I’m hosting a Christmas drinks & nibbles party at the end of December, and with my guest list growing by the day (eek!), I need a selection of super quick, tasty, and budget-friendly canapés that I can make well ahead of time.
These easy-peasy puff pastry stars absolutely fit the bill! With just one sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry and a handful of pantry staples, you can create 50+ bite-sized stars in under 30 minutes – perfect when time is tight on party day.
I topped mine with a festive mix of parmesan, sesame seeds, and flaky sea salt, but the possibilities are endless. Try fresh herbs, smoked paprika, or even a bold blue cheese for a twist – I’ve listed some of my favourite alternative toppings at the end of this recipe.
Read on for the full recipe – you won’t believe how easy these cheesy pastry stars are to make!
Method
Follow these steps to make our Parmesan & Sesame Puff Pastry Stars
Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C fan). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Unroll your sheet of puff pastry onto a clean, flat surface (use the sheet it comes on to avoid extra mess!).
Using a small 4cm star cutter (or any shape you like), cut out your stars, keeping them close together to maximise how many you can make. Gather the pastry scraps, gently re-roll, and continue cutting until all the pastry has been used. Place your pastry stars evenly onto the lined baking tray.
Top Tip: The cutter you use can be any shape of your choice – but star is a fabulous choice for the festive season. You could make heart-shaped pastry bites for Valentine’s Day, or simple squares for something more elegant!
Beat 1 free-range egg in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Separately, in a shallow dish, mix together finely grated Parmesan, sesame seeds, and a pinch or two of flaky sea salt.
One at a time, brush one side of each star with the egg wash, then press the egg-washed side into the toppings mix. Return to the tray, topping-side facing up. If any stars look a little sparse, sprinkle over any leftover toppings before baking.
Bake your cheesy puff pastry stars for 10 minutes, or until golden, puffed, and crisp. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes before digging in – they’re delicious served both hot and cold. If you’ve made them ahead of time, gently reheat them before serving for 5 minutes in the oven, if you wish.
How Long Do Parmesan & Sesame Puff Pastry Stars Keep For?
Your baked parmesan & sesame puff pastry stars will keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. They’re a perfect make-ahead canapé for festive hosting – enjoy them cold or refresh in the oven for 5 minutes to crisp back up.
You can also freeze your puff pastry stars using one of two methods, either:
- Fully baked and cooled, or
- Cut and topped, but not yet baked (for best results!)
Bake from frozen as normal, adding 3-5 extra minutes of cooking time until golden and crisp.
What To Top Your Puff Pastry Stars With
Whilst I used a delicious combo of grated Parmesan cheese and toasted sesame seeds, you can easily switch up the flavours to suit your event. Just remember to keep your toppings finely grated, chopped, or ground so they stick well and bake evenly. Press stars gently into toppings after egg wash for maximum coverage, then sprinkle extras on top if needed! Here are a few of my fave topping ideas:
- Black or white sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Cheese – cheddar, blue, feta, or Parmesan
- Smoked paprika (great for a pop of colour!)
- Dried or fresh herbs – rosemary, thyme, or chives would be lovely
- Garlic or onion powder
- Za’atar
- Chilli flakes
- Cinnamon & sugar
- Cocoa powder
Find More Delicious Canapé Recipes On the Savery Grazing Blog
These cheesy pastry stars are not only super delicious, but they couldn’t be easier to make – perfect if you’re in charge of feeding a crowd this Christmas. Looking for more like this? You’ll find hundreds of easy recipes on the Savery Grazing blog – from Homemade Sausage Rolls to Prawn Cocktail Lettuce Cups, Indian Spiced Tarts, Colourful Dips, and more. You can also keep up to date with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!