Pistachio Pesto Croissant Sandwich with Arugula and Goat Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky croissants filled with homemade pistachio pesto, fresh arugula, and creamy goat cheese, offering a sophisticated and nutty brunch sandwich. This Italian-inspired brunch recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 15 minutes, combines unsalted pistachios, shelled, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine 3/4 cup shelled unsalted pistachios, 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, and 2 garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Step 2: With the processor running, slowly stream in 1/3 cup olive oil until the mixture emulsifies into a thick sauce.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Pulse briefly to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Step 4: Slice 4 large croissants horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket.
  5. Step 5: Spread about 2 tbsp goat cheese evenly inside each croissant, then spoon 2 tbsp of pistachio pesto over the cheese.
  6. Step 6: Fill each croissant with 1/2 cup fresh arugula, close gently, and serve immediately for a fresh, nutty brunch sandwich.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pistachio Pesto Croissant Sandwich with Arugula and Goat Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Pistachio Pesto Croissant Sandwich with Arugula and Goat Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pistachio Pesto Croissant Sandwich with Arugula and Goat Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pistachio Pesto Croissant Sandwich with Arugula and Goat Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pistachio Pesto Croissant Sandwich with Arugula and Goat Cheese vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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