Puff Pastry Hearts with Pesto

Name: Puff Pastry Hearts with Pesto
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 hearts
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 1/2 cup pesto; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Flour, for dusting

Highlighted under: Inspired Recipes

I absolutely love making Puff Pastry Hearts with Pesto as they are a delightful appetizer that never fails to impress. The golden, flaky pastry combined with the fresh, herbaceous pesto creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether it's for a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends, these hearts are always a hit. Plus, they're incredibly simple to prepare, taking minimal time in the kitchen yet delivering maximum satisfaction.

Created by

Kitty Lawrence

Last updated on 2026-01-08T14:37:34.500Z

When I first tried making Puff Pastry Hearts with Pesto, I never imagined they would turn out so beautifully and taste amazing too. The secret lies in using high-quality pesto and allowing the pastry to get that perfect golden color. It’s like watching a work of art come together in the oven!

One tip I discovered is to keep the puff pastry chilled until you’re ready to bake. This ensures it puffs up perfectly and maintains that lovely airy texture. Trust me, when you serve these, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Elegant presentation that impresses guests
Flaky texture perfectly complemented by fresh pesto
Versatile snack for any occasion

      

The Role of Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is the star ingredient in this recipe, known for its flaky layers that create a light and airy texture. During baking, the water in the dough turns to steam, which causes the layers to separate and puff up beautifully. When rolling out the dough, be careful not to overwork it, as this can impede the puffing process. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch for optimal results, ensuring that the hearts maintain their shape while baking.

Additionally, using high-quality puff pastry can significantly affect the final product. Frozen varieties can be convenient, but try to choose a brand that uses real butter for the best flavor. You can also make your own puff pastry from scratch, which allows for customization in terms of butter content and the thickness of the layers. Just be sure to keep it chilled throughout all the handling to achieve that beautiful rise.

Enhancing the Pesto Flavor

The pesto is crucial not only for flavor but also for moisture in the pastry hearts. You can use store-bought pesto in a pinch, but I highly recommend trying homemade for a fresher taste. Traditional basil pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil brings vibrant flavor to the dish. However, feel free to experiment with variations, such as using sun-dried tomatoes or arugula for a twist on the classic recipe.

When adding pesto to the puff pastry, a small amount goes a long way. Aim for about one teaspoon in the center of each heart shape, allowing for enough space around the edges to seal properly. If you notice the pesto being too oily, you can use a spoon to drain excess oil before dolloping it onto the pastry. This ensures that the filling doesn’t leak during baking, maintaining both the aesthetic and structural integrity of your hearts.

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry Hearts

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup pesto
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Flour, for dusting

These simple ingredients blend beautifully for a delicious treat!

Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Unroll the thawed puff pastry and cut it into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.

Add the Pesto

Place a small dollop of pesto in the center of half of the heart shapes. Leave a small border around the edges to seal them later.

Seal the Hearts

Top with the remaining heart shapes and gently press down the edges. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely.

Brush with Egg Wash

Brush the top of each pastry heart with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful glaze while baking.

Bake

Place the hearts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Cool and Serve

Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delightful Puff Pastry Hearts with Pesto!

These pastries are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as sun-dried tomatoes or cheese, to customize your hearts!

Serving Suggestions

These Puff Pastry Hearts with Pesto make an excellent appetizer, but they can also serve as a delightful side for a salad or soup. Consider pairing them with a tangy arugula salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, which will enhance the earthy flavors of the pesto. You could also serve them alongside a homemade tomato bisque for a comforting meal.

For a more festive presentation, arrange the hearts on a serving platter with additional sprigs of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic reduction. This not only elevates the dish visually but also adds an extra layer of flavor for your guests to enjoy.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're prepping for a gathering, you can make these Puff Pastry Hearts ahead of time. Simply assemble the hearts, brush with egg wash, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to a month. When you're ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; just place them directly in a preheated oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Leftover baked hearts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pastries and freeze them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

→ What can I serve with these pastries?

They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or can be served as part of a charcuterie board.

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a fantastic time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.

→ Are there any gluten-free options?

Yes, gluten-free puff pastry is available at many grocery stores. Just ensure that your pesto is also gluten-free.