Pesto Cheese Blossoms

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Show: Paula's Home CookingEpisode: Afternoon Tea Party

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (199)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(199)

Prep Time:
20 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
15 to 20 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: --
Total:: 20 min

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Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) package sliced provolone cheese
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
20 pistachios, shelled
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 ounces oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

Directions

Line a medium bowl with plastic wrap, leaving enough overhang to cover the top. Reserving 3 slices of the provolone, line the bottom and sides of the bowl with the remaining provolone, overlapping the slices. For the cream cheese layer, process the cream cheese, pistachios, and 1 of the garlic cloves in a food processor until blended; scrape the mixture into a bowl and set aside. For the pesto layer, process the basil, parsley, pine nuts, and the remaining garlic clove in the food processor until blended. Dissolve the salt and pepper in the olive oil and mix well.

With the machine running, add the oil in a fine stream. Scrape this mixture into a second bowl and set aside. For the tomato layer, drain the tomatoes, reserving the oil. Puree the tomatoes with a small amount of the reserved oil in a food processor. Spread some of the cream cheese mixture over the cheese slices lining the bowl. Layer the pesto mixture, half of the remaining cream cheese mixture, the sun-dried tomato mixture, and then remaining cream cheese mixture in the bowl. Cover with the remaining provolone. Bring the edges of the plastic wrap together over the top and secure with a twist tie. Freeze until firm. Remove the plastic wrap and invert the mold onto a serving platter. Serve with party crackers. This will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Pesto Cheese Blossoms
Kimberly Marina, CA 10-05-2009
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Soooo good!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made this for a little gathering I had and EVERYONE loved it! It's easy to make if you have a good food processor. (I had... a little mini one and had to do the cream cheese mixture in sections, then just mixed it all together) It still came out wonderful! Definately make the pesto with the fresh ingredients. It really makes a difference. Everyone wanted the recipe. One gal asked if I bought it at Costco cause' it looked so professional and tasted so yummy! Mmmmm! I'm sure I'll be asked to bring/make this dish to the next gathering! It really is a great recipe! As is all Paula's recipes! I just love her!Read more
recipe Pesto Cheese Blossoms
Ann Polk City, FL 08-06-2009
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Excellent
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I first made this for my family dinner for all my kids to get together. Everyone absolutely loved it! So now, I'm requested... to make it for any get together! I have used prepared pesto and it's just as good and much quicker. Stores very well in freezer until ready to use so it can be made ahead. Great, Paula!Read more
recipe Pesto Cheese Blossoms
Evie Kent, NY 08-03-2009
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Excellent
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I have made this a couple of times. When I do I get so many compliments and requests for the recipe. I love it because it... tastes so fresh and easy to prepare. Good Job Paula, love your show!!! Read more
recipe Pesto Cheese Blossoms
Eric Irvine, CA 06-20-2009
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Never fails to please
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This is my go-to recipe for any party, picnic, or potluck. I have changed it up on occasion by using various pesto recipes,... and it's always great.Read more
recipe Pesto Cheese Blossoms
Michelle Willingboro, NJ 05-07-2009
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My specialty
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

It's a real hoot to see how many people have reviewed this incredible appetizer since it has become "my specialty" at... gatherings with family and friends. This is unquestionably my favorite appetizer not only because it's delicious but because it's so easy to make yet looks labor intensive. I now know this recipe by heart but keep a printed copy in my recipe box since I plan to be making it long after my memory goes south.Read more
recipe Pesto Cheese Blossoms
Sage salt lake city, UT 11-12-2008
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So easy!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made this for a super bowl party a little unsure of how people would like it. People tried it and then hovered around it... instead of the t.v.! It was gone within an hour! Now when I make it for parties my husband asks me to make a separate one for him!!! Everyone always asks me where I got it, when I say I made it they say "you MADE this?" Read more