Description
This Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Appetizer features crispy puff pastry squares topped with a silky whipped cream cheese mixture and delicate smoked salmon slices. Perfect for elegant gatherings or simple entertaining, this recipe combines flaky, golden pastry with a rich, flavorful topping that is quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (8.65 ounces)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces cream cheese (full fat, room temperature)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
Topping
- 8 ounces smoked salmon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 390°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Squares: Unroll the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 12 equal squares. Use a fork to poke holes evenly into each square and gently score 4 indentations with a knife per square without cutting all the way through; this helps with puffing and texture.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this over each puff pastry square to ensure a golden finish when baked. Place squares on the lined baking sheets and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and whipping cream together until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy. Gently fold in the chopped green onions to add freshness and a mild bite.
- Assemble the Appetizers: Once the puff pastry squares have cooled, spread a generous layer of the whipped cream cheese mixture over each one. Top each with a slice of smoked salmon, arranging it attractively. Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly if needed.
Notes
- Crispy puff pastry squares paired with a luscious, whipped cream cheese and smoky salmon create an elegant yet simple appetizer.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy whipping and a smooth texture.
- Do not cut fully through the puff pastry when making indentations, to encourage proper puffing and shape retention.
- These appetizers can be assembled just before serving to maintain pastry crispiness.
- Customize the topping with fresh dill or capers for extra flavor variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff pastry square
- Calories: 179 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
