Pin It A festive and elegant savory pastry shaped like a poinsettia, filled with herbed cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes—perfect for holiday entertaining.
I love making this pastry for holiday gatherings because it always impresses guests with both its look and taste.
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.
Pin It This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays, sharing smiles over each delicious petal-shaped bite.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm as an appetizer alongside a crisp white wine or a light sparkling beverage.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
Variations
Try substituting sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers or adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra flavor.
Pin It 
This elegant appetizer is sure to become a holiday favorite, impressing both in presentation and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you shape the pastry to look like a poinsettia?
After layering the filling between two puff pastry sheets, a small glass is placed in the center without cutting through it. The pastry is then cut into 16 strips around the glass, and each strip is twisted twice away from the center to form petal shapes.
- → Can I substitute the sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, roasted red peppers can be used instead for a different but equally flavorful variant. They add a sweet and smoky note that complements the herbed cheese well.
- → What herbs are used in the filling?
The filling includes fresh basil and chives, which provide a fragrant and fresh herbal aroma that balances the creamy cheese mixture.
- → Is pine nuts garnish necessary?
Pine nuts are optional but recommended for added texture and a subtle nutty richness. They enhance both the flavor and visual appeal when sprinkled over the petals before baking.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Allow the pastry to cool slightly before serving. It pairs beautifully with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, making it perfect for holiday entertaining or special gatherings.