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Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 70 reviews

This Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid is a delightful, buttery treat featuring a flavorful filling of sautéed cremini mushrooms, creamy cheeses, and fresh herbs wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, it combines the earthiness of mushrooms with the rich melty Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced by aromatic thyme and a touch of Dijon mustard. The golden braided pastry adds an elegant touch, making it ideal for entertaining or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Filling

  • 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 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 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
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes, enhancing its natural sweetness.
  3. Cook Mushrooms and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. Continue to sauté until the mushrooms are browned and most of their moisture has evaporated, about 8 minutes, developing deep flavor.
  4. Add Seasonings: Mix in the fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper to taste. Add the dry white wine if using and cook until the liquid has mostly absorbed, then reduce the heat to low.
  5. Combine Cheeses and Mustard: Stir in the cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and Dijon mustard (if using) until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Remove from heat and fold in the grated Gruyère cheese for a rich, melty texture.
  6. Mix in Egg: Add one beaten egg to the filling and mix quickly to bind the ingredients together. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before assembling the pastry.
  7. Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Carefully cut 8 diagonal strips down each long side of the pastry, leaving the center section intact to hold the filling.
  8. Fill and Braid: Spread the mushroom and cheese filling evenly down the center of the pastry, leaving some space at the top and bottom edges. Fold the ends over the filling, then braid the strips alternately over the filling from each side to enclose it beautifully.
  9. Transfer and Glaze: Carefully transfer the braided pastry to the parchment-lined baking tray. Brush the top with the remaining beaten egg to give it a shiny, golden finish.
  10. Bake: Put the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, indicating it is cooked through and crisp.
  11. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the braid cool for about 10 minutes to set the filling. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • If you do not have dry white wine, you can substitute with vegetable broth or omit it altogether.
  • Make sure the filling is cooled slightly before assembling to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
  • You can prepare the braid ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
  • For a dairy-free variation, substitute cream cheese and Gruyère with your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives.
  • Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme works well as a substitute.
  • Brush the pastry with egg wash for a glossy and beautifully browned finish; you can substitute milk for the egg wash if preferred.

Keywords: mushroom puff pastry, savory pastry braid, Gruyère cheese recipe, vegetarian appetizer, baked mushroom puff pastry, cheesy mushroom braid

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