Save to Pins 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 always impresses guests during holiday gatherings and is simple enough for even beginners.
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℃ (400℉). 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.
- Brush and sprinkle:
- 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. Top with smoked salmon slices, cucumber, and a few capers. Place the top half of the star on each.
- Garnish and serve:
- Arrange on a festive platter. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve with lemon wedges.
Save to Pins This dish is a holiday favorite in our family, bringing everyone around the table to share stories and smiles.
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: 220 calories, 12 g total fat, 16 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein
Save to Pins This recipe offers the perfect balance of flavor and festivity, ideal for any year-end celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the puff pastry stars crisp?
Ensure the oven is fully preheated and bake until golden brown. Let the stars cool on a wire rack to maintain crispness before assembling.
- → Can I prepare the herbed cream cheese ahead of time?
Yes, the cream cheese mixture can be made a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated to let the flavors meld.
- → What alternatives work for smoked salmon?
Smoked trout or marinated tofu can be used to suit different tastes while retaining the dish's character.
- → How can I add a spicy touch to this dish?
Incorporate a bit of horseradish into the herbed cream cheese mixture for subtle heat.
- → What garnishes complement the platter?
Fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges enhance both the presentation and flavor with bright, fresh notes.