Pastry Flowers With Pesto: the Easy Recipe for a Perfect Appetizer!

Want to create an appetizer that's not only delicious but visually stunning? Enter Pastry Flowers with Pesto! These bite-sized treats are the perfect way to elevate any gathering with flaky, buttery pastry and vibrant, flavorful pesto. With a few folds and pinches, you'll create stunning three-dimensional blooms that look and taste amazing. Opt for a classic basil pesto or explore variations like sun-dried tomato pesto or roasted red pepper pesto for a touch of variety. A quick bake in the oven results in golden-brown pastry. This recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve them warm in the oven, or let them cool slightly for a delicious finger food. No matter the occasion, Pastry Flowers with Pesto are guaranteed to impress your guests with their charming appearance and irresistible flavor

What are Pastry Flowers?

Pastry Flowers are a contemporary take on the classic art of savory pastries. These bite-sized treats combine the tasty flakiness of puff pastry with the flavor of pesto, creating a visually stunning and delicious appetizer.

The rise of pesto as a popular condiment, likely originating in Genoa, Italy, in the 19th century, paved the way for this innovative use. The combination of fresh pesto, garlic, nuts, and cheese in pesto offered a perfect flavor pairing for the buttery pastry dough. You can swap classic basil for sun-dried tomato, roasted red pepper, or even a spicy arugula pesto. These treats can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or a fun addition to a picnic basket. For a sweet alternative, fill the pastry flowers with jam, Nutella, or ricotta cheese with a sprinkle of cinnamon. So, ditch the boring chips and impress your guests with these edible works of art! Pastry Flowers with Pesto are a recipe for all seasons, offering a delicious combination of flavor, versatility, and fun.

Tips

• Don't skip the chilling step for your pastry dough. This ensures the butter stays cold and creates those flaky layers when baked. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for best results.
• Don't stress about perfectly symmetrical flowers. The slightly imperfect, hand-crafted look adds to their charm.
• While flower-shaped cookie cutters are ideal, any shape will work. Rounds, squares, or even hearts can be transformed into stunning pastries.
• Brush the edges of your pastry flowers with a beaten egg before baking. This helps create a golden brown color and gives the flowers a beautiful shine.
• Don't overfill your pastry flowers with pesto. A dollop in the center is plenty—too much filling can burst during baking.
• Keep an eye on your pastries during baking. They cook quickly, so take them out as soon as they're golden brown to prevent over-browning or burning.
• Explore different pesto variations! Sun-dried tomato, roasted red pepper, or even a spicy arugula pesto add a unique twist.
• For a sweet treat, ditch the pesto and fill your flowers with jam, Nutella, or ricotta cheese with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Arrange your baked Pastry Flowers on a platter with a drizzle of extra pesto or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs for an added touch of elegance.

Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry Dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry dough is a great time-saver for this recipe.

I Don't Have Pesto, Can I Use Something Else?

Sure! You can try other spreads like sun-dried tomato tapenade, ricotta cheese with herbs, or even a sweet filling like jam or Nutella.

Can I Use Different Shaped Cookie Cutters?

Absolutely! Don't have flower shapes? Rounds, squares, or even hearts can be transformed into visually pleasing pastries.

What Are Some Other Filling Ideas?

The possibilities are endless! Try different pesto variations, goat cheese with sun-dried tomatoes, or a caramelized onion spread.

What's The Best Way To Serve Pastry Flowers With Pesto?

Serve them warm from the oven for the best texture. You can also arrange them on a platter with a drizzle of extra pesto or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

How to Store Pastry Flowers

Store leftover Pastry Flowers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore their crispness.

Try These Recipes Too

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20 Minute Calzones With Pesto

Savory Flower Brioche

How To Make Pastry Flowers With Pesto

Preheat it to 190°C/375°F. Roll out the puff pastry dough on a lightly floured surface. Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over one half of the dough. Now, fold the other half over the pesto, creating a delicious pesto sandwich.

Stamp out individual flowers from the dough with a flower-shaped cookie cutter.

Seal the edges of the individual flowers with the backside of a spoon.

Using a slightly smaller, but similar, flower-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cheese flower shapes from cheese slices and add them on top of the individual pieces of pesto and dough flowers.

Brush the tops with egg wash for a beautiful golden shine, then pop a cherry tomato in the center of each flower.

Transfer your pastry flowers to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Once they're out of the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a fresh basil leaf.