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 was an instant hit at our year-end celebrations, impressing guests with its beautiful star shapes and tasty layers.
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 and seeds:
- 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.
- Spread cream cheese:
- Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom half of each star.
- Assemble:
- 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 Sharing these star appetizers always brings a smile and warmth to our holiday gatherings.
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 is perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What causes puff pastry stars to puff up during baking?
The puff pastry rises due to layers of butter trapped between dough sheets that generate steam in the oven, creating a light, airy texture.
- → How can I keep the herbed cream cheese smooth and flavorful?
Mix softened cream cheese gently with fresh herbs and lemon zest to maintain a creamy consistency while infusing fresh flavors.
- → Can smoked salmon be substituted while maintaining flavor?
Smoked trout or marinated tofu are excellent alternatives that preserve a similar smoky or savory profile for varied tastes.
- → Why is it recommended to cool the pastry before assembly?
Cooling prevents the cream cheese and toppings from melting or sliding off, ensuring neat layers and better presentation.
- → What is the purpose of the egg wash and sesame seeds on the pastry stars?
Egg wash helps achieve a shiny golden finish while sesame seeds add a subtle nutty crunch to enhance texture.