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Flaky puff pastry squares topped with smoked salmon, herbed cream cheese, and whipped dill cream, served on a silver platter as elegant party appetizers

Elegant Puff Pastry Bites with Smoked Salmon & Herb Cream

Buttery puff pastry topped with smoked salmon, herb-infused cream cheese, and dill crème fraîche for a refined, bite-sized appetizer perfect for entertaining.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Modern
Servings 24 bites
Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Puff Pastry Bites

  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • Fresh dill for garnish

For the Herbed Cheese Filling

  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper

For the Dill Crème Fraîche

  • ½ cup crème fraîche or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • Salt and black pepper

For the Salmon Topping

  • Thin slices of smoked salmon or gravlax
  • Optional: capers lemon curls

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cut the puff pastry sheet into small squares and arrange them on a baking sheet.
  • Brush lightly with egg wash to help them turn golden.
  • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
  • In a bowl, mix cream cheese with dill, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • In another bowl, whisk together crème fraîche, lemon zest, dill, and pepper.
  • Allow baked pastry squares to cool completely before assembling.
  • Spoon or pipe herbed cream cheese onto some of the pastry bites.
  • Pipe or spoon the dill crème fraîche onto others.
  • Add folded or rolled slices of smoked salmon on top of selected bites.
  • Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately.

Notes

Variations

  • Swap salmon for roasted cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers.
  • Add capers or a touch of caviar for extra elegance.
  • Use garlic herb Boursin instead of cream cheese for a shortcut.

 

Tips

  • Bake the pastry squares ahead and assemble just before serving.
  • Avoid heavy toppings to keep the bites crisp.
  • Pat smoked salmon dry before placing on the pastry.
  • Keep salmon chilled until serving for best texture and freshness.
 

Storage

  • Store unfilled baked puff pastry in an airtight container for 24–48 hours.
  • Once assembled, serve immediately for best crispness.
Do not freeze assembled bites.
Keyword elegant party food, holiday finger foods, puff pastry appetizers, savory puff pastry recipe, smoked salmon bites