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 has become my go-to appetizer for end-of-year celebrations because it impresses guests with minimal effort.
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.
- Egg wash:
- 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 to Pinterest This dish always brings our family together during holiday gatherings, creating joyful memories around the table.
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 This elegant appetizer will elevate any celebration with ease and style.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure the puff pastry stars are perfectly golden?
Brush each star with a beaten egg wash before baking and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a golden, crisp finish.
- → Can I prepare the herbed cream cheese ahead of time?
Yes, mixing the cream cheese with fresh dill, chives, and lemon zest in advance allows flavors to meld nicely.
- → What are good alternatives to smoked salmon?
Smoked trout or marinated tofu serve as excellent substitutes for varying dietary preferences.
- → How should I store leftovers for best texture?
Cover the assembled platter and refrigerate; consume within one day to maintain freshness and crispness.
- → Is there a way to add a spicy note to the filling?
Incorporating a small amount of horseradish into the cream cheese blend adds a gentle spicy kick.