Irresistibly Easy Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid Recipe
This Irresistibly Easy Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid is a delicious vegetarian appetizer or light meal featuring a buttery puff pastry filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, fresh thyme, and a blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and Gruyère. The braid is brushed with an egg wash for a golden, glossy finish and garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in, this recipe combines rich, savory flavors with flaky, buttery pastry for an impressive yet simple dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pastry
- 1 package Puff Pastry (use homemade if preferred)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (adds richness and flavor)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
For the Filling
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (or red onion for sharper taste)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 8 oz Cremini Mushrooms (or shiitake/button mushrooms)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme (or 1/2 tbsp dried thyme)
- Salt (to taste, essential for seasoning)
- Black Pepper (to taste, essential for seasoning)
- 1/2 cup Dry White Wine (optional, can substitute with vegetable broth)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (can substitute with ricotta or goat cheese)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- 1 cup Gruyère Cheese (or Swiss/Fontina)
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard (optional)
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large Egg (can be replaced with cream or milk)
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Sauté onions: Melt unsalted butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes, releasing their sweetness.
- Add garlic and mushrooms: Stir in minced garlic and cremini mushrooms. Continue to sauté until mushrooms are browned and moisture evaporates, about 8 minutes, enhancing their savory flavor.
- Season and deglaze: Season the mixture with fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. If using, pour in dry white wine and cook until it’s mostly absorbed, adding depth of flavor.
- Create creamy filling: Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Fold in Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth.
- Prepare pastry: Unroll the puff pastry on a floured surface. Using a knife, cut 8 diagonal strips on each side of the pastry, leaving the center intact for the filling.
- Assemble braid: Spread the mushroom mixture evenly down the center of the pastry. Fold the strips over the filling alternately from each side, creating a braided effect. Press edges to seal well.
- Egg wash and bake: Transfer the braid to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and garnish: Allow the braid to cool for 10 minutes after baking. Slice and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- If you prefer a sharper flavor, use red onion instead of yellow onion.
- Dry white wine enhances the depth but can be replaced with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- Substitute cream cheese with ricotta or goat cheese for a different creamy texture and flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, try vegan cream cheese and cheese alternatives and use a plant-based puff pastry.
- Make sure to salt and pepper to taste after the filling is combined, as cheeses vary in saltiness.
- The puff pastry braid can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time.
Keywords: savory puff pastry, mushroom braid, gruyère, vegetarian appetizer, cream cheese filling, easy puff pastry recipe
