Print

Irresistibly Easy Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 52 reviews

This Irresistibly Easy Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid combines earthy sautéed mushrooms with creamy cheeses and fresh herbs, all wrapped in a flaky golden puff pastry. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a delicious vegetarian main dish, this recipe is simple to prepare but offers gourmet flavors that are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Braid Ingredients

  • 1 package Puff Pastry (use homemade if preferred)
  • 1 large Egg (can be replaced with cream or milk)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Mushroom Filling Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (adds richness and flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
  • 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 dried thyme, use half)
  • to taste Salt (essential for seasoning)
  • to taste Black Pepper (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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Sauté Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the olive oil. Add diced yellow onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, building a flavorful base for the filling.
  3. Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic and cremini mushrooms. Continue sautéing until the mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 8 minutes. This intensifies their umami flavor.
  4. Season and Deglaze: Season the mixture with fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste. If using, pour in the dry white wine and cook until the liquid is mostly absorbed, which adds complexity to the filling.
  5. Incorporate Cheeses: Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard until the mixture becomes creamy. Fold in the Gruyère cheese last, allowing it to melt through the filling, adding richness and depth.
  6. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut 8 diagonal strips along each side, leaving the center intact for holding the filling. This will help create an attractive braided appearance.
  7. Fill and Braid: Spread the mushroom and cheese mixture evenly down the center stripe of the puff pastry. Carefully fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid, and seal the edges to keep the filling secure during baking.
  8. Brush with Egg Wash: Transfer the braided pastry to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top generously with the beaten egg to ensure a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown, and the filling is hot and bubbly.
  10. Cool and Garnish: Allow the braid to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Use dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, but halve the quantity as dried herbs are more potent.
  • The dry white wine is optional and can be substituted with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Ensure the mushroom mixture is not too wet before filling the pastry to prevent sogginess.
  • Egg wash can be replaced with cream or milk if an egg allergy exists, but will affect browning.
  • Leftovers can be reheated gently in an oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: puff pastry, mushroom braid, savory pastry, Gruyère, vegetarian appetizer, easy baking recipe

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