There is nothing quite as delightful as a perfect bite bursting with flavor, and the Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs Recipe delivers exactly that. Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry baked to crisp perfection, crowned with a luscious cream cheese filling brightened by fresh lemon and dill, and topped with silky smoked salmon dusted with that irresistible everything bagel seasoning. This dish is a showstopper for brunches, parties, or any time you want to impress guests with a savory treat that feels both fancy and approachable. It’s elegant yet easy, bringing classic flavors into a playful new form that will have you reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, whether it’s adding that perfect buttery crunch, a punch of herbal freshness, or a creamy smoothness that ties all the flavors together. These essentials come together simply yet beautifully to create a dish that’s packed with character and charm.
- Puff pastry sheet: This forms the light, flaky base that’s essential for the cream puffs’ delightful texture.
- Flour (for dusting): Helps prevent the pastry from sticking while rolling out, ensuring clean cuts.
- Everything bagel seasoning: The star spice blend that delivers savory, crunchy bursts of flavor on the pastry edges.
- Cream cheese: The creamy heart of the filling that provides richness and tang.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness balancing the richness of the cream cheese.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus notes and enhances the aroma.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to highlight and round out the flavor.
- Fresh dill sprigs: Brings herbal freshness that pairs perfectly with salmon.
- Large egg: Used for the egg wash to give the pastry a beautiful golden shine.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whisked with the egg to create a smooth egg wash.
- Smoked salmon: The luxurious topping with a smoky, silky texture that complements every bite.
- Capers (optional): Add a tangy, briny punch that cuts through the richness and adds complexity.
How to Make Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. A properly preheated oven ensures that puff pastry puffs up beautifully, creating those irresistible layers and golden edges.
Step 2: Thaw the Puff Pastry
If using refrigerated puff pastry, let it rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes so it becomes more pliable. If your pastry is frozen, allow 30 minutes to thaw. This slight warming step prevents tearing and makes rolling much easier.
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Pastry
Dust your cutting board lightly with flour. Unfold the puff pastry onto the board and roll it gently into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle. Then, cut the dough into twelve to fifteen 2 ½-inch circles. Use a smaller 1 ½-inch cookie cutter to score a half-inch border on each circle without cutting all the way through. This scoring guides the pastry edges to rise separately, forming a lovely frame perfect for holding the filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Wash and Season
Whisk together one large egg and a tablespoon of heavy whipping cream in a small bowl until smooth. Place the pastry circles on the baking sheet, spacing them out, and brush the outer edges with this mixture to give them a gorgeous golden hue. Sprinkle each with approximately ½ teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning for that signature savory crunch and aromatic punch.
Step 5: Bake the Puff Pastry Circles
Bake the pastry circles for 14 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown and puff up beautifully. Once baked, press the center of each puff gently with the back of a rounded 1 teaspoon measuring spoon to create a shallow well that will hold the cream cheese filling perfectly.
Step 6: Blend the Cream Cheese Filling
While the puffs are baking, blend the cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and fresh dill in a small food processor or blender for 30 to 60 seconds until smooth and creamy. This luxurious, fresh filling is the heart of the Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs Recipe.
Step 7: Pipe the Filling and Add Salmon
Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a plastic zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe about one tablespoon of filling into each pastry well. Next, slice the smoked salmon into thin ½-inch strips and fold them loosely into wavy ribbons. Gently nestle the salmon on top of each filled puff, making it look as elegant as it tastes.
Step 8: Add Final Toppings
For the finishing touch, place a few capers on top of each puff, along with a small dill sprig and some extra lemon zest if you desire. These toppings add brightness, tang, and a hint of herbal freshness, elevating every bite.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill sprigs and a sprinkle of extra lemon zest make beautiful and aromatic garnishes that complement the flavors inside. Capers add a delightful contrast to the smooth cream cheese and smoked salmon, and their slight brininess adds complexity to the dish’s profile.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or with a simple cucumber and radish salad for refreshing crunch. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a chilled glass of sparkling wine for a celebratory touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cream puffs on a stylish serving platter with lemon wedges and additional dill flowers to brighten the presentation. You could also create mini open-faced sandwiches by mounting the puffs on small toasts or serve them as elegant appetizers on individual spoons for a party-ready look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the cream puffs and filling separate for best results. Store the baked pastry in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to maintain crispness, and refrigerate the filling and salmon separately.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked puff pastry shells in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw before filling to retain maximum flakiness. The cream cheese filling and smoked salmon do not freeze well, so prepare those fresh.
Reheating
To reheat the pastry shells, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make puff pastry soggy. Once warmed, fill and serve immediately to enjoy that delightful contrast of textures.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish instead of smoked salmon?
Absolutely! While smoked salmon is classic and pairs perfectly with everything bagel seasoning, thin slices of smoked trout or even gravlax work beautifully in this recipe for a slightly different twist.
What can I substitute for everything bagel seasoning if I don’t have it?
If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning, you can create a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. Adjust amounts to your taste to replicate that signature flavor.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
You could try using gluten-free puff pastry, which is available in some specialty stores or online. Keep in mind the texture may differ slightly, but the flavors will still shine through.
Can I prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cream cheese filling up to a day in advance. Keep it chilled in an airtight container and stir gently before piping to refresh the texture.
How long do these cream puffs stay fresh once assembled?
Because the smoked salmon and filling are creamy and delicate, it’s best to fill the puffs just before serving. Once assembled, enjoy them within an hour or two for optimal freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
The Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs Recipe is one of those culinary gems that brings excitement to any meal without demanding hours in the kitchen. The marriage of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and smoky salmon sprinkled with that iconic everything bagel seasoning is pure joy in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends, preparing brunch, or just craving something special, this recipe is bound to impress and satisfy. Give it a try soon—you won’t regret it!
Print
Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful and elegant Everything Bagel Salmon Cream Puffs combine flaky puff pastry with a tangy, herbed cream cheese filling and smoked salmon, topped with classic everything bagel seasoning and fresh garnishes. Perfect for brunch, appetizers, or special gatherings, these bite-sized puffs offer a sophisticated flavor profile with a crispy, golden exterior and creamy, savory center.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry and Seasoning
- 1 puff pastry sheet
- Flour (for dusting)
- 2–3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
Cream Cheese 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)
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
Toppings
- 3 ounces smoked salmon (cut into thin slices)
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the puffs.
- Thaw puff pastry: If your puff pastry is refrigerated, let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature. If frozen, allow it to thaw for about 30 minutes until pliable.
- Roll out puff pastry: Lightly dust a cutting board with flour, then unfold the puff pastry sheet. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a 10- x 12-inch rectangle for even thickness.
- Cut into circles: Cut the rolled pastry into twelve to fifteen 2½-inch circles. Using a smaller 1½-inch cookie cutter, gently score a half-inch border around each circle without cutting all the way through to create a framed edge.
- Make egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy whipping cream until smooth to prepare for brushing on the pastry edges.
- Season circles: Place the pastry circles on the prepared baking sheet with space between them. Brush the outer edges of each circle with the egg wash, then sprinkle about half a teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning on the edges.
- Bake pastry: Bake the circles for 14-15 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Once baked, press the center of each puff gently with the rounded end of a teaspoon to create a well for the filling.
- Make cream cheese filling: While the puffs bake, combine the cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and fresh dill in a food processor or blender. Blend for 30-60 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pipe filling: Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a plastic zip-top bag, snip off a corner, and pipe about one tablespoon of filling into the center well of each cooled puff pastry.
- Add smoked salmon: Thinly slice the smoked salmon into ½-inch-wide strips. Loosely fold or ruffle each piece into a wavy ribbon shape, then gently press the salmon into the cream cheese filling so it slightly surrounds the edges.
- Top and serve: Garnish each puff with capers if using, a small sprig of fresh dill, and an additional sprinkle of lemon zest for fresh brightness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Allergens: Contains dairy, eggs, and fish (salmon).
- If puff pastry is frozen, ensure it is fully thawed before rolling to prevent cracking or uneven baking.
- Everything bagel seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; adjust quantity to taste.
- Capers are optional but add a nice briny contrast; omit if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with suitable alternatives.
- These puffs are best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; reheat gently before serving.
