Pesto Cheese Blossom

Rita Sleys -

Paula Deen gets the credit for this recipe! She knows how to make great party food for sure!! Always a hit whenever we serve it for an event here at the Rosemont Inn, this can be made ahead and is easily doubled, tripled or quadrupled. If you decide to multiply, reduce the garlic, salt and pepper by about 1/4 to keep them from being too overpowering.

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

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) Cover with the remaining provolone cheese. 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 freezer for up to 3 months.

Note: If you happen to have any of this leftover, it makes a fantastic filling for an omelet!