Save 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 was a hit at our holiday party with friends and family.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, Parmesan, basil, chives, garlic, black pepper, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Assemble Pastry:
- Unroll one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly, leaving a 1 cm (½ inch) border.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the filling.
- Top Pastry:
- Place the second pastry sheet on top. Gently press the edges to seal.
- Prepare Baking:
- Place the filled pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Cut Petals:
- 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.
- Twist Petals:
- Twist each strip twice away from the center to create petals.
- Apply Wash:
- Brush the entire pastry with egg wash. Sprinkle pine nuts over the petals if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Garnish:
- Remove the glass and garnish the center with additional sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to resemble a poinsettia.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Save Our family enjoys making this together during the holidays; it brings everyone into the kitchen.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Sharp knife, Mixing bowl, Pastry brush, Small glass (for shaping)
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), Milk (dairy), Egg, Pine nuts (if used). Double-check labels of puff pastry for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 250, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 19 g, Protein 6 g.
Save This poinsettia puff pastry appetizer is sure to impress guests and add festive charm to your table.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → How do I shape the puff pastry to resemble a poinsettia?
After assembling the pastry with filling, place a small glass upside down in the center without cutting through. Cut the pastry from the edge of the glass outward into 16 strips, then twist each strip twice away from the center to form petals.
- → Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes with another ingredient?
Yes, roasted red peppers can be used instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile, maintaining the vibrant color.
- → What is the best way to ensure a golden, flaky crust?
Brushing the pastry with beaten egg before baking promotes a golden finish and enhances flakiness during baking.
- → Are pine nuts necessary for this dish?
Pine nuts are optional and add a crunchy texture, but the pastry is flavorful and complete without them.
- → How long does it take to prepare and bake the pastry?
Preparation typically takes around 20 minutes, with baking time between 22 and 25 minutes until the pastry is golden and puffed.