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 was a highlight at our year-end gatherings, impressing guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors.
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.
- 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.
Save This recipe brings our family together each holiday season, sharing both the preparation and the joy of a beautifully crafted appetizer.
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 This platter is a stunning start to any festive meal, sure to delight your guests with every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent puff pastry stars from becoming soggy?
Ensure the stars are fully baked until golden and cooled completely before assembling. Spreading the cream cheese thinly helps maintain crispness.
- → Can I prepare the herbed cream cheese in advance?
Yes, the cream cheese mixture can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
- → What can I substitute for smoked salmon?
Smoked trout or marinated tofu are excellent alternatives that complement the creamy and fresh elements.
- → Should I use fresh herbs or dried for the cream cheese?
Fresh dill and chives provide a vibrant flavor and texture that dried herbs cannot replicate in this dish.
- → How long can assembled stars be stored before serving?
For best texture, assemble just before serving. If needed, keep assembled bites chilled for up to 2 hours.