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 enjoyed making this appetizer for holiday gatherings because it always impresses guests with its look and flavor.
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 2225 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 always gathers around to admire and enjoy this beautiful appetizer during the holidays.
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: 250 calories, 16 g total fat, 19 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein.
Save This appetizer is the perfect final touch for any festive occasion, simple yet impressive.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese is used in the filling?
Softened cream cheese combined with grated Parmesan creates a smooth and flavorful filling.
- → How is the puff pastry shaped like a poinsettia?
The pastry is cut into strips around a center, then twisted outward to form petal shapes resembling a poinsettia flower.
- → Can pine nuts be omitted from the garnish?
Yes, pine nuts are optional and can be skipped or replaced according to your preference.
- → What temperature is best for baking this dish?
Baking at 200°C (400°F) until the pastry turns golden and puffy ensures a crisp texture.
- → Are there any allergy concerns to consider?
This dish contains wheat, dairy, egg, and optionally pine nuts, so check ingredient labels carefully.
- → Can sun-dried tomatoes be substituted?
Yes, roasted red peppers can be used instead to provide a different sweet and smoky flavor.