Puff pastry spoons with cheese and salmon

Puff Pastry Spoons with Cheese and Salmon

These Puff Pastry Spoons with Cheese and Salmon are elegant, bite-sized appetizers that combine the flakiness of puff pastry with rich, creamy cheese and flavorful smoked salmon. They’re perfect for parties, special occasions, or a fun, fancy snack!

Ingredients:

For the Puff Pastry Spoons:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)

• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 oz smoked salmon (cut into small pieces or strips)

• Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface to smooth out any creases.

   • Cut the pastry into 4×4-inch squares or rectangles, depending on how big you want your spoon shapes.

   • Using a sharp knife, gently score a smaller spoon shape (approximately 2-3 inches long) in the center of each square, leaving about a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Be careful not to cut all the way through—this will create the “handle” of the spoon.

   • Using a fork, prick the inside of the spoon shape to prevent it from puffing up too much.

   • Brush the border of the puff pastry with a beaten egg wash (1 egg whisked with a tablespoon of water) for a golden finish.

   • Optionally, sprinkle a little salt, pepper, and dried dill on top of the puff pastry for added flavor.

2. Bake the Puff Pastry:

   • Place the prepared puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.

   • Once done, remove from the oven and allow the pastry spoons to cool slightly.

3. Make the Cheese Filling:

   • While the puff pastry is cooling, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, fresh dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.

   • Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary.

4. Assemble the Puff Pastry Spoons:

   • Once the puff pastry spoons are slightly cooled, gently press down the middle of each spoon shape to create a small bowl for the filling.

   • Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each spoon.

   • Top each spoon with a piece of smoked salmon.

5. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish the puff pastry spoons with fresh chives, parsley, or extra dill for a pop of color and flavor.

   • Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 2 hours before serving.

Tips:

• Customize the filling: You can add a small amount of capers or finely chopped red onion to the cheese filling for extra flavor.

• Alternative toppings: For variety, try adding a small dollop of caviar, fresh avocado slices, or a few thin cucumber slices as toppings.

• Make-ahead: You can bake the puff pastry spoons ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Fill them just before serving to keep them crisp.

These Puff Pastry Spoons with Cheese and Salmon will impress your guests with their elegant presentation and delightful flavors. Enjoy!