Pesto Pastry Star with The Happy Pear Pesto
This stunning puff pastry star is an effortless yet impressive savoury treat, perfect for sharing at parties or casual get-togethers. Using store-bought puff pastry and your choice of The Happy Pear pesto - whether lovely basil, sundried tomato, or spicy red pepper - this recipe creates a crispy, flavour-packed star that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Takes 30 minutes
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 3 sheets store-bought puff pastry each about 8–10 inches in diameter
- 6 tablespoons The Happy Pear pesto choose from lovely basil, sundried tomato, or spicy red pepper
- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk such as oat or almond milk, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (fan oven).
- Cut pastry circles – Using a large plate or bowl about 8–10 inches in diameter, cut out three circles from the puff pastry sheets.
- Layer with pesto – Place one pastry circle on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Spread 2 tablespoons of pesto evenly over it. Repeat with the second pastry circle and another 2 tablespoons of pesto. Top with the third pastry circle to form a layered stack.
- Mark the centre – Press gently into the centre of the stacked pastry with an egg cup or champagne flute to create a shallow impression (this helps keep the centre intact during twisting).
- Cut into segments – Using a sharp knife, cut the stacked pastry into 16 even slices, cutting from the edge towards the centre but stopping before you cut all the way through the centre indentation.
- Twist the segments – Take two adjacent slices and twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to seal. Repeat this with all pairs, creating a star shape.
- Brush with plant milk and bake – Lightly brush the top of the pastry star with plant-based milk. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden and puffed.
- Serve warm – Let cool slightly before serving, perfect with salads, dips, or on its own.