Save Celebrate your next gathering with this Star-Shaped Pesto Dip with Cracker Edges—a visually stunning and delicious centerpiece that combines creamy, herbaceous pesto filling with crisp, golden pastry edges for scooping. Whether it’s a festive party or holiday event, this Italian-inspired appetizer is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate, inviting guests to dig in and enjoy a flavorful bite that’s both fun and satisfying.
Save With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe turns everyday components like cream cheese, ricotta, and basil pesto into an unforgettable appetizer. The puff pastry not only creates edible crackers but also frames the dip beautifully, making serving effortless and elegant.
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
Der Schlüssel zu einem perfekten Pesto-Dip liegt darin, alle Zutaten gut zu vermengen, bis eine besonders cremige Konsistenz entsteht. Achten Sie darauf, den Blätterteig gleichmäßig auszurollen und die Ränder sorgfältig zu verschließen, damit die charakteristische Sternform beim Backen erhalten bleibt.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Für eine zusätzliche Geschmacksnote können getrocknete Tomaten oder fein gehackte Oliven in die Dip-Mischung eingearbeitet werden. Verwenden Sie glutenfreien Blätterteig, wenn Sie eine glutenfreie Variante benötigen.
Serviervorschläge
Servieren Sie den Dip frisch mit knackigen, goldbraunen Blätterteigkanten. Kombinieren Sie das Gericht mit einem trockenen Weißwein wie Pinot Grigio oder Sauvignon Blanc, um den Geschmack abzurunden.
Save With these tips and the simple yet impressive final result, your Star-Shaped Pesto Dip will be a guaranteed hit at any event. Its ease of preparation combined with a festive look makes it a wonderful recipe to keep in your entertaining repertoire.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What type of cheese is best for the filling?
A combination of cream cheese, ricotta, and Parmesan creates a creamy, rich filling with balanced flavor and texture.
- → Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade pesto adds fresh and vibrant flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the dip.
- → How do I achieve crisp edges on the pastry star?
Brushing the puff pastry edges with beaten egg before baking ensures a golden, crispy finish.
- → What can I add for extra flavor in the filling?
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives to introduce additional layers of savory taste.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Using gluten-free puff pastry allows this dish to be adapted for gluten-free requirements without compromising texture.
- → What drinks pair well with this dish?
Crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy filling and flaky pastry.