Mini Pesto Puff Stars for Christmas Platters

Pesto Puff Pastry Stars

A golden, flaky, and festive treat that brings a burst of red and green to your Christmas table. Perfect for entertaining, these mini pesto puff stars are the ultimate holiday appetizer that looks stunning and tastes divine.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry
• 50g green pesto
• 50g red pesto
• 1 egg, beaten
• 20g grated parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry
   Unroll one sheet of puff pastry on a clean surface and cut it in half across the middle. This will form the base layer for your pesto stars.
2. Spread the Pesto
   Spread green pesto evenly on the top half of the pastry, then red pesto on the bottom half. The two colors together create that festive Christmas look, making every bite both delicious and decorative.
3. Add the Second Layer
   Unroll the second sheet of puff pastry and place it directly on top. Gently press down with your hands or a rolling pin so the layers stick together and the pesto spreads evenly.
4. Cut Out the Stars
   Using a medium-sized star cutter (about 6 cm), cut out star shapes from the layered pastry. You can use smaller or larger cutters depending on your serving platter size.
5. Arrange on Parchment Paper
   Place a large dinner plate on parchment paper and trace around it to create a perfect circle outline. This helps you form a neat, wreath-like shape.
6. Form the Star Wreath
   Arrange the pastry stars along the circle you’ve drawn, slightly overlapping each one to create a connected ring. This gives a lovely wreath effect that looks amazing on Christmas platters.
7. Egg Wash and Cheese
   Whisk the egg in a small bowl and lightly brush it over the top of each star. This will help them bake to a perfect golden brown. Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the top for extra flavor and a crisp finish.
8. Bake Until Golden
   Place the parchment paper and stars onto a baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (fan) for about 15 minutes, or until puffed up and beautifully golden.
9. Serve and Enjoy
   Once baked, let the stars cool slightly. You can serve them directly on the parchment paper or carefully transfer them to a serving board. If a few stars come loose, simply rearrange them into a circle.

Pro Tips

1. Use Milk Instead of Egg
   If you prefer an egg-free version, simply brush the pastry with milk for a similar golden effect.
2. Don’t Waste the Offcuts
   The leftover bits of pastry are too good to throw away. Pop them on another tray, brush with egg, sprinkle with cheese, and bake — they make tasty little bites.
3. Make Ahead for Parties
   Prepare the stars earlier in the day, refrigerate them, and bake just before guests arrive. This ensures you have warm, crispy snacks fresh from the oven.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Mini Pesto Puff Stars are versatile and perfect for a festive spread. Here are some ways to serve them:

• On a Christmas Grazing Board: Pair them with olives, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls for a colorful appetizer platter.
• With Dipping Sauces: Serve alongside marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or extra pesto for dipping.
• As a Party Centerpiece: Arrange them on a wooden board in a wreath shape with a small bowl of red pesto in the center for dipping.
• For Kids’ Parties: Use smaller cutters for bite-sized stars — they’ll be a hit with little ones.
• As a Brunch Accent: Serve with cured meats, cheeses, and roasted vegetables for a festive brunch spread.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm them in the oven at 180°C for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
• Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked stars on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Tips for Perfect Pesto Puff Stars

• Chill Before Cutting: If your pastry becomes too soft, chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes before cutting the stars. This helps maintain their shape while baking.
• Use Quality Pesto: Choose good-quality red and green pesto for rich, authentic flavor. Homemade pesto also works beautifully.
• Add a Twist: Try adding a sprinkle of crushed pine nuts or a drizzle of honey after baking for a gourmet touch.

Final Touch

Mini Pesto Puff Stars for Christmas Platters are the perfect balance of festive flair and easy elegance. With their golden puff pastry, colorful pesto filling, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’ll be the star of your holiday table — literally.

Whether served as part of a grand buffet, a cozy family gathering, or a sparkling Christmas Eve snack board, these little pastries bring a burst of holiday cheer with every bite.

FAQs

Print