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Herbed Mushroom & Gruyère Plait

Herbed Mushroom & Gruyère Plait

Herbed Mushroom & Gruyère Plait is a savory, braided puff pastry filled with earthy mushrooms, fresh thyme and parsley, garlic, shallots, and melted nutty Gruyère cheese. This elegant yet simple recipe delivers a rich and flavorful dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack, combining fresh ingredients and easy preparation for a stunning presentation and comforting taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 200g fresh mushrooms (button or chestnut), finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 150g Gruyère cheese, grated

Pastry and Finish

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (approximately 12 x 14 inches)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Finely chop the mushrooms, garlic, and shallots. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the shallots and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook until all moisture has evaporated and the mushrooms are golden brown. Stir in fresh thyme and parsley, then season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
  2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry sheet into a large rectangle about 12 by 14 inches, trimming edges if necessary to maintain uniform thickness, providing enough space for braiding and filling.
  3. Assemble the Plait: Spread the mushroom filling evenly down the center lengthwise of the pastry, leaving approximately a 2-inch border on each side. Generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the filling. Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide on both sides of the filling to prepare for braiding.
  4. Braid the Pastry: Fold the strips over the filling alternately from each side to create a braided effect. Tuck in the ends underneath for a neat finish. Brush the entire top surface with beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled plait on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden, crisp, and the cheese inside has melted. Allow the plait to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Drain mushrooms thoroughly to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy pastry.
  • Keep puff pastry cold until just before assembling for best rise and flakiness.
  • Avoid overfilling to prevent leakage and breakage during baking.
  • Brush edges with water to help seal pastry strips over the filling.
  • Allow the baked plait to rest a few minutes before slicing for better slice integrity.

Nutrition

Keywords: herbed mushroom plait, Gruyère pastry, savory braided pastry, mushroom and cheese plait, puff pastry recipe, vegetarian appetizer