Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry
This Easy Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry begins with flaky puff pastry, topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, lemon, capers and fresh dill. Perfect for an appetizer or breakfast!
This post may contain affiliate links. See my Disclosure Policy for more info. Follow WonkyWonderful on Pinterest to stay up to date on all of the new recipes! Post sponsored by Pepperidge Farm. Post updated March 23, 2026.
If you want something that looks impressive but is secretly simple, smoked salmon puff pastry is your best friend. With buttery layers, creamy filling, and rich salmon flavor, this recipe works for brunch, appetizers, or even a light dinner.
I had the amazing opportunity to attend a fabulous backyard party that featured recipes that used Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry. (check out the photos below) It was perfect party food because everything was so easy to eat with my hands.
Table of Contents
Puff Pastry: What It Is & Why It’s Special
Puff pastry is a light, flaky dough that “puffs” dramatically when baked, creating dozens of delicate layers. It’s used in both sweet and savory dishes, from elegant appetizers to classic desserts.
The magic comes from a process called lamination. Dough and butter are layered repeatedly by rolling and folding When baked, the water in the butter turns to steam The steam lifts and separates the layers → creating that airy, crispy texture
I decided to create a puff pastry appetizer inspired by one of my favorite breakfasts. I adore a simple bagel with cream cheese, lox, lemon and capers. I used puff pastry instead of bagels, swapped the lox for smoked salmon and added fresh dill.
Perfect as an appetizer or breakfast!
What To Serve With Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry: Italian Garden Salad, Onion Dill Cucumber Salad, Vegetable Soup.
Here is the group of lovely bloggers that I got to spend a morning with. Great conversation, delicious food and a gorgeous home. It was an awesome party!
I’m always blown away by a gorgeous table setting. Decorating in any way, shape or form is not one of my skills. So I am always really impressed when I see a beautifully put together table setting, like the one at this party.
Party photos courtesy of: Leslie Callan from Green Vintage Photography.
Tips for Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry
- Keep puff pastry cold—this ensures maximum flakiness
- Add more toppings to fit your preferences
- Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor
- Add capers, thinly sliced red onion, thinly sliced cucumbers or fresh dill for extra flavor
Save this Recipe!
Enter your email & I’ll send it straight to your inbox.
Ingredients
- 1 Sheet Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry – thawed*
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon Water
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese – softened
- 2-3 ounces Smoked Salmon
- 1 Lemon
- Jarred Capers
- Fresh Dill
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Unfold puff pastry sheet on lightly floured surface.
- Using a knife, cut along the seams. Cut each strip in half.
- Score the pastry rectangles 1/2 inch from the edges. Prick centers with fork.
- Transfer pastries to lightly greased baking sheet.
- Beat egg and water. Brush pastries with egg wash.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool.
- Top with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, lemon zest, dill and a lemon wedge.
Notes
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but cook it first. Smoked salmon is ready to eat and adds a distinct flavor, so fresh salmon will taste milder.
You can use ricotta, goat cheese, or mascarpone. Each gives a slightly different texture and flavor.
Fresh green salad
Roasted asparagus
Light soup (like tomato or leek)
Absolutely! Cut into small squares before baking for easy finger food.
Welcome!
Nicole Harris is the recipe creator behind WonkyWonderful, sharing fast, budget-friendly meals for busy families. Since 2012 she’s been developing 30-minute dinners, kid-approved favorites, and holiday dishes with flair - all with real ingredients and no fuss. She grew up stretching simple pantry staples into something delicious, and that shows up in every recipe: easy, affordable, and full of flavor. Read more...
I agree that puff pastry with savory recipes is fantastic, and you really can’t beat the ease of the Pepperidge Farm puff pastry. I adore smoked salmon in any form, and these appetizers look fantastic!
Thanks!
Great flavors and it looks so decadent!
Thanks Gerry!
Those mini cherry pies were so darn good!! And it was so great to meet you!!
Great to meet you, too! I’m craving those cherry pies so bad!
This sounds like a wonderful appetizer! I love that it is lighter than a bagel
Thanks Julianne!
Wow, these look amazing! I have some puff pastry in my freezer, and I’m thinking I need to make these this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Christi! I hope you enjoy 🙂
I have a soft spot for smoked salmon, and these bites are everything I love! What a wonderful idea to put it on the puffed pastry!
Thanks Liren! It is so great on puff pastry!