Irresistible Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Bites
These Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Bites are a delightful blend of crispy, buttery puff pastry and creamy, savory smoked salmon filling. Perfect for any gathering, these bite-sized appetizers are quick to whip up, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a fancy brunch or just want to add a touch of elegance to your appetizer spread, this recipe will be a hit with everyone. The combination of smoked salmon and whipped chive cream cheese creates a luxurious filling that’s both creamy and refreshing—perfect for pairing with the flaky puff pastry.
This recipe has become a go-to favorite in our household, especially for special occasions and get-togethers. I remember the first time I made them; I wasn’t sure if they would stand out among the other dishes, but my husband and our little ones couldn’t stop reaching for them! Now, they’re a regular feature at family brunches. It’s become a kind of tradition—when I start unrolling the puff pastry and prepping the smoked salmon, everyone knows a delicious treat is coming. These little bites disappear almost as quickly as they’re made!
Why These Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Bites?
- Perfect for Entertaining: These bite-sized appetizers are ideal for parties, brunches, and any occasion that calls for a sophisticated yet simple-to-make dish.
- Easy and Quick: Using store-bought puff pastry saves time without sacrificing flavor, and the recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Delicious Combination: The creamy chive-infused cream cheese pairs beautifully with the smoky salmon, all wrapped in a golden, crispy puff pastry.
- Versatile Garnishing: Fresh dill adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that takes these bites to the next level, and you can easily add other toppings like capers or lemon zest for extra flair.
Ingredients
- 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed (around 250 grams / 0.55 lb)
- 210 grams (7.5 ounces) whipped chive cream cheese, softened
- 85 grams (3 ounces) smoked salmon, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon (3 grams / 0.1 oz) fresh dill, plus extra for garnish
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a flat surface and prick it all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing too much during baking. Cut the sheet into 25 even squares.
- Shape the Pastry: Press each pastry square into the sections of a mini muffin tin. If you have a muddler, use it to help press the pastry down evenly into the cups. Note that you’ll only use 24 squares to match a standard 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened chive cream cheese, chopped smoked salmon, and fresh dill. Stir until well mixed.
- Fill the Pastry Cups: Spoon the filling evenly into the prepared pastry cups, ensuring each one gets a good amount of the creamy salmon mixture.
- Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and the cream cheese mixture starts to turn a light brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with extra fresh dill if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitutions: If you can’t find chive-flavored cream cheese, plain cream cheese works too—just add a tablespoon of finely chopped chives to the mixture.
- Toppings: Consider adding a sprinkle of capers or a small slice of lemon on top of each bite for extra tanginess.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, fill the puff pastry and bake as directed.
