Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid

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Description

This Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid is an elegant yet surprisingly simple dish that makes a show-stopping appetizer, side, or even a light main. Caramelized mushrooms, garlic, onions, and thyme are wrapped in buttery puff pastry with melty Gruyère cheese. The golden braid not only looks beautiful but also offers rich umami flavors with a flaky, cheesy bite. Perfect for holidays, brunch spreads, or dinner parties!

Ingredients For Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss as substitute)

  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

  • 1 tsp water (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Filling

    • Heat olive oil/butter in a skillet over medium heat.

    • Add onions and sauté until translucent.

    • Stir in mushrooms, cook until moisture evaporates and mushrooms are golden.

    • Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

  2. Assemble Braid

    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    • Roll puff pastry into a rectangle (about 10×12 inches).

    • Place mushroom mixture down the center third of the pastry. Sprinkle Gruyère cheese on top.

    • Cut 1-inch diagonal strips along both sides of the filling. Fold strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern to create a braid.

  3. Bake

    • Mix beaten egg with water to make egg wash. Brush pastry.

    • Bake 20–25 minutes until pastry is golden brown and puffed.

  4. Serve

    • Let cool 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use a mix of mushrooms for depth of flavor.

  • Ensure filling is cooled before assembling to avoid soggy pastry.

  • Can be made ahead: prepare filling, store in fridge, and assemble just before baking.

Tips

  • Substitute Gruyère with Fontina, White Cheddar, or Mozzarella if desired.

  • Add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar while cooking mushrooms for extra flavor.

  • For a heartier version, add cooked spinach or shredded chicken.

  • Cut braid slices with a serrated knife for clean edges.

Servings

  • Makes 6 servings as an appetizer or 4 servings as a light main dish.

Nutritional Info (per serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: ~260 kcal

  • Protein: 8 g

  • Carbohydrates: 20 g

  • Fat: 16 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Sodium: 300 mg

Health Benefits

  • Mushrooms provide antioxidants, vitamin D, and immune support.

  • Gruyère cheese adds calcium and protein for bone health.

  • Puff pastry offers energy-boosting carbs, making it satisfying as part of a meal.

Q & A

Q: Can I make this braid vegetarian-friendly?
A: Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but you can add extra veggies like spinach or roasted peppers for more variety.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes. Assemble the braid, freeze unbaked, then bake directly from frozen (adding 5–10 minutes to baking time).

Q: Can I make it ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely. Bake a few hours before and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Pairs beautifully with a green salad, roasted veggies, or a bowl of tomato soup.

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