Pin 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 a highlight at our holiday gatherings and always impresses guests with its unique star shapes and delicious taste.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- Brush each star with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 12 15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Step 5:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 6:
- Once stars are cool, carefully slice them in half horizontally.
- Step 7:
- Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom half of each star.
- Step 8:
- Top with smoked salmon slices, cucumber, and a few capers. Place the top half of the star on each.
- Step 9:
- Arrange on a festive platter. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve with lemon wedges.
Pin 
This recipe always brings my family together around the table during the holidays and sparks great conversations.
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
Pin This elegant appetizer can be prepared ahead of time and assembled just before serving for a stress-free celebration.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep the pastry stars crisp after assembly?
Allow the puff pastry to cool completely before assembling. Serve immediately after stacking to maintain crispness.
- → Can I prepare the herbed cream cheese in advance?
Yes, the cream cheese mix can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
- → Are there suitable alternatives to smoked salmon?
Smoked trout or marinated tofu make excellent substitutes to vary the flavor profile.
- → What is the best way to slice the puff pastry stars for assembly?
Use a sharp knife to gently slice the stars horizontally into halves for even layering.
- → How can I add a spicy note to the cream cheese layer?
Mix a small amount of horseradish into the cream cheese for a subtle spicy kick.