Delicate puff pastry stars layered with herbed cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumber, and capers.
# What You'll Need:
→ Puff Pastry Stars
01 - 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
02 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
03 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
→ Herbed Cream Cheese
04 - 7 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Assembly
09 - 5.3 ounces smoked salmon, sliced
10 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
11 - 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
12 - Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
13 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out stars and arrange them on the tray.
03 - Brush each star with beaten egg and sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds.
04 - Bake the stars for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
05 - Combine softened cream cheese, chopped dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
06 - Once cooled, carefully slice each puff pastry star horizontally in half.
07 - Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom half of each star, then top with smoked salmon, cucumber slices, and capers. Place the top half of the star over the assembly.
08 - Arrange the assembled stars on a platter, garnish with fresh dill sprigs, and serve with lemon wedges.
