Cheesy Vegan Pesto Swirls Puff Pastry Perfection
Recipe Introduction: Cheesy Vegan Pesto Swirls
Fancy a vegan appetizer party that's both impressive and easy? Then you've come to the right place. I was thinking about what snack to serve for my birthday, and I thought: let's make some vegan puff pastry appetizers !
Quick Hook
Are you looking for easy vegan appetizers ? These Cheesy Vegan Pesto Swirls are your new best friend. Get ready for flaky, flavourful vegan savory pastry that will disappear in minutes.
The pesto really pops!
Brief Overview
These swirls are inspired by classic cheese straws. But this time, they're totally plant based puff pastry snacks . They are super easy to make.
Prep takes 15 minutes and baking around 20 to 25 minutes. This recipe makes about 24 swirls.
Main Benefits
One big bonus is that they're packed with basil. Basil is known for its anti inflammatory properties. These vegan pesto appetizer bites are perfect for a quick vegan party food .
What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of crispy puff pastry and flavourful pesto.
Let's dive into the ingredients needed for these vegan pesto swirls . First, you will need the ingredients for the pesto, and next you will need the ingredients for the dough.
You can use this vegan puff pastry recipe .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!
Okay, so you're ready to make these vegan puff pastry appetizers ? Awesome! Honestly, these vegan pesto swirls are so easy, even I can't mess them up.
And trust me, I've had my fair share of kitchen fails. Let's break down what you'll need. It’s almost too easy.
Main Ingredients
For the pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (about 60g ). Fresh basil is key. The brighter green, the better.
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts ( 35g ). Toasting them brings out the nutty flavor.
- 2 cloves of garlic.
- 1/4 cup grated vegan parmesan ( 30g ).
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast ( 15g ).
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil ( 60ml ).
For the vegan savory pastry :
- 1 package ( 14.1 oz / 400g ) vegan puff pastry. Jus-Rol is often a safe bet! Check it's actually vegan!
- 1/4 cup grated vegan parmesan ( 30g ). I use extra for topping because why not?
- 1 tablespoon plant based milk. Soy, almond, or oat all work.
Seasoning Notes
The pesto is where the magic happens. Basil, garlic, and a touch of vegan parmesan create a symphony of flavors.
No joke. And don't skimp on the nutritional yeast, it's the secret ingredient for that cheesy umami goodness. I once forgot the garlic and the whole thing was super bland.
Don't be like me. If you are in a pinch and you can't find pine nuts, try walnuts. The flavor will change but the final result will be amazing.
These vegan pesto appetizer bites will wow your friends!
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy gadgets for these easy vegan appetizers . I promise.
- Food processor. For that pesto.
- Rolling pin.
- Baking sheet.
- Parchment paper.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter.
If you don't have a rolling pin, a clean wine bottle will do in a pinch. Also, I am pretty sure you are going to love how easy is to make quick vegan party food .
These plant based puff pastry snacks are absolutely delicious and impressive. I swear, this vegan puff pastry recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
I always get asked for this recipe at every party. These vegan appetizers party hard!
These vegan appetizer ideas are perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and simple appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress.
Cooking Method: Mastering Cheesy Vegan Pesto Swirls
Okay, so you want to make vegan puff pastry appetizers that'll wow everyone? Let's dive into making some seriously delicious Cheesy Vegan Pesto Swirls .
Honestly, these are so easy, even I can't mess them up and that's saying something! This vegan puff pastry recipe is about to become your new go-to.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Act Together
First things first, mise en place, darling! Get everything measured out. It sounds poncy, but it helps. Making the vegan pesto swirls will be much easier.
This is your essential mise en place. It's all about keeping everything super organised. Safety wise, watch those sharp knives when chopping garlic!
step-by-step Process: From Flat to Fab
- Whip up that vegan pesto . Blitz basil, pine nuts, garlic, vegan parmesan , nutritional yeast, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
- Unfold the puff pastry. A Jus-Rol pack should do the trick. Even it out gently with a rolling pin.
- Spread the vegan pesto generously over the pastry.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated vegan parmesan .
- Roll it up tightly into a log. Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes .
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Slice the log into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
- Brush with plant based milk. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown.
Pro Tips: Secret Swirl Skills
Want to level up your easy vegan appetizers ? Chill the dough! It makes slicing those vegan pesto appetizer bites so much easier.
Don't overbake, or they'll be dry, nobody wants that at a vegan appetizers party .
Seriously, these are the perfect quick vegan party food and a great addition to your list of vegan appetizer ideas .
If you are looking for plant based puff pastry snacks or vegan savory pastry , I highly recommend this. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes For Your Cheesy Vegan Pesto Swirls
Let's chat about some extra bits. Honestly, making these vegan puff pastry appetizers is already simple. But these notes will make it even easier.
Plus, I'll share my little kitchen secrets. You know, the kind you learn from almost burning things a few times.
Serving Those Vegan Pesto Appetizer Bites Like a Pro
Okay, so presentation matters. Arrange these vegan pesto swirls artfully on a platter. A sprinkle of extra vegan parmesan never hurts.
Think about a dipping sauce too. Marinara is classic, but a balsamic glaze adds a touch of fancy. These plant based puff pastry snacks also go great with a simple side salad.
A crisp green salad cuts through the richness. As for drinks, a sparkling wine or even a nice chilled cider are perfect.
Storing Your Vegan Savory Pastry Creations
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These easy vegan appetizers keep well. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container. They'll be good for about 3 days .
Freezing? You bet! Let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag.
Reheat in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven for about 10- 15 minutes. They're almost as good as fresh!
Vegan Appetizer Ideas : Remixing The Recipe
Want to shake things up? Try a sun-dried tomato pesto instead of the classic basil. It adds a real punch of flavor.
Or how about a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the pesto for a bit of heat?
For a dietary tweak, use gluten-free puff pastry if you're avoiding gluten. Plus, try swapping the pine nuts in the pesto for sunflower seeds.
That way, you’ve created super yummy and inclusive nut-free quick vegan party food
Vegan Puff Pastry Recipe and Nutrition Facts: The Basics
These vegan puff pastry appetizers aren't exactly a health food. But they are a delicious treat. Each swirl is roughly 150-200 calories.
They have about 4-6 grams of protein and 10-14 grams of fat. You know, it’s all about balance. The basil gives you a boost of vitamins.
The nutritional yeast is packed with B vitamins. So, enjoy them in moderation.
So, there you have it! Don't be afraid to experiment with these vegan pesto appetizer bites . Honestly, cooking should be fun.
Now go and make some cheesy, delicious vegan pesto swirls !
Frequently Asked Questions
Is puff pastry usually vegan? I thought it had butter!
That's a fair shout! Traditional puff pastry does use butter, but thankfully, many brands now offer vegan puff pastry made with plant based fats. Always double check the ingredient list to make sure there are no sneaky dairy products. Jus-Rol is often a reliable choice.
Can I make these vegan puff pastry appetizers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pesto and assemble the swirls up to a day in advance. Just wrap the rolled log of puff pastry tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, simply slice and bake as directed.
You can also bake them ahead of time and reheat them gently in a warm oven for a few minutes.
My vegan pesto is a bit dry. What can I do?
No worries, that's an easy fix! Drizzle in a little extra olive oil, one tablespoon at a time, until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You could also add a splash of water if you're being mindful of oil content.
Just remember, you want it spreadable but not too runny, otherwise it'll seep out of the puff pastry.
I'm not a big fan of pesto. Are there other fillings I can use for these vegan puff pastry appetizers?
Definitely! Think of the puff pastry as a blank canvas. Sun-dried tomato paste, olive tapenade, or even a mix of vegan ricotta and spinach would be delicious. Get creative! Just make sure your filling isn't too wet, or the puff pastry might get soggy.
How should I store leftover vegan puff pastry swirls?
To keep your leftover swirls nice and crisp, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll be good for up to 2-3 days. To refresh them, you can pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes, or even use an air fryer, to bring back that flaky goodness.
Are these vegan puff pastry appetizers healthy? What's the nutritional information like?
These are definitely a treat, rather than a health food staple! They contain a good amount of healthy fats from the olive oil and nuts in the pesto, but also a fair bit of carbs from the puff pastry.
A single swirl is estimated to have around 150-200 calories, 10-14g of fat, 4-6g of protein and 10-15g carbohydrates, but it's always a good idea to adjust based on the specific ingredients you use and your portion sizes. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Cheesy Vegan Pesto Swirls Puff Pastry Perfection
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 175 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
