Save to Pinterest 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 for a family gathering and they disappeared within minutes—they're a sure crowd-pleaser!
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
- 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 to Pinterest My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these fresh warm pinwheels on special occasions.
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: Calories 95, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 7 g, Protein 2 g
Save to Pinterest Serve these pinwheels warm for the best flavor and texture Each bite delivers a burst of pesto and cheese.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What type of pastry is used for the pinwheels?
Store-bought or homemade puff pastry is used for a flaky and buttery base that holds the filling well.
- → Can I use homemade pesto for the filling?
Yes, homemade basil pesto works wonderfully and adds a fresh, aromatic flavor to the pinwheels.
- → How are the star shapes formed on the pinwheels?
After slicing, small cuts are made around each pinwheel’s edge and gently pulled outward to create evenly spaced star points.
- → What is the purpose of brushing with egg wash?
Brushing with an egg yolk and milk mixture before baking gives the pinwheels a glossy, golden finish.
- → Are there any suggested variations for the filling?
You can try sun-dried tomato pesto or olive tapenade for a different flavor profile.