If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer that marries flaky, buttery pastry with zesty, creamy, and smoky flavors, this Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture golden puff pastry rounds, just the right size for a bite, seasoned with that irresistible everything bagel seasoning crust, filled with a smooth and tangy lemon-dill cream cheese mixture, and topped with tender smoked salmon. It’s like the best elements of a classic everything bagel mashed up into an elegant, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any gathering or afternoon snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each bringing its unique touch of flavor, texture, or vibrant color to make this dish shine. Trust me, every single one helps build that unforgettable taste experience you’ll want to repeat.
- Puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery canvas for our cream puffs, delivering amazing texture and rise.
- Flour (for dusting): Keeps things from sticking when rolling out the pastry for neat, clean circles.
- Everything bagel seasoning (2-3 tablespoons): A flavorful punch of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion that gives the puffs their signature zing.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): The luscious, creamy heart of the filling, balancing richness and tang.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, fresh note that wakes up the cream cheese filling.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon plus extra): Infuses subtle citrus aroma and a touch of visual sparkle on top.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances and rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a whisper of heat to deepen the flavor.
- Fresh dill sprigs (1 teaspoon plus extra): Brings herby brightness that pairs beautifully with salmon.
- Large egg: Used both for brushing the pastry edges and adding moisture to the egg wash.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 tablespoon): Makes the egg wash silky and golden during baking.
- Smoked salmon (3 ounces): The smoky, tender star topping, sliced thinly for delicate curls on each puff.
- Capers (2 tablespoons, optional): They add a briny punch that fans of bold flavors will adore.
How to Make Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step helps ensure your pastry bakes evenly and doesn’t stick, which is key for those perfectly crisp, golden puffs.
Step 2: Thaw and Roll Out the Puff Pastry
If your puff pastry is refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes so it becomes pliable, or 30 minutes if frozen. Lightly dust your cutting board with flour and unfold the pastry sheet. Gently roll it out into a 10- by 12-inch rectangle to create an even surface, which is critical for consistent puffing in the oven.
Step 3: Cut and Score the Pastry Circles
Using a 2½-inch cookie cutter, cut twelve to fifteen circles from the rolled-out pastry. Then, use a smaller 1½-inch cutter to lightly score a ½-inch border around each circle without cutting all the way through. This scored edge will bake up to a perfect frame, creating a shallow well to hold all the delicious filling later on.
Step 4: Make the Egg Wash and Season the Pastry
Whisk together the egg and heavy whipping cream until smooth to make the egg wash. Brush the outside edges of each pastry circle generously with the egg wash, then sprinkle about half a teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning on each. This step puts your signature flavor front and center while helping the edges develop a beautiful golden hue.
Step 5: Bake the Puff Pastry Circles
Arrange the seasoned circles on your prepared sheet, making sure they have enough space to puff. Bake for 14 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. When they come out, press the center of each puff gently with the back of a teaspoon to create the perfect little well that will keep the filling snug and secure.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
While the pastry is baking, combine the cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and fresh dill in a small food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and velvety, which makes piping much easier and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced with bright and creamy flavors.
Step 7: Pipe the Filling and Add Smoked Salmon
Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a plastic zip-top bag and snip off one corner to create a piping bag. Pipe about a tablespoon of the filling into each pastry well. Next, thinly slice the smoked salmon into half-inch strips, gently folding or ruffling them to form pretty waves. Press each strip into the filling so it nestles beautifully along the edges, giving a gorgeous, appetizing look.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish each puff with a few capers if you like, a small sprig of fresh dill, and an extra sprinkle of lemon zest for color and zing. These final touches elevate the whole experience, creating an irresistible bite that looks as fantastic as it tastes.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill sprigs and lemon zest add a vibrant pop of green and yellow, making your cream puffs visually striking and aromatic. If you enjoy a hint of briny goodness, a few capers sprinkled on top lend a perfect contrast to the smooth cream cheese and smoky salmon.
Side Dishes
These cream puffs are wonderful served alongside a crisp, refreshing salad like arugula with vinaigrette or a cucumber and radish salad. A chilled glass of sparkling wine or crisp white wine pairs wonderfully, turning your appetizer into a sophisticated mini feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the puffs on a slate board lined with fresh dill and lemon slices. You could also serve them in mini cupcake liners for easy handling, or elevate the look by placing each puff atop a small spoon or decorative cracker for elegant single servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salmon and cream cheese fillings separate if possible to prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy.
Freezing
The puff pastry circles can be baked and frozen without filling for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge, warm slightly in the oven, then add the fresh filling and smoked salmon for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat baked puff pastry, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving as this makes the pastry lose its crunch.
FAQs
Can I use regular bagel seasoning instead of everything bagel seasoning?
Absolutely! While everything bagel seasoning gives that distinct mix of sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion, regular bagel seasoning or even a simple sprinkle of sesame seeds can work if you want a different or simpler flavor profile.
Is cream cheese the only filling option?
Cream cheese is classic and creamy, but you could experiment with other soft cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta mixed with lemon and dill to change up the texture and flavor while keeping the fresh citrus-herb notes.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Gluten-free puff pastry can be found in some specialty stores and would be a great substitute. Just check how it behaves in your oven, as gluten-free doughs may puff differently, but the recipe steps remain much the same.
How far ahead can I prepare these for a party?
You can bake the puff pastry bases a day ahead and keep them airtight in the fridge. Prepare the filling and slice the salmon on the day of serving to keep everything fresh and tasty.
What if I don’t eat fish? Any substitutions?
If you want to skip the salmon, smoked turkey or thinly sliced roasted vegetables like grilled zucchini ribbons can be delicious alternatives, especially paired with the everything bagel seasoning and tangy cream cheese filling.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs Recipe. It’s a stunning play on familiar flavors that come together in a fun, elegant bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply craving a delicious snack, these cream puffs are guaranteed to impress and delight. So grab your puff pastry and everything bagel seasoning, and get ready to make a new favorite that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!
Print
Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful and elegant Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy lemon-dill cream cheese mixture and topped with smoked salmon, capers, and fresh herbs. Perfect for appetizers or brunch, these savory puffs marry classic everything bagel flavors with gourmet smoked salmon for a sophisticated bite.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 puff pastry sheet
- Flour, for dusting
- 2–3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
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 sprigs, plus more for serving
Topping
- 3 ounces smoked salmon, cut into thin slices
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the puffs.
- Prepare puff pastry: If using refrigerated puff pastry, let it rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes. If frozen, allow it to thaw for 30 minutes. Lightly dust a cutting board with flour and unfold the pastry sheet. Roll it out into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle.
- Cut and score pastry circles: Cut the rolled pastry into twelve to fifteen 2 ½-inch circles. Using a smaller 1 ½-inch cookie cutter, lightly score a ½-inch border around the edges of each circle without cutting through, creating a frame that will help the puffs rise evenly.
- Make egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Brush the outside edges of each pastry circle with this egg wash to help with browning and adherence of seasoning.
- Season pastry edges: Place the circles spaced apart on the baking sheet and sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning on the brushed edges of each circle for that signature flavor and texture.
- Bake pastry: Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for 14-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Once baked, gently press the center of each puff with the rounded end of a teaspoon to create a well for the filling.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: While the puffs bake, place cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and fresh dill into a food processor or blender. Blend for 30-60 seconds until smooth and creamy.
- Pipe filling onto puffs: Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a zip-top plastic bag, cut off one corner, and pipe about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of each baked puff.
- Add smoked salmon: Thinly slice the smoked salmon into ½-inch-wide strips. Gently fold or ruffle each strip to create a wavy shape, then press the salmon lightly into the cream cheese filling so it spreads slightly around the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Top each filled puff with a few capers (if using), a small sprig of fresh dill, and a little extra lemon zest for brightness. Serve immediately and enjoy these elegant bites.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is cold but pliable before rolling to achieve a flaky texture.
- The everything bagel seasoning typically includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, and salt—adjust amount according to taste preference.
- Capers add a nice briny contrast but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- To make piping easier, chill the cream cheese filling slightly if it seems too soft.
- These cream puffs are best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; reheat lightly before serving to maintain crispness.
