Star Shaped Pesto Pinwheels (Printable Version)

Flaky puff pastry filled with basil pesto and Parmesan, shaped into festive star pinwheels.

# Components:

→ Dough

01 - 1 sheet thawed puff pastry (8.8 oz)

→ Filling

02 - 4 tablespoons basil pesto
03 - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (1.4 oz)
04 - 1 egg yolk
05 - 1 tablespoon milk

→ Garnish (optional)

06 - 1 tablespoon lightly toasted pine nuts
07 - Fresh basil leaves for serving

# Method Steps:

01 - Set the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Roll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 10 by 12 inches.
03 - Evenly spread basil pesto over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border all around.
04 - Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the pesto layer.
05 - Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the pastry into a log.
06 - Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 16 even slices.
07 - Place each slice flat on the baking sheet. Use 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.
08 - Whisk egg yolk and milk together, then brush this mixture over the tops of the pinwheels.
09 - Sprinkle pine nuts over the pinwheels if using.
10 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
11 - Allow pinwheels to cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to make party snack
  • Vegetarian and flavorful
02 -
  • Pinwheels are best served the day they are made but can be reheated in a hot oven for a few minutes.
  • Pair well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio.
03 -
  • Make sure to chill the pastry dough before rolling to maintain flakiness.
  • Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors for clean star cuts.
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