Save A festive, savory dip featuring creamy pesto filling shaped into a star and surrounded by crispy cracker edges—perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
This dip has become a holiday favorite in my family's gatherings, always impressing guests with its look and flavor.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 4:
- Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Step 5:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 6:
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, pesto, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 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.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, using the crispy pastry edges as crackers to scoop up the dip.
Save This recipe always brings smiles to our family parties when everyone enjoys dipping the crispy pastry edges.
Notes
For extra flavor add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives to the dip. Pairs well with crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, star-shaped cookie cutter (or make a paper template), mixing bowl, spatula.
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories: 240, total fat: 15 g, carbohydrates: 17 g, protein: 6 g.
Save This festive dip makes a perfect conversation starter and an irresistible party appetizer.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of cheese is used in the filling?
Cream cheese, ricotta, and grated Parmesan combine for a smooth, tangy filling with depth and creaminess.
- → How is the star shape created?
The star is cut from thawed puff pastry using a large star-shaped cookie cutter for an even, decorative outline.
- → Can the pastry edges be flavored?
Yes, brushing the edges with beaten egg and sprinkling sesame seeds and extra Parmesan add flavor and color.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the star-shaped pastry cooled on a platter with the creamy pesto filling in the center, using the crisp edges to scoop.
- → Are there any suggested variations?
Adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the filling offers extra savory layers and texture.