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Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 75 reviews

This Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid is a delicious appetizer or main dish combining earthy cremini mushrooms sautéed with onions, garlic, and fresh thyme, blended with creamy cheeses like cream cheese, Parmesan, and Gruyère, all encased in buttery puff pastry. Baked to golden perfection, this elegant yet approachable dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home.

Ingredients

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Puff Pastry & Filling

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, divided

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Sauté Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil and butter. Add the finely diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until they become soft and translucent.
  3. Cook Mushrooms and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. Sauté the mixture for roughly 8 minutes until the mushrooms are nicely browned and most of their moisture has evaporated.
  4. Add Seasonings and Wine: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. If using, pour in the dry white wine and cook until the liquid fully absorbs. Then reduce the heat to low.
  5. Add Cheeses and Mustard: Stir in the cream cheese, finely grated Parmesan, and Dijon mustard if using. Mix well to create a creamy filling base. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Gruyère cheese until evenly combined.
  6. Incorporate Egg: Add one beaten egg to the mushroom and cheese mixture. Mix quickly to combine and allow the filling to cool slightly, which will help it thicken for easier spreading.
  7. Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Using a sharp knife, cut 8 diagonal strips on each long side of the pastry, leaving the center strip intact to hold the filling.
  8. Fill and Braid: Spread the cooled mushroom and cheese filling down the center strip of puff pastry, leaving some space at the top and bottom edges. Fold the ends of the pastry over the filling to seal, then carefully fold the diagonal strips alternately over the filling to create a braid pattern.
  9. Transfer and Egg Wash: Carefully transfer the braided pastry onto the prepared baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the remaining egg and brush it evenly over the braid to enhance browning and give a shiny finish during baking.
  10. Bake: Bake the pastry braid in the preheated oven for 20–22 minutes, or until it is golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
  11. Cool and Garnish: Remove the braid from the oven and let it cool on the tray for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant garnish before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit the white wine or substitute with vegetable broth.
  • Make sure the filling is not too warm when spreading on the pastry to prevent it from seeping and sogginess.
  • Use cold puff pastry and handle it minimally to maintain its flakiness during baking.
  • Gruyère cheese adds a lovely nutty flavor, but Swiss cheese can be used as an alternative.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve flakiness.

Keywords: Savory puff pastry, mushroom braid, Gruyère cheese, appetizer, vegetarian pastry, cheese pastry braid

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/savory-mushroom-and-gruyere-puff-pastry-braid-recipe/