These Salmon and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a quick and elegant appetizer or snack. Flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and savory salmon come together to create bite-sized perfection. Perfect for parties, brunch, or a light snack, they’re as delicious as they are easy to make!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed to room temperature
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp chives, chopped
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 4 oz (115g) smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Lay the smoked salmon slices evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Roll the puff pastry tightly into a log. Slice into ½-inch pinwheels and place them flat on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops and edges of each pinwheel with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of fresh greens or microgreens.
- Pair with a lemon or dill dipping sauce.
- Add to a brunch spread alongside quiche and fruit.
- Enjoy with a glass of sparkling wine for an elegant touch.
- Sprinkle with extra fresh dill for garnish.
Cooking Tips
- Use cold puff pastry for easier rolling.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
- Chill the rolled pastry log for 10 minutes before slicing to maintain neat pinwheels.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated for the best puff and golden color.
- Swap smoked salmon with cooked shredded salmon for a different texture.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in protein from salmon and cream cheese.
- Puff pastry provides energy-rich carbohydrates.
- Dill and chives add vitamins and antioxidants.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten and dairy.
- Not suitable for those with these allergies.
Nutritional Facts (Per Pinwheel)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Not recommended for freezing as the pastry may lose its texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Elegant presentation for parties or gatherings.
- The perfect balance of creamy, savory, and flaky textures.
- Versatile and can be adapted with different fillings.
Conclusion
These Salmon and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a versatile, flavorful appetizer that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether for a casual gathering or a special occasion, they’re a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more. Try them today and elevate your snack game!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked salmon?
- Yes, cooked and shredded fresh salmon works as a great alternative.
- Can I prepare these ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the rolls, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving.
- What can I use instead of dill?
- Parsley, basil, or tarragon are good substitutes.
- Can I freeze these pinwheels?
- Freeze unbaked pinwheels; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- What dipping sauce pairs well with these?
- Lemon dill sauce or garlic aioli complements the flavors beautifully.
- Can I make these gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free puff pastry if available.
- How do I ensure the pinwheels stay round?
- Chill the rolled pastry log before slicing to maintain its shape.
- Can I add extra veggies to the filling?
- Yes, finely chopped spinach or arugula works well.
- What other cheeses can I use?
- Goat cheese or mascarpone can replace cream cheese for a different flavor.
- How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
- Ensure the salmon is patted dry before assembling.