Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry

Make these Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry bites for a flavorful and elegant appetizer that’s so easy to put together!

Whether you want something to elevate a special breakfast or a handheld appetizer for a party or happy hour, this puff pastry with smoked salmon is a simple but reliable recipe that will become a staple!

Just like these Easy Taco Cups, you’ll love this tasty finger food. Pair your salmon puff pastry appetizer with Cranberry Apple Mimosas for a satisfying combination!

Why You’ll Love Puff Pastry with Smoked Salmon

This puff pastry tart with smoked salmon is a quick and easy appetizer that’s so simple to make!

With less than 10 ingredients you can have this handheld and elegant appetizer ready to serve and enjoy in under 30 minutes!

Using frozen puff pastry makes this appetizer a cinch but still produces a flaky and golden brown base to support the classic flavor combination of smoked salmon and capers.

Serve this as an appetizer at your next gathering or even as an add-on to any special breakfast or brunch! And, with your extra puff pastry sheet, why not whip up a batch of Loaded Baked Potato Bites?

 

Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Ingredients

• smoked salmon slices – provide a distinctly savory flavor with a subtle smokiness.
• puff pastry – using puff pastry sheets means you don’t have to make pastry from scratch, which makes this recipe incredibly accessible!
• whipped cream cheese – I liked to use whipped cream cheese for the light and airy texture, but any cream cheese should do the trick here.
• red onion – contributes an added bite that pairs well with the salmon, and also adds some color contrast.
• capers – salty, savory, and with a bit of citrus-y tartness, capers make the perfect accompaniment for smoked salmon.
• chives – for a bit of extra grassy, onion-y flavor.
• 1 egg – you’ll use this for an egg wash to get the puff pastry nice and golden.

 

Instructions

1. Start by thawing your puff pastry sheet at room temperature for 40 minutes. Once thawed, preheat the oven to 375 F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Roll the puff pastry sheet to desired size on a lightly floured surface, depending on how many pieces you are making. I lightly rolled mine out just to flatten it and then cut it into 6 pieces.
   

   Using pre-made puff pastry is the ultimate shortcut for this recipe, but it doesn’t sacrifice flavor or quality!

3. Use a paring knife to score a ½ inch border from the edge, making sure not to cut all the way through. Lightly brush with egg wash or oil then transfer to the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15 minutes until golden.
   

   A light egg wash helps your pastry get nice and flaky and golden brown.

4. Prepare the toppings. Cut the salmon slices in half if needed and slice the onions and chives.
   

   Smoked salmon is a distinctly flavorful ingredient that has lots of health benefits!

5. Once the puff pastry is done baking, let the pastry cool for 10 minutes. The center will be puffed up but you can gently push it down to make room for the filling.
6. Spread the cream cheese filling, about 2 tablespoons. Top with salmon slices and sprinkle with red onions, capers, and chives. Enjoy!

 

FAQs

Is smoked salmon still raw?

There are some kinds that are technically “raw,” and are usually called cold-smoked salmon (also sometimes referred to as lox). Hot-smoked salmon isn’t raw and has been cooked all the way through.

Either way, both varieties have been cured through the smoking process, which makes them safe to eat without any additional preparation or cooking.

What goes well with smoked salmon?

Some common ingredients that pair well with smoked salmon are cream cheese, capers, onion, pepper, sour cream, green onions, lemon, mustard, and hot sauce.

Smoked salmon is a great ingredient for anything from salads to sandwiches to pizza, and it makes a great addition to any breakfast. Cook it with scrambled eggs or use it as a topping for bagels or toast.

Is smoked salmon healthy for you?

Yes, smoked salmon is has lots of vitamins and nutrients as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which are all great for boosting the immune system and decreasing risk of things like heart disease and cancer. But like all things, of course, it’s best to eat it in moderation.

Do you bake puff pastry before filling?

This depends on the recipe. For this smoked salmon puff pastry, the pastry is baked before the toppings are added because cooking the cream cheese and smoked salmon can change the flavors and textures.

For puff pastry recipes that involve things like fruit, those are often baked with the filling or topping already present.

 

Popular Variations and Substitutions

• If you can’t find puff pastry, you can also try using crescent roll dough, biscuit dough, phyllo dough, or pie crust.
• Add some lemon zest or fresh dill to your appetizer for additional flavor.
• Top with crumbles of feta or goat cheese.
• A great way to sneak in some additional flavor is by using a variety of cream cheese that has chives or veggies already included. This can also be a substitute for some of the other toppings to minimize prep time.
• For a different shape, try baking the puff pastry in a muffin tin to create pastry cups.

 

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Buffalo Ranch Dip – In just 5 minutes, you can have a flavorful dip that’s great to serve with your favorite crackers, chips, or vegetables.
• Baked Italian Sausage Baguette – With peppers and onions, this filling and savory appetizer is a crowd favorite.
• Dragonberry Rum Cocktail – Exotic and refreshing, add this dragon fruit flavored drink into your summer cocktail rotation.
• Breakfast Crostini – This fun and delicious breakfast crostini recipe from Julie’s Apron is another great handheld appetizer that’s perfect for your next fancy brunch!

 

Puff Pastry with Smoked Salmon