Name: Puff Pastry Lox Appetizer: A Deliciously Elegant Bite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 oz smoked salmon (lox, nova salmon, or gravlax): Smoked salmon is the star of this appetizer. Lox, nova salmon, or gravlax all work well. Lox has a distinctive, rich, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese filling. If you prefer a milder taste, you could opt for gravlax, which is cured rather than smoked, giving it a more delicate, sweet flavor. The salmon slices should be thin to ensure they fit nicely on top of the puff pastry squares and don’t overwhelm the other ingredients.; 1 puff pastry sheet (thawed): The puff pastry is what gives this appetizer its light, flaky texture. When baked, puff pastry rises to form delicate, golden layers that are crisp and buttery. You can use store-bought puff pastry, which makes this recipe even easier to prepare. Be sure to thaw the pastry before using it to ensure it bakes evenly. The sheet is half of a standard puff pastry box, so if you’re doubling the recipe, keep the other sheet frozen.; 8 oz whipped cream cheese (or regular cream cheese, softened to room temperature): The creamy base of these appetizers is made with whipped cream cheese, which is softer and easier to spread than regular cream cheese. Its smooth, rich texture pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the lox and the tanginess of the capers. If you don’t have whipped cream cheese on hand, you can substitute with regular cream cheese—just be sure to soften it to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth texture.; 3 tablespoons capers: Capers are small, pickled flower buds that add a burst of tangy, briny flavor. They perfectly complement the creaminess of the cheese and the smokiness of the salmon. Use small capers for a more subtle flavor that won’t overpower the dish. If you’re not a fan of capers, you can substitute them with finely chopped olives for a similar briny flavor.; ¼ cup red onion (finely diced): Red onion is used for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color. The finely diced red onion adds a crisp texture to contrast with the creamy filling and adds a touch of sharpness. It’s essential for bringing balance to the richness of the other ingredients.; 1-2 scallions (finely minced): Scallions, or green onions, are a perfect addition to this appetizer. Their mild, fresh flavor enhances the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. They also add a pop of green color that makes the dish visually appealing.

Puff Pastry Lox Appetizer: A Deliciously Elegant Bite

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If you’re searching for a deliciously simple yet impressive appetizer that will elevate any occasion, look no further than Puff Pastry Lox Appetizers. This dish is a beautiful marriage of delicate, flaky puff pastry and rich, creamy fillings, topped with smoky salmon and bright garnishes. Despite its sophisticated appearance, this appetizer is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only six ingredients and about 25 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a brunch, or just looking for a delicious snack, these puff pastry lox appetizers will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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3 oz smoked salmon (lox, nova salmon, or gravlax): Smoked salmon is the star of this appetizer. Lox, nova salmon, or gravlax all work well. Lox has a distinctive, rich, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese filling. If you prefer a milder taste, you could opt for gravlax, which is cured rather than smoked, giving it a more delicate, sweet flavor. The salmon slices should be thin to ensure they fit nicely on top of the puff pastry squares and don’t overwhelm the other ingredients.
1 puff pastry sheet (thawed): The puff pastry is what gives this appetizer its light, flaky texture. When baked, puff pastry rises to form delicate, golden layers that are crisp and buttery. You can use store-bought puff pastry, which makes this recipe even easier to prepare. Be sure to thaw the pastry before using it to ensure it bakes evenly. The sheet is half of a standard puff pastry box, so if you’re doubling the recipe, keep the other sheet frozen.
8 oz whipped cream cheese (or regular cream cheese, softened to room temperature): The creamy base of these appetizers is made with whipped cream cheese, which is softer and easier to spread than regular cream cheese. Its smooth, rich texture pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the lox and the tanginess of the capers. If you don’t have whipped cream cheese on hand, you can substitute with regular cream cheese—just be sure to soften it to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth texture.
3 tablespoons capers: Capers are small, pickled flower buds that add a burst of tangy, briny flavor. They perfectly complement the creaminess of the cheese and the smokiness of the salmon. Use small capers for a more subtle flavor that won’t overpower the dish. If you’re not a fan of capers, you can substitute them with finely chopped olives for a similar briny flavor.
¼ cup red onion (finely diced): Red onion is used for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color. The finely diced red onion adds a crisp texture to contrast with the creamy filling and adds a touch of sharpness. It’s essential for bringing balance to the richness of the other ingredients.
1–2 scallions (finely minced): Scallions, or green onions, are a perfect addition to this appetizer. Their mild, fresh flavor enhances the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. They also add a pop of green color that makes the dish visually appealing.

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: The first step in this recipe is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the puff pastry bakes at the right temperature, creating that golden, puffy texture we all love. While the oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the puff pastry from sticking.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Once your puff pastry has thawed, roll it out onto a clean surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the puff pastry into 9 equal squares. Be careful when scoring the borders, making sure not to cut all the way through. The score should be a shallow line about ½ inch from the edge. This scoring is what helps the pastry puff up and create a raised border while leaving the center slightly flat to hold the filling.

3. Bake the Puff Pastry: Place the puff pastry squares onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have puffed up beautifully. The exact baking time may vary depending on the oven, so keep an eye on them. When they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes. This gives the pastry time to firm up slightly, making it easier to add the toppings.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: While the puff pastry is baking, take this time to prepare the cream cheese filling. In a small bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese and capers. Stir them together until the capers are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese. If you’re using regular cream cheese, be sure it is softened so that it blends well. The capers add a delightful briny flavor that balances the richness of the cream cheese, enhancing the overall taste of the appetizer.

5. Prepare the Lox and Garnishes: While the puff pastry is cooling, slice your lox into smaller pieces if needed. Lox should be sliced thin enough to fit on top of the puff pastry squares, but not so thick that it overwhelms the other ingredients. Finely dice the red onion and mince the scallions. These will be used to garnish the appetizers, adding a fresh, crisp bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

6. Assemble the Appetizers: Once the puff pastry has cooled slightly, gently press down the center of each square to form a small indentation. This will create a cup-like shape, perfect for holding the cream cheese filling. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each square. Top each one with a piece of lox, followed by a sprinkle of diced red onion and minced scallions. The combination of these toppings creates a beautiful burst of color, making the dish visually appealing as well as delicious.

7. Serve and Enjoy: These puff pastry lox appetizers are best served immediately after assembly, but they can also be enjoyed up to an hour after preparation. The pastry remains crisp, while the creamy filling and toppings stay fresh. Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy them as a treat for yourself. These appetizers pair wonderfully with light, refreshing drinks like sparkling water, white wine, or even a glass of champagne for a more festive touch.

Notes

Alternative to Lox: If you’re not a fan of smoked salmon, you can substitute it with other types of fish, such as gravlax or even mackerel for a more intense smoky flavor. If you prefer a non-fish option, marinated mushrooms or smoked tofu are excellent vegetarian alternatives.
Capers: If you’re not keen on capers, consider using finely chopped olives or pickled cucumbers for a similar briny flavor that pairs well with the cream cheese and salmon.
Cream Cheese Substitutes: For a lighter variation, try substituting Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. This will give the filling a tangier flavor and a slightly lighter texture, perfect for those who prefer a healthier twist.

Find it online: https://paularecipes.com/puff-pastry-lox-appetizer-a-deliciously-elegant-bite/