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 has become a favorite at our year-end gatherings, impressing guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry: thawed
- 1 egg: beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds:
- 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
- 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.
Save This recipe always brings our family together for a delightful and elegant celebration.
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)
Save This elegant platter is sure to impress, combining easy preparation with festive flair.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pastry is used for the stars?
Frozen puff pastry sheets are used, thawed and cut into star shapes for a light, flaky base.
- → How do I achieve the golden color on the pastry stars?
Brushing the stars with a beaten egg before baking helps them turn a beautiful golden brown.
- → Can smoked trout replace smoked salmon?
Yes, smoked trout is a great alternative that maintains the smoky flavor and pairs well with the cream cheese.
- → What herbs complement the cream cheese filling?
Fresh dill and chives are finely chopped and mixed into the cream cheese for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
- → How should the platter be served for best texture?
Serve immediately after assembly to keep the puff pastry crisp and the fillings fresh.
- → Are there any suggested additions for extra flavor?
Adding a hint of horseradish to the cream cheese provides a subtle spicy kick if desired.