Cheese and Pesto Fantails

These Cheese and Pesto Fantails are delightful, savory pastries with a great flavor combination and a visually stunning presentation. They are ideal as appetizers, snacks, or even a side dish for meals. They are versatile and easy to prepare, making them a crowd-pleaser for parties, gatherings, or casual meals. The savory combination of cheese and pesto in this unique pastry form is sure to impress.

These pastries are made with layers of soft dough shapedinto a fan shape, giving them their distinct “fantail” appearance. Inside, the dough is generously spread with vibrant, green pesto sauce, which provides an herby, garlicky base with a hint of nuttiness.

The pesto is complemented by cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, which melts beautifully, giving the fantails a gooey, cheesy center. As they bake, the fantails develop a golden, crisp exterior while the pesto and cheese meld together into a deliciously aromatic filling. The combination of crunchy layers and soft, cheesy goodness makes each bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

How to make Cheese and Pesto Fantails

Begin by adding yeast, sugar, and warm water to a large bowl. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to activate the yeast. 

Next, add flour, salt, milk, egg, and melted butter to the bowl. Stir to combine and knead the dough for 5-8 minutes until it becomes soft and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour until doubled in size. This step is important for the fantails to become fluffy and light.

Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with a bit of oil. This will give your fantails a nice crisp edge and prevent them from sticking.

How to shape the fantails

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal pieces on a floured surface.

Roll one half into a 12-inch (30cm) square. Now, spread half of your pesto evenly over the dough. For extra flavor, use homemade pesto made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. Next, sprinkle half of your shredded cheese—mozzarella, cheddar, or even Gruyère work well—over the pesto. A pinch of salt and pepper at this stage enhances the flavors even more.

To shape the fantails, cut the dough into 6 even strips. Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut them into 6 equal pieces. Place them into the muffin cups. 

Repeat the same process with the second half of the dough, pesto, and cheese. Gently separate the layers of each piece, creating that signature fan shape.

Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let them rise for about 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the fantails for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. After baking, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them firm up and develop a perfect texture.

Now they’re ready to enjoy, crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, with the bold flavor of pesto in every bite.

Other pastries you may like to try

Try our Easy No-Knead Focaccia recipe with a crispy golden crust and soft, airy center. Perfect for beginners and full of flavor with minimal effort.

These Twisted Cheese Bagels are chewy, flavorful, and packed with melty cheese. They are a fun twist on the classic and are perfect for breakfast or snacking.

These Yogurt Flatbreads are soft, pillowy flatbreads made with yogurt, quick and easy to prepare. They’re perfect for dips, or as a side to any meal.

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