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Irresistibly Easy Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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