Save A festive and elegant savory pastry shaped like a poinsettia filled with herbed cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes perfect for holiday entertaining.
I first served this at a holiday gathering and everyone was amazed at how beautiful and tasty it was.
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 This recipe always brings joy to our family gatherings and is a true holiday favorite.
Required Tools
Baking sheet parchment paper sharp knife mixing bowl pastry brush small glass (for shaping)
Notes
For extra flavor add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the filling Serve with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Nutritional Information
Calories 250 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 19 g Protein 6 g
Save This impressive appetizer is simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure the cream cheese filling is smooth and not too wet. Also, spreading it evenly with a small border helps keep the layers separated, preventing sogginess.
- → Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Fresh tomatoes have higher moisture content, which may affect the pastry's texture. Roasted red peppers can be a better fresh substitute.
- → What is the purpose of placing a glass in the center before cutting?
The glass prevents cutting through the center, keeping the layers intact while creating evenly sized strips to twist into petals.
- → Can I prepare the pastry in advance?
You can assemble it ahead and refrigerate briefly, but bake shortly before serving to maintain flakiness and texture.
- → Are pine nuts essential for this dish?
Pine nuts add subtle crunch and flavor, but they are optional and can be omitted for nut-free preferences.