Imagine a culinary masterpiece that combines the delicate richness of smoked salmon, the buttery crunch of puff pastry, and the zesty brightness of fresh herbs - all in one irresistible bite. These Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Tarts are not just a recipe; they're a gourmet experience that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dish that will make you look like a professional chef with minimal effort. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated brunch, planning a stunning appetizer, or craving a luxurious light lunch, these tarts are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Scandinavian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets
- Smoked salmon, sliced
- Cream cheese
- Capers
- Dill, fresh
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Carefully unroll the puff pastry sheets and cut into 4 equal rectangular pieces. Use a sharp knife to create a small border around the edge of each pastry rectangle, about 1/2 inch from the edge, without cutting completely through.
- Place the pastry rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. Dock the inner portion of the pastry with a fork to prevent excessive rising.
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese with finely chopped fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Spread a thin, even layer of the herbed cream cheese mixture over the inner portion of each pastry rectangle, leaving the border clear.
- Carefully layer thin slices of smoked salmon over the cream cheese, slightly overlapping the pieces.
- Sprinkle capers evenly across the top of the salmon.
- Brush the exposed pastry border with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) to ensure a golden, crisp edge.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh dill and a light squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or light lunch, accompanied by a crisp green salad if desired.
Tips
- Use cold, high-quality puff pastry and keep it chilled until just before preparation to ensure maximum rise and flakiness.
- When creating the pastry border, use a sharp knife and don't cut completely through - this creates a beautiful raised edge that holds the filling.
- Choose a premium smoked salmon for the best flavor. Thinly sliced salmon ensures even cooking and a more delicate texture.
- Don't skip the egg wash - it's the secret to achieving that gorgeous golden-brown, glossy pastry finish.
- For extra flavor complexity, consider adding a light sprinkle of lemon zest or a drizzle of dill-infused olive oil just before serving.
- These tarts are best served immediately after baking while the pastry is still crisp and warm. If preparing in advance, reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
- Experiment with variations by adding thin slices of red onion or a dollop of crème fraîche for additional richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
