Save to Pinterest A festive and elegant platter featuring savory puff pastry stars, smoked salmon, and fresh herbed cream cheese, perfect for celebrating the end of the year.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at my holiday gatherings thanks to its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- For the Puff Pastry Stars: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed, 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash), 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- For the Herbed Cream Cheese: 200 g cream cheese, softened, 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Assembly: 150 g smoked salmon, sliced, 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed, Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish, Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out stars and place them on the prepared tray.
- Step 3:
- Brush each star with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Step 5:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 6:
- Once stars are cool, carefully slice them in half horizontally.
- Step 7:
- Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom half of each star.
- Step 8:
- Top with smoked salmon slices, cucumber, and a few capers. Place the top half of the star on each.
- Step 9:
- Arrange on a festive platter. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve with lemon wedges.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings my family together for joyful celebrations and shared memories.
Required Tools
Star-shaped cookie cutter, Baking tray, Mixing bowl, Spatula, Sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (puff pastry), milk (cream cheese), egg, and fish (smoked salmon). Always check product labels if sensitive to allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 220, Total Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 16 g, Protein 10 g
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this elegant appetizer that combines festive design with fresh, flavorful ingredients.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What type of puff pastry works best for this dish?
Use high-quality, frozen puff pastry sheets that are fully thawed before working with to ensure the stars puff evenly and have a flaky texture.
- → Can I prepare the components in advance?
Yes, the cream cheese mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated. Bake the stars shortly before serving to maintain crispness.
- → Are there suitable alternatives for smoked salmon?
Smoked trout or marinated tofu make excellent alternatives, providing a similar smoky or savory profile.
- → How do I prevent the stars from becoming soggy?
Allow the baked stars to cool completely and slice horizontally just before assembling to keep them crisp.
- → What herbs complement the cream cheese filling?
Fresh dill and chives add bright, herbal notes that balance rich cream cheese and smoked salmon beautifully.
- → Can I add a spicy element to the filling?
Yes, mixing a small amount of horseradish into the herbed cream cheese provides a gentle, spicy kick enhancing the overall flavor.