(A Delicious, Elegant Appetizer Perfect for Any Gathering!)
Servings: 12-16 bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 100g (3.5 oz) smoked salmon, cut into small pieces
- 100g (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12-16 mini puff pastry squares or circles (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Leeks:
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced leeks and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and become slightly caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the chopped dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Gently fold in the smoked salmon pieces, making sure not to break them up too much.
- Assemble the Aperitif Bites:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay the puff pastry squares or circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re using a large sheet of puff pastry, cut it into smaller bite-sized pieces.
- Spoon a small amount of the leek mixture onto each puff pastry square and top with a generous spoonful of the smoked salmon and cream cheese mixture.
- Optionally, you can brush the edges of the puff pastry with a beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake the Bites:
- Bake the assembled bites in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes before serving. These leek and smoked salmon aperitif bites are best enjoyed warm, but they’re still delicious at room temperature!
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use fresh, high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor.
- Let the leeks cool slightly before mixing them with the cream cheese to avoid melting the cheese.
DON’T:
- Overload the puff pastry with filling, or the bites might become soggy.
- Skip the egg wash unless you want a beautiful golden color on the puff pastry!
Pro Tips:
- If you prefer a lighter version, swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or ricotta for a slightly tangy twist.
- These bites can be made ahead of time! Assemble the puff pastry bites and store them in the fridge for up to a few hours before baking.
These Leek and Smoked Salmon Aperitif Bites are the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly smoky, wrapped in crispy puff pastry. They’re an elegant treat for any party or gathering! 🍣✨
