Save to Pinterest 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 made this appetizer for a holiday party and it was a big hit with everyone.
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 to Pinterest This appetizer has become a family favorite during the holidays bringing us together over its festive look and delicious flavors.
Required Tools
Baking sheet parchment paper sharp knife mixing bowl pastry brush small glass (for shaping)
Nutritional Information
Calories 250 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 19 g Protein 6 g per serving
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich flavors.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this festive appetizer fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese is used in the filling?
A combination of softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese is used to create a rich and flavorful filling.
- → How do you shape the pastry into the poinsettia design?
The dough is cut into strips around a central glass and each strip is twisted twice away from the center to form petal shapes.
- → Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes with another ingredient?
Yes, roasted red peppers can be used as an alternative to sun-dried tomatoes to vary the flavor profile.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Bake the pastry at 200°C (400°F) for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- → Are there any allergen concerns with this dish?
This dish contains wheat (gluten), dairy, eggs, and possibly pine nuts, so be sure to check ingredient labels accordingly.