The holiday season is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and of course, enjoying delicious food. But let’s be honest, hosting can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. You want to make something special without spending the entire day in the kitchen.
That’s where this beautiful pesto puff pastry wreath comes in. It looks so impressive, but it’s one of the simplest Holiday Party Appetizers Christmas recipes you can make. It’s a real crowd pleaser that will have everyone reaching for another piece.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, it’s just so pretty. The twisted wreath shape, dotted with red pepper and sprinkled with cheese, looks like a festive decoration you can eat. It’s one of those Fun Christmas Appetizers that instantly adds cheer to your table.
It’s also incredibly easy. We use store bought puff pastry, which is a fantastic shortcut. No need to make dough from scratch. This makes it a wonderful choice for Christmas Appetizers Party Holidays Easy recipes.
The flavors are classic and comforting. Savory pesto, sweet roasted red peppers, and salty Parmesan cheese are a combination everyone enjoys. It’s also one of the best Christmas Party Appetizers Finger Foods because guests can just pull off a piece.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to bring this beautiful wreath to life. It’s a budget friendly option for your holiday spread.
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tablespoons pesto
- 1 roasted red pepper from a jar, drained, patted dry and diced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- coarse salt to taste
Step By Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own beautiful and tasty appetizer. It’s so much fun to assemble, you might even get the kids to help!
Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Pastry
First things first, get your oven preheating to 425°F. A hot oven is key for getting that beautiful puff in the pastry. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Next, take one sheet of your thawed puff pastry. Lightly flour your work surface and unroll the dough. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it into a square about 12 to 14 inches wide. We want it nice and even.
Step 2: Shape The Wreath Base
Now for the fun part. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the square into a large circle, roughly 12 inches across. Don’t worry about it being an exact circle. To make the hole in the center, find a cup or small bowl that is 3 to 4 inches wide. Place it upside down in the middle of your dough circle and cut around it. Carefully transfer your dough ring to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Add The Filling
Spread the pesto evenly over the surface of the dough ring. Leave a tiny border around the edges if you can. Then, sprinkle the diced roasted red pepper all over the pesto. It already looks like one of those Festive Christmas Appetizers!
Step 4: Top And Cut The Wreath
Take your second sheet of puff pastry and repeat the process. Roll it out and cut it into the same sized ring. Carefully place this second dough ring directly on top of the first one, sandwiching the filling inside. Press the edges together lightly.
Using your sharp knife, cut slices from the center hole to the outer edge, about 1 to 2 inches wide. Be sure to leave the very center of the ring connected. You are basically making spokes on a wheel.
Step 5: Twist And Bake
Gently take each slice, or strip, and twist it two or three times. This creates that lovely braided look. Work your way around the entire wreath until every strip is twisted. It’s a simple step that makes a huge visual impact on your Holiday Party Appetizers Christmas spread.
Now, pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color. Once it’s done, take it out and sprinkle it with the Parmesan cheese and a little coarse salt while it’s still warm. You can even create a little bow from leftover roasted red pepper pieces for extra flair.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is rare, storing them is easy. Let the wreath cool completely to room temperature first. This prevents it from getting soggy.
Once cool, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I suggest popping it back in the oven or an air fryer for a few minutes. This will help it get crispy again. Microwaving will make it soft, so I’d avoid that if you can.
Tips
Want to mix things up? Feel free to get creative with the filling. You could use a sun dried tomato pesto, olive tapenade, or even a creamy spinach and artichoke dip as the base. Adding different cheeses like feta or mozzarella works well too.
For a beautiful presentation, place a small bowl of marinara sauce in the center of the wreath for dipping. It adds another layer of flavor and looks great. This is a simple way to elevate your Christmas Party Appetizers Finger Foods.
Make sure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold. If it gets too warm, it becomes sticky and difficult to work with. If that happens, just pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A stunning, delicious, and surprisingly easy appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated steps or ingredients to make memorable Holiday Party Appetizers Christmas treats.
It’s all about simple, good food that brings people together. I hope you and your guests love this festive puff pastry wreath as much as my family does. Happy holidays and happy baking!
FAQ
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can. You can assemble the entire wreath, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for a few hours before you plan to bake it. Then, just bake it fresh right before your guests arrive so it’s warm and flaky.
What Can I Use Instead Of Pesto?
So many options! A simple marinara sauce with some Italian herbs would be delicious. You could also try a spread made from cream cheese and herbs, or even a sweet version with cinnamon sugar and chopped nuts for a different kind of treat.
Is Puff Pastry Hard To Work With?
Not at all, especially if you buy it frozen. The key is to let it thaw according to the package directions, usually in the refrigerator. Work with it while it is still cold for the best results. It’s very forgiving and a great ingredient for creating Christmas Appetizers Party Holidays Easy options.
What Should I Serve This With?
This wreath is wonderful on its own, but a dipping sauce is always a good idea. A warm marinara or a creamy ranch dip would be fantastic. It pairs well with other Fun Christmas Appetizers like cheese boards, stuffed mushrooms, or shrimp cocktail.
Pesto Puff Pastry Wreath
A beautiful and easy holiday appetizer that looks impressive but is simple to make. This festive wreath uses store-bought puff pastry, savory pesto, and roasted red peppers for a real crowd-pleaser.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll one sheet of puff pastry. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it into a 12 to 14-inch square.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the square into a large 12-inch circle. Place a 3 to 4-inch wide cup in the center and cut around it to create a ring shape.
- Carefully transfer the dough ring to your prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the pesto evenly over the surface of the dough ring, then sprinkle with the diced roasted red pepper.
- Roll out and cut the second sheet of puff pastry into the same sized ring. Place it directly on top of the first, sandwiching the filling.
- Cut slices from the center hole to the outer edge, about 1 to 2 inches wide, leaving the center ring connected.
- Gently take each slice and twist it two or three times. Repeat for all slices around the wreath.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and a little coarse salt while it’s still warm. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to get creative with the filling. You could use a sun-dried tomato pesto, olive tapenade, or even a creamy spinach and artichoke dip.
For a beautiful presentation, place a small bowl of marinara sauce in the center of the wreath for dipping. It adds another layer of flavor.
Make sure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold. If it gets too warm, it becomes sticky and difficult to work with.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
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