Irresistibly Easy Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid Recipe
This irresistibly easy savory mushroom and Gruyère puff pastry braid combines creamy cheeses, sautéed mushrooms, and aromatic herbs wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Ideal as a sophisticated appetizer or a light meal, it’s baked to golden perfection with a buttery, cheesy filling that melts in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pastry
- 1 package Puff Pastry (homemade if preferred)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (adds richness and flavor)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
For the Filling
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (or red onion for a sharper taste)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 8 oz Cremini Mushrooms (or shiitake/button mushrooms)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme (or 1½ tsp dried thyme)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- ½ cup Dry White Wine (optional, can substitute with vegetable broth)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (can substitute with ricotta or goat cheese)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- 1 cup Gruyère Cheese (or Swiss/Fontina)
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard (optional)
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large Egg (can be replaced with cream or milk)
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pastry braid.
- Sauté Onions: In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until soft, approximately 5 minutes.
- Cook Mushrooms and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cremini mushrooms. Continue sautéing until the mushrooms brown and the moisture evaporates, about 8 minutes. Season this mixture with fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Wine and Cheese: If using, pour dry white wine into the skillet and cook until it has mostly absorbed. Then reduce heat, stir in cream cheese, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is creamy. Fold in Gruyère cheese until melted and well combined.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a floured surface, unroll the puff pastry and cut 8 diagonal strips on each side, leaving the center intact for the filling.
- Assemble Braid: Spread the mushroom and cheese mixture evenly down the center of the puff pastry. Fold the pastry edges in and braid the strips over the filling, sealing the edges securely.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Transfer the braid to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the braid to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.
- Pairs well with a fresh side salad.
- White wine can be substituted with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Use your preferred mushroom variety for different flavor profiles.
- Puff pastry can be homemade or store-bought depending on convenience.
Keywords: mushroom puff pastry, savory pastry braid, Gruyère cheese recipe, vegetarian appetizer, easy puff pastry, cheesy mushroom braid
