If you’re searching for an appetizer that’s simple to make yet feels elevated, these Roasted Garlic and Pesto Strips are the perfect choice. With golden, flaky puff pastry, rich roasted garlic, and the vibrant flavor of pesto, they’re an irresistible combination of textures and tastes. These strips are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them ideal for entertaining, whether it’s a dinner party, brunch, or holiday gathering.

The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of flavors. The roasted garlic adds a mellow, slightly sweet depth, while the pesto contributes a fresh, herby brightness. All of this is wrapped in buttery puff pastry that bakes to crispy, golden perfection. Plus, the twisted shape makes them fun to eat and perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these Roasted Garlic and Pesto Strips, from step-by-step instructions to helpful tips, variations, and serving ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Yet Elegant: With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe creates an appetizer that looks and tastes impressive.
Flavorful Combination: The roasted garlic, pesto, and puff pastry work together to create a dish that’s rich, savory, and packed with flavor.
Perfect for Entertaining: These strips are finger-friendly and ideal for parties, gatherings, or even a cozy night in.
Customizable: You can tweak the flavors by using different pestos, adding cheese, or incorporating spices.
Instagram-Worthy: The twists and golden brown pastry make for a stunning presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes (includes roasting garlic and baking pastry)
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: Serves 12 (approximately 24 strips)
Calories (per serving): 262

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Roasted Garlic and Pesto Strips:

1 head of garlic: Roasting garlic transforms it into a sweet, mellow paste that enhances the flavor of the pastry.
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil: Used for roasting the garlic to golden perfection.
2 sheets frozen puff pastry: The base of the recipe, providing a buttery, flaky texture.
Pesto (enough to spread over the pastry): Adds a herby, savory flavor. Use store-bought or homemade pesto.

Optional additions:

Grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top quarter off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Place the garlic on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle it with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and wrap it up tightly.

Roast the garlic in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cloves are soft, golden, and fragrant. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash them gently with a fork to create a smooth paste.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

While the garlic is roasting, thaw your puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions. Roll out each sheet slightly on a lightly floured surface to flatten it and increase the size slightly.

Place the puff pastry sheets on parchment-lined baking sheets. Spread the mashed roasted garlic evenly across each sheet, ensuring an even layer. Then, spread a generous amount of pesto over the garlic, covering the pastry all the way to the edges.

Step 3: Cut and Twist

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the pastry into ½-inch-wide strips. Start cutting from the edges of the dough toward the center, but stop just short of the middle, leaving the center of the pastry connected.

Carefully twist each strip 3–4 times to create a spiral shape. The twists not only look beautiful but also help hold the garlic and pesto in place while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Strips

Preheat the oven to 400°F if it’s not already heated from roasting the garlic. Bake the pastry strips for 20–22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking. Once done, remove the strips from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

Use Cold Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is easiest to work with when it’s chilled. If it starts to become too soft while you’re cutting or twisting, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
Roast Garlic Perfectly: Don’t rush the garlic-roasting process. Properly roasted garlic should be soft, golden, and slightly caramelized for the best flavor.
Spread Evenly: Ensure that both the roasted garlic and pesto are spread in even layers to avoid clumps and ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
Twist Gently: Be careful when twisting the strips to keep the toppings from spilling out.
Customize the Flavor: Add grated cheese, herbs, or spices to the pesto for a personal touch.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

Cheesy Garlic Strips: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the pesto before twisting the strips for extra cheesiness.
Spicy Pesto Strips: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pesto for a spicy kick.
Nutty Twist: Top the pesto with chopped toasted pine nuts or almonds for added texture.
Herb Swap: Use sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or basil and walnut pesto instead of traditional basil pesto.
Sweet and Savory: Drizzle the baked strips with honey or balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 262
Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 0g
Fiber: 1g

How to Serve

These Roasted Garlic and Pesto Strips are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

As an Appetizer: Arrange the strips on a platter and serve them warm or at room temperature.
With a Dip: Pair the strips with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a yogurt-based dip for added flavor.
Alongside Soup or Salad: These strips make a great accompaniment to creamy soups or fresh green salads.
On a Charcuterie Board: Add them to a board with cheeses, cured meats, olives, and fresh fruit for an impressive spread.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can assemble the strips up to the twisting stage and refrigerate them on a baking sheet for a few hours before baking.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Freezing: Freeze unbaked strips on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These Roasted Garlic and Pesto Strips are a winning combination of simplicity and sophistication. With their golden puff pastry, rich roasted garlic, and herby pesto, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe for entertaining or indulgent snacking.

Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for a holiday meal, or just looking for a delicious treat, these strips are guaranteed to impress. Try them out, share them with your guests, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time.

Don’t forget to share your results—tag me on social media or leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how your Roasted Garlic and Pesto Strips turned out!