Olive Sundried Tomato Stars

Featured in: Simple Comfort Bakes

These star-shaped pastries combine flaky puff pastry with a flavorful topping of finely chopped sundried tomatoes, green olives, and Parmesan cheese. Brushed with egg for a golden finish, they're baked until puffed and golden. Garnished with fresh parsley and basil leaves, these savory bites suit festive occasions or light appetizers. Options for vegan substitutions and olive swaps add versatility to this easy, Mediterranean-inspired treat.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:02:00 GMT
Golden Olive and Sundried Tomato Star Garland, a festive appetizer with flaky pastry and savory toppings. Pin it
Golden Olive and Sundried Tomato Star Garland, a festive appetizer with flaky pastry and savory toppings. | emberthyme.com

A festive and savory appetizer featuring flaky pastry stars adorned with tangy olives and sweet sundried tomatoes—perfect for entertaining or holiday gatherings.

This recipe became a family favorite during festive seasons, bringing everyone together around the table to enjoy these delightful bites.

Ingredients

  • Pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g) ready-rolled puff pastry
  • Topping: 60 g sundried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped, 50 g pitted green olives, finely chopped, 30 g grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, beaten (for brushing), 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • Garnish: Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Prepare Pastry:
Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Cut Stars:
Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many stars as possible (approx. 24). Transfer the stars onto the prepared baking tray.
Brush With Egg:
Brush each star lightly with beaten egg.
Mix Topping:
Mix the chopped sundried tomatoes, olives, and Parmesan in a small bowl.
Apply Topping:
Spoon a small amount of the mixture onto the center of each pastry star, pressing gently so it adheres.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the stars are puffed and golden.
Cool:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with parsley and garnish with basil leaves if desired.
Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Warm, golden Olive and Sundried Tomato Star Garland, ready to serve for your next holiday gathering. Pin it
Warm, golden Olive and Sundried Tomato Star Garland, ready to serve for your next holiday gathering. | emberthyme.com

These star-shaped appetizers have always been a hit at our family parties, sparking joy and compliments from guests.

Required Tools

Baking tray, parchment paper, star-shaped cookie cutter, pastry brush, small mixing bowl, knife and chopping board

Allergen Information

Contains gluten (puff pastry), egg, milk (Parmesan). May contain traces of nuts or soy (check puff pastry and sundried tomato labels). Double-check all labels for hidden allergens if required.

Nutritional Information

Approximately 65 calories per serving with 4 g total fat, 6 g carbohydrates, and 1.5 g protein.

Close-up of baked Olive and Sundried Tomato Star Garland, showing the savory sundried tomatoes and olives. Pin it
Close-up of baked Olive and Sundried Tomato Star Garland, showing the savory sundried tomatoes and olives. | emberthyme.com

These olive and sundried tomato stars add a festive flair to any gathering and are sure to impress your guests.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use black olives instead of green olives?

Yes, substituting black olives will give a richer, slightly sweeter flavor while maintaining the dish's character.

How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Use plant-based puff pastry and replace the Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.

What is the best way to store leftover pastry stars?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.

Can these pastry stars be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate for a few hours before baking to save time before serving.

What pairs well with these savory pastry stars?

They complement sparkling wines or dry white wine exceptionally well, enhancing the festive appeal.

Olive Sundried Tomato Stars

Flaky pastry with olives and sundried tomatoes, seasoned with Parmesan and herbs for a savory bite.

Time to Prep
20 mins
Time to Cook
15 mins
Overall Time
35 mins
By Ember Thyme Clara Henshaw


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean

Portions 24 Portion Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Pastry

01 1 sheet (8.8 oz) ready-rolled puff pastry

Topping

01 2.1 oz sundried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped
02 1.8 oz pitted green olives, finely chopped
03 1.1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
04 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
05 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Garnish

01 Fresh basil leaves (optional)

How To Make

Step 01

Preheat and prepare baking tray: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 02

Roll out pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.

Step 03

Cut pastry stars: Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out approximately 24 stars and transfer them onto the prepared baking tray.

Step 04

Brush pastry stars: Lightly brush each star-shaped pastry with beaten egg to ensure a golden finish.

Step 05

Prepare topping mixture: Combine the chopped sundried tomatoes, green olives, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.

Step 06

Apply topping: Spoon a small amount of the topping mixture onto the center of each pastry star, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 07

Bake: Bake the stars in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and golden brown.

Step 08

Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, then sprinkle with parsley and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Equipment Needed

  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Star-shaped cookie cutter
  • Pastry brush
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Knife and chopping board

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains gluten, egg, and milk.
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy; verify ingredient labels.

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

This nutritional info is just for reference—always consult your healthcare provider for specific advice.
  • Calorie Count: 65
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 1.5 g