Star-Shaped Pesto Dip (Printable Version)

Creamy pesto filling in a star-shaped pastry with crispy, golden edges for festive occasions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pesto Filling

01 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 3.5 oz ricotta cheese
03 - 2.8 oz basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
04 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
05 - 0.7 oz grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
07 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Pastry & Garnish

08 - 1 sheet puff pastry (about 8.8 oz), thawed
09 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
10 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
11 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Using a large star-shaped cookie cutter about 8 inches across, cut out a star shape and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
03 - From the remaining pastry, cut strips about 0.6 inches wide and arrange them around the star’s edges to form a raised border. Press gently to seal.
04 - Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra Parmesan cheese as desired.
05 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
06 - In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta, basil pesto, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
07 - Once the pastry has cooled, transfer carefully to a serving platter. Spoon the pesto filling into the center and spread evenly within the raised border. Serve immediately, using the crispy edges as dippers.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Eye-catching star shape makes it a festive centerpiece for any occasion.
  • Combination of creamy pesto dip and crisp pastry edges offers a delightful texture contrast.
  • Simple ingredients and easy preparation make it suitable for cooks of all levels.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and pairs well with a range of beverages, especially white wines.
02 -
  • Roll the puff pastry evenly to ensure uniform baking and a crisp texture.
  • Chill the puff pastry slightly before cutting and assembling to prevent it from becoming too soft to handle.
  • Let the baked pastry cool completely before adding the dip to avoid sogginess.
  • Customize the garnish with seeds or herbs for a colorful presentation.
  • Use a star-shaped cookie cutter around 20 cm for the ideal size that serves 8 comfortably.
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