Poinsettia Puff Pastry

Celebrate the holidays with a festive and elegant Poinsettia Puff Pastry Appetizer, a beautiful golden pastry shaped like a poinsettia flower. Filled with a creamy blend of herbed cream cheese and savory sun-dried tomatoes, this appetizer not only looks stunning but also bursts with delicious flavor. Perfect for impressing guests at any festive gathering, it’s a delightful vegetarian treat that brings both charm and taste to your holiday table.

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This savory pastry combines the flaky texture of golden puff pastry with the rich taste of herbed cheeses and the vibrant notes of fresh basil and chives. The addition of lemon zest and black pepper gives the filling a subtle zing, while twisting the pastry into petals creates the iconic poinsettia shape that will wow your guests.

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

1.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.

In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, Parmesan, basil, chives, garlic, black pepper, and lemon zest until well combined.

3.

Unroll one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly, leaving a 1 cm (½ inch) border.

4.

Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the filling.

5.

Place the second pastry sheet on top. Gently press the edges to seal.

6.

Place the filled pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.

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.

8.

Twist each strip twice away from the center to create petals.

9.

Brush the entire pastry with egg wash. Sprinkle pine nuts over the petals if using.

10.

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

11.

Remove the glass, and garnish the center with additional sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to resemble a poinsettia.

12.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper directly into the filling mixture to give the pastry a subtle kick. Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed before assembling to ensure easy handling and even baking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers if preferred for a different flavor profile. For a nut-free version, simply omit the pine nuts without compromising the deliciousness of the dish.

Serviervorschläge

This appetizer pairs wonderfully with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside fresh basil leaves for extra color and aroma.

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With its combination of beautiful presentation and flavorful filling, the Poinsettia Puff Pastry Appetizer is sure to become a favorite for your holiday celebrations. Its ease of preparation and eye-catching design make it a perfect starter to set the festive mood.

Recipe Questions

→ What type of cheese is used in the filling?

The filling combines softened cream cheese with grated Parmesan, offering a creamy and slightly sharp flavor.

→ How is the puff pastry shaped to resemble a poinsettia?

The pastry is cut into sixteen strips around a central glass and each strip is twisted twice away from the center to create petal shapes.

→ Can pine nuts be omitted from the garnish?

Yes, pine nuts are optional and can be left out or replaced if preferred, without significantly altering the texture.

→ What herbs enhance the flavor of the filling?

Fresh basil and chives are mixed into the creamy cheese base to add aroma and depth of flavor.

→ Is there a suggested cooking temperature and time?

Bake the puff pastry at 200°C (400°F) for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

→ How can I add some heat to the filling?

A pinch of crushed red pepper can be incorporated into the filling for a subtle spicy kick.