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.
I first served this platter at a New Year's gathering and it was a big hit with friends and family alike.
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 to 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.
Save This recipe always brings our family together around the table during holiday celebrations.
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 dish is perfect for making ahead and impressing guests with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What type of pastry is used for the stars?
Frozen puff pastry sheets are used, thawed before cutting and baking for a flaky and golden texture.
- → How is the herbed cream cheese prepared?
Softened cream cheese is mixed with fresh dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and flavorful.
- → Can smoked salmon be substituted?
Yes, smoked trout or marinated tofu can replace smoked salmon for different dietary preferences.
- → What is the purpose of the egg wash?
Brushing the pastry stars with beaten egg before baking helps achieve a shiny, golden finish and allows sesame seeds to stick.
- → How should the stars be assembled after baking?
Once cooled, stars are sliced horizontally; the bottom half is spread with herbed cream cheese, then topped with salmon, cucumber, and capers before replacing the top halves.