Description
This Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheel is a flaky, buttery, and savory appetizer that looks stunning but is incredibly simple to make. Layers of golden puff pastry filled with aromatic basil pesto are twisted into a beautiful star shape—perfect for holidays, brunches, or any gathering. It’s elegant, shareable, and bursting with flavor in every pull-apart piece.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan or sea salt, for topping
- Optional: shredded mozzarella, sun-dried tomato pesto, or olive tapenade for variation
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out both puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface into two 10-inch circles. Use a plate to trim edges evenly.
- Add the Pesto: Place one circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a generous, even layer of basil pesto across the top, leaving a small border around the edge. Lay the second circle on top and gently press to seal.
- Shape the Pinwheel: Place a small glass in the center to mark the middle. Cut the dough into 16 equal strips, stopping at the center. Twist each pair of strips away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to form petals.
- Brush and Bake: Brush with beaten egg for shine. Sprinkle Parmesan or sea salt on top. Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pull apart the pieces and enjoy warm!
Notes
Keep the puff pastry cold for best results—chilled dough creates those crisp, flaky layers. If it softens while shaping, refrigerate for 10 minutes before baking. Serve with marinara or garlic aioli for dipping. To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pinwheel)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg