Pin Recipe 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 my go-to for holiday gatherings, impressing guests every time with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry Stars: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed, 1 egg beaten (for egg wash), 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 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
- 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.
- Prepare 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.
Pin Recipe This recipe brings my family together every celebration, creating memorable moments around the table with loved ones.
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
Pin Recipe This elegant appetizer is as delightful to prepare as it is to enjoy, sure to impress any guest this festive season.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure puff pastry stars remain crisp?
Bake them until golden and let cool on a wire rack to retain their crispness. Avoid assembling stars while warm to prevent sogginess.
- → Can I substitute smoked salmon with other ingredients?
Yes, smoked trout or marinated tofu work well for variations, allowing adjustments for dietary preferences.
- → What herbs enhance the cream cheese spread?
Fresh dill and chives provide aromatic freshness and a mild onion flavor, complemented by lemon zest.
- → Is there a recommended way to assemble the stars for best texture?
Slice the baked stars horizontally, spread the herbed cheese on the bottom half, then layer with salmon, cucumber slices, and capers before topping with the upper half.
- → How should this platter be served for best impact?
Arrange stars on a festive platter garnished with dill sprigs and lemon wedges, which brighten and enhance the overall flavor.