Irresistibly Easy Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

Introduction

This savory mushroom and Gruyère puff pastry braid is a stunning yet simple dish perfect for appetizers or light meals. With a rich, creamy filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry, it’s sure to impress at any gathering or cozy night in.

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 (for egg wash, can be replaced with cream or milk)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Melt the unsalted butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cremini mushrooms. Cook until browned and moisture evaporates, about 8 minutes. Season with fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. If using, pour in dry white wine and cook until absorbed.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is creamy. Fold in Gruyère cheese until melted.
5. Step 5: Unroll the puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut 8 diagonal strips on each side, leaving the center intact for the filling.
6. 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.
7. Step 7: Transfer the braid to the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with the beaten egg.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
9. Step 9: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a sharper flavor, use red onion instead of yellow.
• Substitute cream cheese with ricotta or goat cheese for different creamy textures.
• If you prefer, replace dry white wine with vegetable broth to keep the dish alcohol-free.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture for a warm spice note.
• Serve with a fresh side salad for a complete light meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispiness of the puff pastry. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the braid a few hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.

What can I use if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

Swiss or Fontina cheese are excellent substitutes that melt well and provide a similar creamy flavor.

Irresistibly Easy Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 99 reviews

This irresistibly easy savory mushroom and Gruyère puff pastry braid is a delicious, elegant appetizer or light meal. Featuring a buttery puff pastry filled with sautéed cremini mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a luscious blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and Gruyère, this savory pastry offers a perfect balance of creamy, earthy, and cheesy flavors baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pastry

• 1 package Puff Pastry (use 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 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, essential for seasoning)
• Black Pepper (to taste, 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)

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large Egg (can be replaced with cream or milk)

For Garnish

• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the braid.
2. Sauté Onions: Melt unsalted butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, to build the flavor base.
3. Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic and cremini mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and most moisture has evaporated, approximately 8 minutes. Season with fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper to enhance the taste.
4. Deglaze and Finish Filling: If using, pour in the dry white wine and cook until the liquid is mostly absorbed, intensifying the flavor. Reduce heat and mix in cream cheese, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard until creamy. Fold in Gruyère cheese until melted for a rich filling.
5. Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut 8 diagonal strips on each side of the pastry, leaving the center section intact for the filling.
6. Assemble Braid: Spread the mushroom cheese mixture evenly down the center strip of the pastry. Fold the strips over the filling, alternating from each side to form a braid, making sure to seal the edges well to prevent filling leakage.
7. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Transfer the braid to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden, shiny crust. Bake for 20-22 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully cooked.
8. Cool and Garnish: Allow the pastry braid to cool for 10 minutes before slicing for easier handling and serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh herbal note.

Notes

• Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.
• Serves well accompanied by a side salad for a balanced plate.
• For a sharper flavor, substitute yellow onion with red onion.
• Wine in the filling is optional and can be replaced with vegetable broth.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best texture.
• Try different mushroom varieties like shiitake or button mushrooms for flavor variations.
• Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before preparation for easier handling.

Keywords: puff pastry braid, mushroom filling, Gruyère cheese, savory pastry, easy appetizer, vegetarian lunch