Appetizers with Pesto for Simple Yet Sophisticated Starters

Pesto is one of my go-to ingredients because it adds so much fresh, herby flavor with almost no effort!

I’ve used it in everything from caprese skewers and puff pastry twists to flatbreads and stuffed mushrooms.

It works equally well as a dip, a drizzle, or a filling, which makes it super versatile in appetizers.

Basil pesto is especially great with cheese, tomatoes, grilled vegetables, and anything involving toasted bread or pastry.

Using pesto saves time in the kitchen while still giving the food a homemade, from-scratch feel – comfort yum!

1. Pesto Crostini With Fresh Mozzarella And Cherry Tomatoes

There’s this satisfying crunch from the toasted baguette when you bite in.

Fresh mozzarella brings a creamy layer that really works with the bold pesto.

Juicy cherry tomatoes add that burst of freshness I crave in every bite.

Homemade pesto’s fantastic if you’ve got basil, but honestly, store-bought does the trick when you’re short on time.

2. Pesto Pinwheels

Puff pastry, pesto, and cheese—slice them up and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser in minutes.

Store-bought pastry saves so much hassle and still gives that flaky, golden bite.

Pesto packs in flavor, so you don’t have to fuss with a ton of extras.

Prep ahead, bake last minute, and you’re set. Couldn’t be simpler.

3. Burrata and Roasted Tomato Pesto

Silky burrata, roasted tomatoes, and a spoonful of pesto—always a hit.

Roasting cherry tomatoes brings out this sweet, concentrated flavor that just works.

Add fresh pesto on top for those herby notes that cut through the creamy burrata.

Serve it all on toasted baguette slices for a quick appetizer that never lets me down.

Try a spoonful of pesto for an extra kick.

4. Pesto Cream Cheese Dip

Just blend pesto with softened cream cheese and you’ve got a dip in minutes.

Basil flavor comes through and pairs perfectly with crackers or veggies.

Top with a swirl of more pesto and some cherry tomatoes for a colorful finish.

5. Pesto-Stuffed Mushrooms

Fill mushrooms with pesto, feta, and breadcrumbs for earthy, creamy bites.

Pesto soaks right into the mushrooms as they bake—so much flavor in every bite.

Baby bellas hold up well and make a sturdy base for the filling.

6. Pesto Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs get a big upgrade with a swirl of pesto in the filling.

Basil, garlic, and cheese from the pesto blend right into the creamy yolks.

A little lemon zest really brightens it up—one of my favorite tricks.

Top with parmesan or pine nuts if you like a bit of crunch.

Prep ahead for parties or brunch.

7. Pesto and Parmesan Twisted Bread

Twisted bread with pesto and parmesan is just fun to make and eat.

Spread pesto between dough layers for flavor in every bite.

Homemade pesto gives it a fresher edge, but honestly, do what works for you.

The twisting looks pretty cool and shows off those green, cheesy swirls for company.

8. Pesto Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp and basil pesto are just made for each other.

Grilling adds a smoky note that really brings out the herbal flavors.

Homemade pesto gives the freshest finish, but store-bought is fine in a pinch.

9. Mini Pesto Caprese Salad Bites

Mini Caprese salad bites with pesto are one of the easiest, tastiest appetizers out there.

Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves onto toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Drizzle with pesto for a burst of fresh flavor.

Homemade basil pesto really makes these shine, but do what fits your mood.

10. Pesto Polenta Fries

Bake polenta sticks brushed with pesto for extra flavor.

You get a crispy outside, creamy inside—perfect gluten-free snack.

Brushing with pesto before baking makes the edges extra crisp and herby.

Dip in spicy aioli or creamy tomato pesto sauce if you’re feeling fancy.

11. Pesto Flatbread with Goat Cheese

Pesto flatbread with goat cheese is a fresh twist for any appetizer spread.

You get nutty pesto, tangy goat cheese, and crisp flatbread in every bite.

Sprinkle basil or dill on top for an extra pop.

Pesto really brings out the goat cheese’s creaminess—such a good combo.

12. Pesto and Feta Stuffed Peppers

Mini sweet peppers are just begging to be stuffed!

Mix pesto with creamy feta for a rich, tangy filling that works so well with sweet peppers.

The peppers turn a bit soft but stay bright and colorful in the oven.

Feta soaks up all that herby flavor from the pesto, whether you go homemade or store-bought.

13. Pesto Deviled Potato Bites

Small roasted potatoes make a great base for toppings.

Mix pesto into sour cream for a herby zing that goes perfectly with crispy potatoes.

Homemade or store-bought pesto both work—mix it up and see what you like best.

14. Pesto Parmesan Popcorn

Popcorn with pesto and parmesan isn’t something you see every day, but wow, people love it.

Try nutritional yeast for that cheesy vibe without actual cheese.

Fresh pesto brings that herby brightness I always want in a snack.

Every bite is bold and punchy—flavors stick to every kernel.

15. Pesto and Ricotta Crostini

Start with toasted bread, spread on creamy ricotta, and top with a spoonful of pesto.

Watch those colors pop—looks so good on a platter.

Fresh basil pesto adds that extra aromatic kick I always look for.

So little prep, but the payoff is huge, especially when you’re in a rush.

16. Pesto Pasta Salad Cups

Serve pesto pasta in little cups for a fun, grab-and-go appetizer.

Each bite has fresh basil flavor and it’s super easy to serve at any party.

Rotini or orecchiette work well for bite-sized salads, and mozzarella pearls look especially cute in these.

Cleanup’s a breeze—everyone just grabs their own mini salad.

Try adding cherry tomatoes or arugula for more color.

17. Baked Pesto Meatballs

Baked pesto meatballs are one of those easy, delicious appetizers you’ll make again and again.

Mix pesto right into the meat for a herby kick in every bite.

Chicken, turkey, or veal all work—plus, you can prep them ahead.

Add a twist with ricotta and cheese.

18. Pesto and Olive Tapenade Toasts

Crispy toasts topped with olive tapenade and pesto are a bold, punchy appetizer.

Briny olives and herby pesto just belong together on crunchy bread.

Lots of basil in the pesto keeps everything bright and green—perfect for a pop of color.

19. Pesto and Sundried Tomato Puff Pastry Tartlets

Flaky puff pastry gives these tartlets a light, crisp texture that grabs your attention with that first bite.

Pesto inside adds a fresh, herby kick—honestly, it just works with those tangy sundried tomatoes.

Feeling adventurous? Toss in some goat cheese or feta for a creamy twist.

Try to serve them hot from the oven if you can—they’re at their crunchiest then!

20. Pesto Flatbread Pinwheels

Every bite brings that creamy goat cheese and punchy pesto together—so good.

Flatbread lets you roll up generous layers, but it never turns heavy or too bready.

Fresh basil pesto really pops next to the tangy goat cheese in these pinwheels.

They’re easy to make, look great on a platter, and honestly disappear fast at any party.