Poinsettia Puff Pastry

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 quickly became a holiday favorite when I served it to guests last season.

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.

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My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this seasonal treat together.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, mixing bowl, pastry brush, small glass (for shaping)

Nutritional Information

Calories: 250 per serving, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 19 g, Protein: 6 g

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect pairing.

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This appetizer brightens up any holiday gathering with its festive look and rich flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you shape the puff pastry to form the poinsettia petals?

After placing the filled puff pastry over the base sheet, cut 16 strips around a glass placed at the center, then twist each strip twice outward to create petal shapes.

→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, the herbed cream cheese filling can be mixed ahead and refrigerated for several hours to enhance the flavors.

→ What can be used as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers make a great alternative, providing a sweet and smoky flavor complementary to the cheese filling.

→ Is there an option to add crunch to the pastry?

Sprinkling pine nuts over the twisted petals before baking adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.

→ What type of cheese is best for the filling?

A mix of softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan works well, combining creamy texture with a sharp, savory taste.