Save on Pinterest A festive and elegant savory pastry shaped like a poinsettia, filled with herbed cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes—perfect for holiday entertaining.
This appetizer has become a holiday favorite in my family due to its impressive look and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed, 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Filling: 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened, 50 g (1.75 oz) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives, 1 garlic clove, minced, ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, ½ tsp lemon zest
- Garnish: 6 sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp pine nuts (optional), Fresh basil leaves (for decoration)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, Parmesan, basil, chives, garlic, black pepper, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Unroll one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly leaving a 1 cm (½ inch) border.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the filling.
- Step 5:
- Place the second pastry sheet on top. Gently press the edges to seal.
- Step 6:
- Place the filled pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 7:
- Place a small glass upside down in the center (do not cut through). Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry from the edge of the glass outward into 16 even strips.
- Step 8:
- Twist each strip twice away from the center to create petals.
- Step 9:
- Brush the entire pastry with egg wash. Sprinkle pine nuts over the petals if using.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 22 25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Step 11:
- Remove the glass, and garnish the center with additional sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to resemble a poinsettia.
- Step 12:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Save on Pinterest Sharing this appetizer always brings smiles and compliments at our holiday parties.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy filling and savory flavors.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a warm oven to maintain crispiness.
Variations
Try substituting sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile or adding crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Save on Pinterest This pastry impresses visually and tastes delightful & perfectly suits festive gatherings.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Ensure the filling isn't too wet and use a border to prevent leakage. Blind baking the pastry for a few minutes before adding the filling can also help maintain crispiness.
- → Can I prepare this pastry in advance?
Yes, assemble the pastry and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Bake shortly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers make a great alternative, providing a similar sweetness and texture.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in an oven to restore crispness.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
This dish is suitable for a vegetarian diet as it uses cream cheese and herbs without meat products.