Description
Delight in these elegant Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs, featuring flaky puff pastry circles topped with a zesty, creamy lemon-dill cream cheese filling and folded smoked salmon. Enhanced with savory everything bagel seasoning and optional capers, these bite-sized appetizers are perfect for brunch, parties, or anytime you crave a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 puff pastry sheet
- Flour (for dusting)
- 2–3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (plus more for serving)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill (plus more for serving)
Topping
- 3 ounces smoked salmon (cut into thin slices)
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Thaw the puff pastry: If using refrigerated puff pastry, let it rest at room temperature for 5 minutes. If frozen, allow 30 minutes for thawing so it’s pliable and easy to work with.
- Roll out the puff pastry: Lightly dust a clean cutting board with flour to prevent sticking. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and use a rolling pin to roll it into a 10 x 12-inch rectangle for a uniform thickness.
- Cut into circles: Use a 2½-inch cookie cutter to cut out 12 to 15 circles from the pastry. With a smaller 1½-inch cookie cutter, lightly score a ½-inch border around the edges of each circle without cutting completely through, creating a framed edge once baked.
- Make egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy whipping cream until smooth and well combined.
- Season the pastry circles: Arrange the circles spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the outer edges of each with the egg wash, then sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning on each for a flavorful crust.
- Bake the puff pastry: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 14-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Once out of the oven, gently press the center of each puff with the rounded end of a 1 teaspoon measuring spoon to create a shallow well for the filling.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: While the puffs bake, combine cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and fresh dill in a small food processor or blender. Blend for 30 to 60 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pipe the filling: Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a plastic zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe about 1 tablespoon of filling into the well of each puff pastry circle.
- Add smoked salmon: Cut the smoked salmon into thin, ½-inch strips. Loosely fold or ruffle each strip to create a wavy, ribbon-like shape, then gently place the salmon atop the cream cheese filling so it spreads around the edges elegantly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, top each puff with a few capers, a small sprig of fresh dill, and additional lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the puff pastry.
Notes
- For best results, allow puff pastry to thaw properly to avoid cracking while rolling.
- Everything bagel seasoning can be store-bought or homemade with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic, and salt.
- Capers add a nice briny contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
- These cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh but can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated until serving.
- Use fresh dill for a brighter, more vibrant herb flavor compared to dried dill.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs, puff pastry appetizers, smoked salmon bites, cream cheese filling, lemon dill cream puffs, savory pastry snacks
