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Cheesy Pesto Braided Puffs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 51 reviews

Cheesy Pesto Braided Puffs are delicate, flaky puff pastry squares layered with vibrant basil and sun-dried tomato pestos, melted mozzarella cheese, and artistically braided into charming puffs. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a glossy egg wash and crunchy sesame seeds, these savory pastries make an elegant appetizer or snack perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 340 g puff pastry

Fillings

  • 1 tbsp basil pesto
  • 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto
  • 100 g mozzarella cheese

Glaze and Topping

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • Sesame seeds, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare tray: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) with fan setting. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cut and layer pastry: Roll out the puff pastry into a 24 x 36 cm (9½ x 14¼ inch) rectangle. Cut it into 24 equal squares, about 6 x 6 cm each. On your work surface, place one square rotated as a diamond. Spread a little basil pesto in the center and sprinkle mozzarella over it. Cover with another pastry square staggered slightly back in a diamond shape, spread sun-dried tomato pesto, then mozzarella. Cover with a third pastry piece again staggered back, then press the center gently with a chopstick to secure layers and add mozzarella on top.
  3. Braid the puff: Fold the closest corner upward to form a stable base. Bring the two side corners of the top layer towards the center. Gently stretch and fold one corner of the second layer over the first, repeat on the other side. Then stretch and fold the bottom layer corners over all previous folds. Repeat with the last corner to tightly wrap all layers into a braided puff. Place the finished puff on the prepared baking tray. Repeat this process for all remaining pastry squares and fillings.
  4. Glaze and bake: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush this egg wash generously over each braided puff, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until puffs are golden, puffed up, and cooked through.
  5. Serve warm: Remove from the oven and serve these cheesy pesto braided puffs warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a flavorful appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Use freshly made or high-quality store-bought pesto for the best flavor impact.
  • Ensure puff pastry is cold before handling to maintain its flakiness.
  • Chilling the braided puffs in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking can help them hold their shape better.
  • These puffs freeze well – freeze before baking, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Serve with classic marinara or a creamy garlic dip for extra indulgence.

Keywords: cheesy pesto puffs, braided puff pastry, appetizer, Italian appetizer, pesto pastry, mozzarella pastry, party snack

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/cheesy-pesto-braided-puffs-recipe/