Description
Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath is a savory and visually stunning appetizer that combines flaky puff pastry with rich pesto and melty cheese. This dish is perfect for any gathering, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. It’s a vegetarian-friendly, crowd-pleasing option that’s simple to prepare and delicious to enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients for Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/3 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting the work surface)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes:
- Pesto: Use traditional basil pesto, or try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a twist.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, goat cheese, or feta for unique variations.
- Egg Wash: If you want a vegan version, substitute the egg wash with plant-based milk.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll your puff pastry. Roll it out slightly to smooth out any creases.
- Spread pesto evenly over the surface of the puff pastry, leaving about an inch around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella (and Parmesan if using) evenly over the pesto-covered pastry.
- Cut the pastry into strips about 1 inch wide. Roll each strip tightly into a coil, then arrange the rolls into a circular wreath shape on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the edges with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a side of extra pesto for dipping.
Notes
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan puff pastry and dairy-free cheese, and substitute plant-based milk for the egg wash.
- Flavor Variations: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or olives for a burst of extra flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Puff pastry is best served fresh and crispy, but you can reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze the assembled wreath before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then bake after thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 wreath piece)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath, Pesto Wreath, Puff Pastry Wreath, Vegetarian Appetizer, Holiday Appetizers