Looking for a cozy, show-stopping dinner that comes together without a fuss? This savory braid fills the kitchen with warm, cheesy mushroom scents and gives you flaky, golden pastry wrapped around a rich Gruyère and cream cheese filling. It’s special because the mushrooms stay juicy but not soggy, the Gruyère adds a nutty melt, and the puff pastry gives you crisp layers that everyone loves.
If you love mushroom-and-cheese bakes, you might also enjoy this creamy bow-tie pasta with mushrooms, spinach, and onions for another weeknight option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under an hour: dinner that looks fancy with little work.
- Uses simple ingredients: mushrooms, cheese, and a sheet of puff pastry.
- Great for guests or meal-share: slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
- Vegetarian and crowd-pleasing: rich, cheesy, and satisfying.
Ingredients for Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 large eggs, divided (1 for filling, 1 for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions of Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil; cook until they release liquid and it evaporates, about 6–8 minutes.
- Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute more.
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and simmer until mostly evaporated, 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, beat 1 egg and mix into the cream cheese along with the Parmesan, Gruyère, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Fold the cooled mushroom mixture into the cheese mixture and adjust seasoning.
- Roll the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface into a roughly 10×12-inch rectangle. Trim edges if needed.
- Cut long diagonal strips (about 1-inch wide) along the two long sides of the pastry, leaving a 3–4 inch center strip intact for the filling.
- Spread the mushroom and cheese filling down the center strip, leaving a small border at each end.
- Fold the end flaps over the filling, then braid by folding alternating strips from each side over the filling, overlapping slightly to seal.
- Beat the remaining egg and brush the braid all over for a shiny, golden finish.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake 25–30 minutes, or until puffed and deep golden brown.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so the filling mixes smooth and evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking mushrooms; work in batches if needed to keep them from steaming.
- Seal the braid ends well so cheese doesn’t leak out during baking.
- Brush the pastry with egg wash just before baking for the best shine and color.
Substitutions & Variations of Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- Use a vegan puff pastry and replace cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese. Swap Gruyère and Parmesan for vegan shredded cheeses and use nutritional yeast for extra savory flavor. Ensure the pastry is gluten-free if needed.
Variations:
- Add sautéed spinach or caramelized shallots to the filling for more depth.
- Stir in cooked, crumbled sausage or chopped roasted chicken for a non-vegetarian option.
- Swap Gruyère for sharp cheddar or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts into the filling for crunch.
Storage Instructions of Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid
Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for best texture.
Freezer:
- Freeze fully baked slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
Make-Ahead:
- Prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and keep chilled. Assemble the braid just before baking for the best puff and flake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid
Can I use different mushrooms?
- Yes. Cremini, button, or a mix with shiitake work well. Wild mushrooms add more depth but may need a bit more cooking time.
How do I stop the pastry from getting soggy?
- Make sure mushrooms are well cooked and any excess liquid is evaporated. Let the filling cool slightly before spreading on the pastry.
Can I freeze before baking?
- Yes. Assemble the braid, flash-freeze on a tray until firm, then wrap tightly. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time and watching for a golden color.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid is a simple way to turn pantry staples into a beautiful, flaky centerpiece. It’s perfect for busy nights, brunch with friends, or a cozy weekend treat and it makes your kitchen smell like a bakery on a rainy day. Try it, then come back and leave a comment and a star rating to let others know how it turned out.
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Savory Mushroom & Gruyère Puff Pastry Braid
A cozy dinner featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a rich mixture of mushrooms, cream cheese, and Gruyère cheese, perfect for sharing.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 large eggs, divided (1 for filling, 1 for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil; cook until they release liquid and it evaporates, about 6–8 minutes.
- Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute more.
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and simmer until mostly evaporated, 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, beat 1 egg and mix into the cream cheese along with the Parmesan, Gruyère, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Fold the cooled mushroom mixture into the cheese mixture and adjust seasoning.
- Roll the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface into a roughly 10×12-inch rectangle. Trim edges if needed.
- Cut long diagonal strips (about 1-inch wide) along the two long sides of the pastry, leaving a 3–4 inch center strip intact for the filling.
- Spread the mushroom and cheese filling down the center strip, leaving a small border at each end.
- Fold the end flaps over the filling, then braid by folding alternating strips from each side over the filling, overlapping slightly to seal.
- Beat the remaining egg and brush the braid all over for a shiny, golden finish.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until puffed and deep golden brown.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling. Don’t overcrowd the skillet with mushrooms to prevent steaming.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
