Save Celebrate any occasion with this Star-Shaped Pesto Dip featuring a creamy, flavorful pesto filling nestled beautifully inside a crisp, golden puff pastry star. Its festive shape and inviting texture make it an instant party favorite, perfect for sharing with friends and family during holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Save This Italian-inspired appetizer brings together the fresh flavors of basil pesto and rich cheeses, harmonized within a flaky pastry crust. It can be tailored to suit your palate by adding extras like sun-dried tomatoes or olives, making it as personal as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- For the Pesto Dip
- 200 g cream cheese, softened
- 100 g ricotta cheese
- 80 g basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 20 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Star Shape & Cracker Edges
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 250 g), thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 3 mm thick. Using a large star-shaped cookie cutter (about 20 cm across), cut out a star shape. Place the pastry star on the prepared baking sheet.
- 3. With the remaining pastry, cut strips about 1.5 cm wide. Arrange these strips around the edges of the star to form a raised border. Press gently to seal.
- 4. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- 5. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- 6. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, pesto, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- 7. Once the pastry base has cooled, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Spoon the pesto dip into the center of the star and spread evenly within the border.
- 8. Serve immediately, using the crispy pastry edges as crackers to scoop up the dip.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To enhance the flavors, consider stirring in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dip mixture before serving. For a gluten-free alternative, use a suitable gluten-free puff pastry sheet, ensuring the same crisp texture without compromising dietary needs.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is vegetarian and can be adapted to suit various tastes. Feel free to swap basil pesto for other herb-based pestos, or add finely chopped nuts for extra crunch. Adjust seasoning to preference with added spice or citrus zest for a fresh twist.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the star-shaped pesto dip as a centerpiece at parties or holiday tables. It pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Use the golden pastry edges as dippers, or add vegetable sticks on the side for added variety.
Save 
Whether served at a festive gathering or a casual get-together, this star-shaped pesto dip offers a delicious blend of vibrant flavors and playful presentation, making every bite a celebration of Italian-inspired comfort and creativity.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of cheese is best for the creamy filling?
Using a combination of cream cheese and ricotta creates a smooth and rich texture that complements the basil pesto well.
- → Can I prepare the star-shaped base in advance?
Yes, the puff pastry star and edges can be shaped ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time.
- → How do I ensure the pastry edges stay crisp and golden?
Brushing the edges with beaten egg before baking helps achieve a shiny, golden finish and a crisp texture.
- → Are there alternatives to using store-bought pesto?
Homemade basil pesto offers fresh flavor and can be tailored to taste, enhancing the overall dish.
- → What can I serve alongside this star-shaped dip?
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the flavors.