Savory Pesto Swirls
The first time I made Savory Pesto Swirls, I was preparing for a dinner party at my home. I wanted something easy yet impressive, and Savory Pesto Swirls seemed like the perfect choice. With puff pastry in the freezer and some fresh basil pesto in my fridge, I knew these Savory Pesto Swirls would be a hit. The combination of gooey cheese, savory ham, and flaky pastry sounded like a match made in heaven.
The Magic of Simple Ingredients
What I love most about Savory Pesto Swirls is how such simple ingredients come together to create something so flavorful. The puff pastry, golden and crisp, is the perfect vessel for the vibrant pesto, while the ham and cheese add a comforting richness. The smell of these swirls baking in the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. It’s amazing how a few basic ingredients can create something so satisfying.
A Crowd-Pleaser Every Time
Whenever I serve Savory Pesto Swirls at gatherings, they disappear within minutes. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday party, game day, or just a casual get-together. Guests love the flaky layers and the burst of flavor in each bite. Plus, they’re so easy to make ahead and freeze, which is a lifesaver when you’re hosting and juggling multiple dishes. These little swirls are a testament to how simple cooking can still steal the show.
My Favorite Variations
Though the classic combination of pesto, ham, and cheese is always a winner, I sometimes like to experiment with different fillings. Spinach and feta, roasted red peppers and goat cheese—there are so many possibilities! The versatility of Savory Pesto Swirls is one of the reasons I return to this recipe time and again. No matter how you fill them, these swirls always bring joy to the table.
Table of Contents
Chef’s notes- Savory Pesto Swirls
- Keep Pastry Cold: Work quickly with the puff pastry to keep it cold. Warm pastry can become sticky and difficult to handle, affecting the final texture.
- Thin, Even Rolling: Roll the puff pastry evenly to ensure that all swirls bake at the same rate. Uneven rolling can lead to some pieces being undercooked or overly browned.
- Chill Before Slicing: Chilling the rolled pastry logs before slicing helps the swirls maintain their shape during cutting and baking. If the pastry is too warm, it can become soft and lose its definition.
- Sharp Knife: Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the chilled pastry logs cleanly. This will prevent the swirls from being crushed or distorted.
- Prevent Leaks: Leave a border around the edges of the pastry when spreading the pesto to prevent it from oozing out during baking. This will help the swirls maintain their shape and appearance.
- Customizable Fillings: This recipe is highly adaptable. Consider using different cheeses, deli meats, or vegetarian options to suit your guests’ preferences.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the rolled logs before slicing. Just thaw slightly before cutting and baking as directed. This makes it easy to prepare ahead of time and bake fresh when needed.
- Baking Evenness: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of the swirls. Ovens can have hot spots, and this will help prevent any uneven cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: These swirls are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even part of a brunch spread. Pair with a light salad or soup for a more complete meal.
FAQs- Savory Pesto Swirls
Savory Pesto Swirls
48
swirls15
minutes18
minutes85
kcal20
minutes53
minutesThese Savory Pesto Swirls are the ultimate easy appetizer! Flaky puff pastry filled with vibrant pesto, gooey cheese, and savory ham. Perfect for any occasion, these swirls are freezer-friendly and incredibly festive. Get ready to impress your guests with this delightful treat!
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry
2 sheets frozen puff pastry thawed overnight in the fridge
- Pesto
1/2 cup basil pesto your favorite (or 1/4 cup each of two different types)
- Ham
10 slices deli ham about 5 ounces, divided
- Cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese divided
- Garnish
Fresh basil leaves chopped (optional)
- Alternative Ingredients:
Puff Pastry Substitute: Crescent roll dough
Pesto Substitute: Sun-dried tomato pesto or red pepper pesto
Ham Substitute: Turkey slices or vegetarian deli slices for a meat-free option
Mozzarella Substitute: Cheddar or provolone cheese
Parmesan Substitute: Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese
Directions
- Prepare Puff Pastry – Unfold the first sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Evenly spread 1/4 cup of pesto over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides.
- Layer Ham and Cheese – Lay 5 slices of ham over the pesto. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry into a log. Trim the ends and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 day.
- Repeat Process – Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining ingredients. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Slice and Arrange – Once chilled, slice each log into 1/2-inch-wide pieces using a sharp serrated knife. Arrange on baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake for about 18 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with chopped basil if desired. Let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Baking sheet
- silicone baking mats
- Mixing bowls
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 85kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Potassium: 12mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 79IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 27mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQs- Savory Pesto Swirls
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly for this recipe. Choose a high-quality pesto for the best flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and chill the rolled pastry logs a day in advance or freeze them for up to a month. Slice and bake when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store baked swirls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ham with vegetarian deli slices, roasted vegetables, or additional cheese.
Why is my pastry not puffing up properly?
This could be due to the pastry being too warm when it went into the oven or if the oven was not preheated fully. Make sure the pastry is cold and the oven is at the correct temperature before baking.
