Save Flaky puff pastry pinwheels filled with vibrant basil pesto and nutty Parmesan, shaped into cheerful stars perfect as a festive appetizer or party snack.
I enjoy making these pinwheels for gatherings because they always impress guests with their star shape and delicious taste.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 25 x 30 cm (10 x 12 inches).
- Step 3:
- Evenly spread the basil pesto over the pastry, leaving a 1 cm (1/2 inch) border all around.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pesto.
- Step 5:
- Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the pastry into a log.
- Step 6:
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 16 even pieces.
- Step 7:
- 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.
- Step 8:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash.
- Step 9:
- Sprinkle with pine nuts, if using.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 16 18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Step 11:
- Cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.
Save Making these pinwheels always brings back fond memories of holiday parties with my family where they are the star appetizer.
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
Save These pinwheels are a simple yet impressive addition to any party menu.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the pinwheels into stars?
After slicing the rolled pastry, make five evenly spaced cuts around the edges of each piece, then gently pull each tip outward to form star points.
- → Can I use homemade basil pesto for the filling?
Yes, homemade basil pesto works beautifully and adds a fresh, robust flavor to the pinwheels.
- → What is the best way to ensure the pastry is flaky?
Keep the puff pastry cold before baking and avoid overhandling it to maintain its flaky texture.
- → Are pine nuts necessary for this dish?
Pine nuts are optional, but toasting and sprinkling them on top adds a pleasant crunch and enhances the nutty flavor.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.