Save A festive and elegant savory pastry shaped like a poinsettia filled with herbed cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes—perfect for holiday entertaining.
This recipe became a holiday tradition in our family because it looks stunning and tastes incredible.
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 This appetizer always brings smiles at our holiday gatherings and is a conversation starter.
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: Calories 250, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 19 g, Protein 6 g
Save This festive puff pastry is sure to impress with minimal effort on your part.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese is used in the filling?
Softened cream cheese combined with grated Parmesan gives a rich and tangy flavor to the filling.
- → How is the poinsettia shape created?
Pastry is cut into strips around an inverted glass center, then each strip is twisted twice outward to mimic petals.
- → Can pine nuts be omitted?
Yes, pine nuts are optional and can be left out or substituted for a different crusty nut topping.
- → What herbs enhance the filling’s flavor?
Fresh basil and chives provide bright herbal notes complementing the creamy cheese blend.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container and reheat gently to preserve crispness.