Ring in the holidays with a festive and flavor-packed Puff Pastry Pesto Twists Wreath that’s buttery, golden, and bursting with herb-infused goodness. With just three simple ingredients, this elegant appetizer comes together effortlessly and looks stunning on any holiday table.
🕒 Prep Time: 25 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 50 min
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour, for dusting work surface
- 1 (17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup homemade or store-bought pesto
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking. - Roll and Shape the Pastry
Unfold both puff pastry sheets and gently roll each into a 10-inch square. Using a large bowl as a guide, cut out a 10-inch circle from each sheet, then remove a 4-inch circle from the center to form wreath shapes. Keep the center cutouts aside for later. - Layer the Pesto
Place one pastry wreath on the lined baking sheet. Spread pesto evenly across the top, leaving a narrow border around the edges. Gently place the second pastry wreath on top and press lightly to seal the edges. - Add Decorative Berries
Using the reserved center pieces, cut out small circles to form “holly berries.” You’ll need about nine small rounds. These add a festive touch to your wreath. - Brush and Cut
Brush the top layer with the egg wash. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make 1-inch-wide cuts around the wreath, leaving about a 1-inch border from the inner edge. This will form the twisted sections. - Shape the Twists
Twist each strip two or three times in the same direction to create beautiful spiral layers. Dip the “holly berries” in the egg wash and place them in clusters of three around the wreath. - Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp. The aroma of buttery pastry and basil pesto will fill your kitchen. - Finish and Serve
Let the wreath cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Pro Tips
- Keep the Pastry Cold: Puff pastry is easiest to handle when it’s cold. If it becomes too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before shaping.
- Add Variety: Swap pesto for sun-dried tomato tapenade or olive spread for a savory twist.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the wreath several hours or even a day ahead. Reheat in a 250°F oven for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Serve the Puff Pastry Pesto Twists Wreath as a centerpiece on your appetizer table, surrounded by small bowls of marinara, garlic aioli, or roasted red pepper dip.
- Pair it with a charcuterie board, fresh olives, and roasted nuts for an elevated holiday spread.
- For drinks, try a crisp Prosecco, a glass of Chardonnay, or festive cranberry spritzers to complement the buttery pastry and herby pesto flavors.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of frozen?
Yes, but store-bought puff pastry works beautifully for this recipe and saves time without sacrificing texture.
What other fillings can I use besides pesto?
Try sun-dried tomato spread, olive tapenade, or even caramelized onion and goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
Can I make this into a dessert version?
Absolutely! Replace the pesto with raspberry or apricot jam and a sprinkle of chopped rosemary or nuts. Dust with powdered sugar after baking.
How long will leftovers last?
Store any leftover pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp again.
Can I freeze the baked wreath?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to one month. Reheat directly from frozen in a 325°F oven for about 10–12 minutes.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 537 | 11g | 38g | 38g | 1g | 1g |
Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods. For precise dietary advice, please consult a nutritionist.
Puff Pastry Pesto Twists Wreath: A Festive, Flaky Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive 3-ingredient appetizer, this Puff Pastry Pesto Twists Wreath is flaky, golden, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour, for dusting work surface
1 (17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/4 cup homemade or store-bought pesto
1 large egg, beaten with 1 Tablespoon water
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly flour your work surface then unfold both sheets of puff pastry. Roll each into a 10-inch square.
3. Cut each pastry sheet into a 10-inch circle. Use a bowl to trace. Then cut out a 4-inch circle from the center of each.
4. Place one circle on the baking sheet. Spread pesto evenly, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Top with the second pastry circle.
5. Cut small circles from the extra dough to create holly berries.
6. Brush the top with egg wash. Cut 1-inch strips into the wreath, leaving the center intact.
7. Twist each strip 2–3 times in the same direction. Attach holly berries around the wreath.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
9. Cool slightly, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve with marinara.
Notes
Make ahead tip: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Reheat leftovers in a 250°F oven for 5–8 minutes for best texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 537
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 438mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
