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Cheesy Pesto Braided Puffs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 143 reviews

Cheesy Pesto Braided Puffs are delightful, flaky pastries layered with vibrant basil and sun-dried tomato pestos and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, these braided puffs combine the richness of cheese with aromatic pesto flavors, all wrapped in golden, crisp puff pastry.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry and Filling

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

Egg Wash 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 (fan). 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 rectangle roughly 24 x 36 cm (9½ x 14¼ inches). Cut it into 24 equal squares, each about 6 x 6 cm (2⅜ x 2⅜ inches). Place one square on your work surface turning it so it looks like a diamond shape. Spread a small spoonful of basil pesto in the center and sprinkle some mozzarella on top. Layer another square at a slight offset on the upper edge, spread sun-dried tomato pesto, add mozzarella, and then cover with a third pastry square, again slightly offset.
  3. Secure and Add Cheese: Use a chopstick or similar tool to press the layered pastry squares firmly in the center to help keep them together. Add a little extra mozzarella on top of the secured center.
  4. Braid the Pastry: Fold the corner closest to you slightly upward to form a stable base. Bring the two side corners of the top pastry towards the center. Gently stretch one corner from the second pastry layer and fold it over the first, then do the same with the opposite corner. Repeat with the bottom layer corners, stretching and wrapping each over the folds to create a tight braided puff. Carefully transfer the braided puff to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining squares and fillings.
  5. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk until well combined. Brush this egg wash generously over the surface of each braided puff for a golden finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm, ideally with a dipping sauce of your choice for a delicious appetizer or party snack.

Notes

  • Make sure the puff pastry is cold while working to achieve the best puff and flaky texture.
  • Use good quality pesto and fresh mozzarella for the best flavor.
  • These puffs can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the fridge until ready to bake.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in an oven to retain crispiness.

Keywords: Cheesy Pesto Braided Puffs, puff pastry appetizers, mozzarella pesto snacks, Italian snacks, baked puff pastry, pesto cheese puffs

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