Introduction

This savory mushroom and Gruyère puff pastry braid is a deliciously easy dish that combines rich, creamy filling with golden, flaky pastry. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, it brings hearty flavors and elegant presentation to your table.

A golden-brown puff pastry with three visible segments showing crispy, flaky layers on the outside, topped with small green herb sprigs. Inside the pastry, soft, sautéed mushroom slices in shades of brown and creamy white melted cheese layers are clearly seen, with the filling spilling slightly out at one end. The pastry rests on a wooden cutting board with scattered herb pieces around it, set against a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 package Puff Pastry (homemade if preferred)
2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
1 tbsp Olive Oil
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
Black Pepper, to taste
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)
1 large Egg (can be replaced with cream or milk for egg wash)
2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Melt the unsalted butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cremini mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 8 minutes. Season with fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. If using, pour in the dry white wine and cook until it’s fully absorbed.
Step 4: Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard until creamy. Fold in the Gruyère cheese until melted and well combined.
Step 5: Unroll the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut 8 diagonal strips on each side, leaving the center intact for the filling.
Step 6: Spread the mushroom mixture down the center of the pastry. Fold the edges in and braid the strips over the filling, sealing well.
Step 7: Transfer the braid to the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with the beaten egg (or cream/milk).
Step 8: Bake for 20-22 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Step 9: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

Use red onion instead of yellow for a sharper, more pronounced flavor.
Substitute cream cheese with ricotta or goat cheese for a different creamy texture.
Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to the filling for extra aroma.
If you don’t have white wine, vegetable broth works well and keeps the dish non-alcoholic.
Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) to keep the pastry crisp, or microwave briefly if short on time.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a golden-brown puff pastry shaped with multiple diagonal layers creating openings along the top. Each opening reveals a filling of creamy melted cheese topped with browned cooked mushroom slices. The pastry’s surface shows a shiny, flaky texture from the baked layers, with fresh green thyme sprigs placed on top and around the pastry on a white marbled surface. The puff pastry has a warm, rich color contrasting with the light cream and dark brown mushrooms, showing layers of crisp bread on the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Just thaw it completely according to package instructions before assembling the braid.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it uses no meat products. Just be sure your Parmesan or similar cheese is vegetarian-friendly if this is a concern.