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 first made these star-shaped pinwheels for a family gathering and they were gone within minutes from the appetizer tray.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 sheet (about 250 g) puff pastry, thawed
- Filling: 4 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), 40 g (about 1/2 cup) finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp milk
- Garnish (optional): 1 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted, 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.
- Add cheese:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pesto.
- Roll log:
- Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the pastry into a log.
- Slice pinwheels:
- 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.
- Brush 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.
- Garnish and serve:
- Cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.
Save My family loves gathering around these pinwheels, which always bring smiles and requests for seconds.
Variations
Try sun-dried tomato pesto or olive tapenade as an alternative filling for a different flavor twist.
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
Each pinwheel contains approximately 95 calories, 7 g total fat, 7 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save These pesto pinwheels add a festive and flavorful touch to any gathering.
Common Questions
- → What type of pastry is used for these pinwheels?
Flaky puff pastry is utilized for its light, buttery layers that crisp beautifully when baked.
- → Can I use homemade pesto for the filling?
Yes, both store-bought and homemade basil pesto work well, providing fresh herbaceous flavor.
- → How are the star shapes created on each pinwheel?
After slicing the rolled pastry, five small cuts are made evenly around each piece's edge, then the tips are gently pulled outward to form stars.
- → Is it possible to add nuts for garnish?
Lightly toasted pine nuts add a nice crunch and complement the nutty Parmesan flavor when sprinkled on top before baking.
- → What is the best way to serve these pinwheels?
Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for vibrant color and aroma, perfect as a festive appetizer or snack.