry edges.
Save to Pinterest Using store-bought or homemade pesto adds a fresh burst of flavor, while the creamy blend of cream cheese and ricotta creates a smooth dip that is irresistible when combined with the crunchy pastry. The sesame seed and Parmesan garnish enhances both the look and taste, making every bite memorable.
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
For added depth of flavor, consider stirring in sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives into the pesto dip mixture. To accommodate gluten sensitivities, substitute the regular puff pastry with a gluten-free version without sacrificing texture or taste.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable: swap basil pesto for other herb-based pestos like arugula or cilantro for a creative twist. You can also adjust the thickness of the puff pastry border or add a sprinkling of nuts on top if your pesto allows, enhancing texture and taste.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the star-shaped dip as a stunning appetizer at any party or holiday meal. Pair it elegantly with crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The puff pastry edges act as perfect dippers, making it both delicious and fun to eat.
Save to Pinterest This Star-Shaped Pesto Dip with Cracker Edges brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients into a festive, crowd-pleasing dish. Its elegant look and delicious combination of creamy pesto and crunchy pastry make it a guaranteed hit at any gathering—share and enjoy every bite!
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of cheese is used in the dip?
Cream cheese, ricotta, and grated Parmesan are combined to create a smooth, creamy texture with a rich flavor.
- → How is the star shape formed?
The puff pastry is rolled out and cut using a large star-shaped cookie cutter, with remaining strips arranged around the edges to form a raised border.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting regular puff pastry with a gluten-free version, this dish can accommodate gluten-free dietary needs.
- → What adds crunch to the dish?
The raised pastry edges are brushed with egg wash, sprinkled with sesame seeds and Parmesan, then baked until crisp and golden.
- → Are there any useful tips for enhancing flavor?
Adding sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives to the filling enriches the flavor, while pairing with crisp white wines enhances the overall experience.