Pin It Celebrate any gathering with this delightful star-shaped pesto dip that brings festive cheer and irresistible flavor to your table. Combining a creamy, herby pesto filling with golden, crispy cracker edges, this appetizer is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Perfect for holiday parties or casual get-togethers, it invites everyone to scoop, dip, and savor every bite.
Pin It This appetizer blends simple ingredients into an impressive dish that can elevate any occasion. Its ease of preparation and elegant presentation make it a go-to recipe for entertaining with a touch of Italian charm.
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
Be sure to roll the puff pastry evenly to achieve a consistent bake and a crisp texture. Letting the baked pastry cool completely before adding the dip prevents the cream from melting and keeps the presentation neat. Press the border strips gently but firmly to seal them well, ensuring a defined edge that holds the dip perfectly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For an added burst of flavor, fold in sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives into the pesto dip mixture. To accommodate gluten-free diets, substitute with gluten-free puff pastry. This recipe easily adapts to different herb pestos depending on your preference or seasonal availability.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this star-shaped pesto dip with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement its fresh, creamy flavors. The crispy pastry edges act as perfect crackers, making it ideal for casual mingling or as a highlight at your holiday table.
Pin It With its striking presentation and luscious flavors, the star-shaped pesto dip with cracker edges is sure to become a favorite crowd-pleaser and a staple in your festive recipe collection.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese is best for this dip?
Cream cheese and ricotta create a smooth and creamy base, while grated Parmesan adds a savory depth.
- → Can I prepare the pastry star ahead of time?
Yes, you can cut and shape the puff pastry star in advance, but bake just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- → What can I use instead of basil pesto?
Homemade pesto with fresh basil and pine nuts or a quality store-bought pesto both work well for rich flavor.
- → How do I ensure the pastry edges bake crispy?
Brushing the edges with beaten egg and baking until golden brown ensures a crisp, flaky texture.
- → Are there gluten-free alternatives for the pastry?
Gluten-free puff pastry is available and can be used without affecting the overall texture and taste.