Puff Pastry Star Appetizer

This puff pastry star appetizer takes the viral puff pastry star trend and turns it savory with creamy ricotta, thin slices of prosciutto, and gooey mozzarella. The result is a crispy, golden, pull-apart antipasto that’s perfect for festive occasions and holiday parties alike.

The holidays call for something cheerful and delicious on the table, and this puff pastry star delivers just that. Unlike my sweeter puff pastry treats—like candy canes or Christmas trees—this one embraces bold Italian flavors wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry with a melty, comforting center.

If you enjoyed making my savory Christmas trees, you’re going to love this one just as much. Its star design is festive and eye-catching, while the flavors disappear fast whenever I bring this to a party. Trust me, everyone will want seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• So easy to pull together: With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll wow your guests without fussing over complicated prep time.
• Great for make-ahead prep: Assemble this star ahead of time, keep it chilled in the fridge, then bake it fresh right before serving. It’s a total stress-saver for busy holiday entertaining!

Ingredient Notes

• Puff pastry: Use one thawed round sheet for the easiest assembly. If you want to get fancy, try my homemade puff pastry recipe. If you find only rectangular sheets, just trim and shape them into a circle for that perfect star.
• Ricotta or cream cheese: Ricotta adds that lovely light creaminess without weighing things down. If it’s too watery, drain it a bit to keep the pastry crisp. Cream cheese works beautifully too if you prefer a richer taste.
• Prosciutto, ham, or salami: Thinly sliced cured meats all work here. Classic prosciutto brings that Italian flair, while ham or salami make it a bit heartier and kid-friendly.
• Melting cheese: Small cubes of mozzarella, fontina, gruyere, or Swiss cheese create a melty, dreamy center. Pick a firmer cheese that melts well but won’t turn the pastry soggy.
• Olives: Black or green olives are perfect to “pin” the star tips down and keep them from puffing up or popping open in the oven. Whole or halved olives both work great.
• Milk: Brushing the pastry with milk before baking helps it develop that gorgeous golden shine and crispy texture. You can swap cream for a richer color effect.
• Oregano: A pinch or two adds a nice Italian herb note sprinkled on the ricotta filling.
• Seeds: Finish with sesame or poppy seeds after brushing the pastry to add crunch and a pretty touch.

How to Make a Puff Pastry Star Appetizer

Start by spreading your round puff pastry sheet out on parchment paper. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut eight slices from the edge toward the center, stopping about 2 inches short of the middle. Then, rotate the pastry slightly and make eight more cuts between those first ones. This will give you 16 equal points all around the circle.

Next, spread a layer of ricotta cheese evenly over the base of your pastry, leaving a small border around the edges so it doesn’t spill out. Then, place a folded slice of prosciutto (or your chosen cured meat) and a cube of your melting cheese right at the wide end of each large wedge where the point starts.

Now it’s time to fold! Gently pull the tips of each large wedge toward the center, covering the filling. Press down lightly on the edges to seal everything in place. Keep going with all wedges until the center closes into a neat star shape. This pull-apart part is pure magic when it bakes!

For the smaller inner triangles, add a small cube of cheese on each piece. Then fold their tips outward over the cheese and secure every point with an olive to keep the shape intact during baking.

Before sliding your star into the oven, sprinkle a pinch of oregano over the ricotta for a fresh herbal lift. Then brush the whole pastry with milk and finish by sprinkling sesame or poppy seeds over the top. These final touches add both texture and charm!

Transfer the parchment paper and star onto a baking sheet and chill it in the fridge for about 20 minutes while you preheat your oven. This little chilling step keeps your puff pastry firm, so it rises beautifully when baked. Bake until your star is puffed, golden, and deliciously fragrant. Serve it warm and watch it disappear in no time!

Variations

• Pesto star: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto under the ricotta or swap the ricotta out altogether for an herbaceous, fresh pesto flavor.
• Spinach and cheese: Stir a handful of cooked, well-drained chopped spinach into your ricotta for a gentle green twist that’s still light and savory.
• Mushroom and fontina: Add finely chopped sautéed mushrooms and fontina cheese cubes to each wedge. This gives a warm, earthy flavor that’s pure Italian coziness.
• All-cheese version: Skip the prosciutto and pile on a mix of mozzarella, fontina, and Parmesan for a vegetarian star that’s gooey and sure to please everyone.

This puff pastry star appetizer quickly became one of our go-to festive favorites! It’s a charming, tasty little showstopper that makes any holiday gathering feel extra special. Buon Appetito!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop the star in a warm oven for 10 minutes to refresh the crispiness. Avoid microwaving since the puff pastry can get soggy.

Make-Ahead Tips

Feel free to assemble your puff pastry star a few hours before your event. Just complete all the folding steps, cover it lightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when your guests arrive for that perfect golden puff.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic for a balanced plate.
• Pair with a chilled glass of Italian white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing combo.
• Offer with a bowl of marinated olives or roasted nuts for extra antipasto vibes.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use frozen puff pastry? Absolutely! Just thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before starting your recipe.
• What if I don’t have prosciutto? Ham, salami, or even turkey slices work nicely if you want to keep it kid-friendly.
• Can I freeze the assembled star before baking? Yes! Freeze it flat on the parchment, then bake straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time.
• Why do I need to chill the star before baking? Chilling keeps the layers firm so they puff up properly in the oven and don’t melt into a messy blob.