Elegant puff pastry stars layered with smoked salmon, herbed cream cheese, and fresh dill for festive gatherings.
# What You Need:
→ Puff Pastry Stars
01 - 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
02 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
03 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
→ Herbed Cream Cheese
04 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Assembly
09 - 5.3 oz smoked salmon, sliced
10 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
11 - 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
12 - Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
13 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out pastry stars and arrange them on the prepared baking tray.
03 - Brush each puff pastry star with beaten egg. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds.
04 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and puffed. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
05 - Combine softened cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
06 - Once cooled, carefully slice each puff pastry star horizontally to create a top and bottom half.
07 - Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom halves. Layer smoked salmon, cucumber slices, and capers on top. Close with the top halves.
08 - Arrange assembled stars on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve with lemon wedges.
