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 for a holiday party and everyone was impressed by both the look and taste of this appetizer.
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 My family loves gathering around during the holidays and sharing this beautiful appetizer that always sparks great conversations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a delightful pairing.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Variations
Try swapping sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or adding crushed red pepper to the filling for extra flavor.
Save to Pinterest This appetizer adds a festive touch to any occasion and makes holiday entertaining effortless and impressive.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure the filling is well-mixed and has no excess moisture. Also, preheat the oven fully to allow the pastry to crisp quickly and avoid sogginess.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pastry and refrigerate it briefly before baking to maintain freshness and ease handling during shaping.
- → What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers make an excellent alternative, offering a similar sweet and smoky flavor profile.
- → How do I create the poinsettia shape?
Place a small glass in the center of the assembled pastry and cut strips radiating outwards. Twist each strip twice away from the center to form petals.
- → Are pine nuts necessary for the garnish?
Pine nuts are optional but add a pleasant crunch and enhance the overall texture and presentation.