Save Bring a touch of festive elegance to your gatherings with this Star-Shaped Pesto Dip with Cracker Edges. Combining a creamy, herbaceous pesto center with golden, flaky puff pastry edges that double as crunchy crackers, this appetizer is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for holiday parties or any occasion calling for a savory treat, this Italian-inspired dish balances creamy cheeses, fragrant basil pesto, and a hint of garlic in a visually striking star shape.
Save This appetizer can easily become the highlight of your party table, inviting guests to scoop up delicious pesto dip with crispy, buttery pastry edges. The use of a star-shaped cutter helps create a playful presentation that’s sure to impress, while the mix of creamy cheeses and fresh basil pesto offers a rich, flavorful profile that guests will love.
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
Make sure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling to prevent it from becoming too soft and difficult to shape. Letting the baked pastry cool completely ensures the edges remain crisp when serving. If you prefer, prepare the dip a few hours in advance and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld even more.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives to the dip. Use gluten-free puff pastry for a gluten-free option. You can also experiment with different herbs in the pesto or add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
Serviervorschläge
This appetizer pairs beautifully with crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Serve it as a centerpiece on your appetizer table with additional crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. It’s perfect for holiday celebrations, cocktail parties, or casual get-togethers.
Save With its festive shape and irresistible combination of creamy pesto and flaky crackers, this Star-Shaped Pesto Dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it brings the joy of Italian flavors right to your party table.