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 always impresses guests during holiday gatherings and is surprisingly easy to make.
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 My family looks forward to this appetizer every holiday season—it brings festive cheer and a delicious start to our celebrations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling beverage to complement the flavors.
Variations
Try swapping sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or adding a pinch of crushed red pepper to the filling for extra heat.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat before serving.
Save This poinsettia puff pastry is the perfect blend of festive appearance and savory flavor for any holiday gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the pastry resemble a poinsettia?
After assembling the filled puff pastry sheets, cut the dough into strips around a central glass and twist each strip twice away from the center to form petals.
- → Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes with other ingredients?
Yes, roasted red peppers can be used instead for a different but equally delicious flavor.
- → What is the best way to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure the filling isn't overly moist and use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to encourage even baking and a crisp crust.
- → Is it necessary to use pine nuts, or can they be omitted?
Pine nuts add texture and flavor but are optional; you can omit them if preferred or due to allergies.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, herby filling and savory tomato notes nicely.