Save 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 dish has become a favorite for our holiday gatherings, impressing guests with 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
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Cut stars:
- 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.
- Brush and sprinkle:
- Brush each star with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12 15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Mix cream cheese:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Slice stars:
- Once stars are cool, carefully slice them in half horizontally.
- Assemble:
- Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom half of each star.
- Add toppings:
- Top with smoked salmon slices, cucumber, and a few capers. Place the top half of the star on each.
- Serve:
- Arrange on a festive platter. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve with lemon wedges.
Save Our family looks forward to this dish every year, making festive memories as we enjoy the elegant flavors together.
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
Calories: 220, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Protein: 10 g per serving
Save This elegant appetizer is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of festivity to any celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry is used for the stars?
Puff pastry sheets provide a flaky, golden base perfect for shaping into star motifs.
- → Can the smoked salmon be substituted?
Yes, alternatives like smoked trout or marinated tofu work well for different dietary preferences.
- → How do I ensure the pastry stars stay crisp?
Bake until golden and allow to cool on a wire rack to maintain crispness before assembly.
- → What herbs are included in the cream cheese mixture?
Fresh dill and chives are finely chopped and combined with lemon zest to flavor the cream cheese spread.
- → Is there a suggested garnish for serving?
Fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges enhance both the look and flavor of the finished platter.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
For best texture, assemble just before serving, though components can be prepared ahead and stored separately.