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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
