Pin it Flaky puff pastry pinwheels filled with vibrant basil pesto and nutty Parmesan, shaped into cheerful stars&perfect as a festive appetizer or party snack.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at my family gatherings thanks to its fun shape and irresistible flavor.
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.
Pin it My children especially love helping shape the stars before baking making it a fun family activity.
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
Pin it 
Enjoy these delightful star-shaped pinwheels warm for maximum flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry is best for these pinwheels?
Flaky puff pastry works best, providing a light and crisp texture that complements the creamy pesto and cheese filling.
- → Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade basil pesto adds a fresh and customizable flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- → How do I shape the pinwheels into stars?
After slicing the rolled pastry, make five evenly spaced cuts around each piece’s edge and gently pull each tip outward to form star points.
- → What are some good alternatives for the filling?
You can try sun-dried tomato pesto or olive tapenade for different flavor profiles while keeping the flaky pastry base.
- → How should I serve these pinwheels?
Serve them warm, optionally garnished with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves, making them perfect for parties and appetizers.