I had the best of intentions to scour thrift stores in an effort to score the cheesiest of all holiday sweaters, preferably one with pom poms and a faux-fur collar. While Iโve yet to begin my hunt, I have been busy dressing my food in red and green, including todayโs Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Bites.
Other recent red-and-green recipes: Winter Salad with Kale and Pomegranate; Slow Cooker Cranberry White Spiced Wine; Garlic Feta Dip. I might not have an ugly sweater to show my spirit, but my food is ready for a holiday soiree.
I made these cutie little sun dried tomato pesto bites using one of my favorite easy appetizer hacks: mini phyllo shells
Flakey, fully-baked phyllo dough thatโs shaped for popping right into your mouth, these mini shells are an ideal vehicle for all sorts of sweet and savory ingredients.
Last month, I used them to make these Mini Fig Goat Cheese Bacon Bites, and today Iโm giving them an Italian twist with a creamy sun dried tomato, pesto, and Parmesan filling.
About This Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Appetizer
Sun dried tomato pesto bites are easy to make but look and taste impressive, a combo I prize in any party appetizer, especially at the holidays.
In addition to the mini phyllo shells, my second shortcut is good quality store-bought pesto.
It gives the bites gourmet flavor for no extra work beyond opening the jar. Simply whip the pesto together with light cream cheese, Greek yogurt (which makes the pesto bites healthier too), and Parmesan to create a vibrant, addictive filling thatโs good enough to serve on its own as a dip.
To complete the red-and-green Christmas picture and elevate the pesto bitesโ flavor, I topped them with my final easy appetizer sneak ingredient, diced sun dried tomatoes. Bursting with tangy, sweet flavor, these red gems bring the bites to life and are a natural complement to the pesto and Parmesan.
I road tested these sun dried tomato pesto bites at Benโs familyโs Thanksgiving.
Every single person who tried them oohed and ahhed at the combination of flavors, and some even thought that Iโd made my own phyllo dough.
Keep my secret, wonโt you?
Now that I have my red-and-green eats courtesy of these simple, lively sun dried tomato pesto bites, all I need is the attire to match.
If youโre in the market to sell a bedazzled Christmas tree, snowman, or similarly festooned piece of attire, I know an interested buyer.
More Festive Holiday Appetizers
- Brie Bites
- Pesto Pinwheels
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Cream Cheese Ball
- Pumpkin Goat Cheese Crostini
- Crab Artichoke Toasts
Tools Used to Make This Recipe
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Bites
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove the Athens Mini Fillo Shells from their box and placeย on counter, keepingย the shells in their protective tray until ready to use. (OPTIONAL: For extra crispy shells, arrange the shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.)
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth. Beat in the pesto until evenly combined, then on low speed, add 2/3 of the sundried tomatoes and Parmesan and beat just until blended.
- Pipe or dollop the pesto filling into each phyllo shell, then transfer to a serving plate. Top with the remaining sundried tomatoes and chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to four hours.
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Hi, I love your recipe so much. There is only one thing I am wondering about, did you modified your recipe by alternating the mascarpone cheese to Greek yogurt for the filling? Because if I recall correctly I followed your recipe last Christmas and I made this with mascarpone cheese.
Just wondering and thank you so much for this great recipe.
Hi Mia! This recipe has always used Greek yogurt, but I think mascarpone could be a delicious twist. I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed the bites!