These Cream Cheese Croissants are a soft, delicate, and flaky pastry that's filled with a mixture of smoked salmon, dill, and cream cheese. They have just enough crisp that make you want to keep eating.
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
We all love a good croissant, but these Cream Cheese Croissants take things to the next level. Here's why we can't get enough of this recipe:
- Perfect Combo: The creamy, tangy cream cheese pairs perfectly with the savory smoked salmon.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses store-bought puff pastry, making it super easy and quick to put together.
- Impressive: The end result is not just delicious - it's also super impressive. This recipe is perfect for brunch or a special breakfast.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the croissants the night before and bake them in the morning for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
Key Ingredients
- Cream Cheese – The cream cheese is the star of our filling. It adds a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoked salmon.
- Smoked Salmon – We use high-quality smoked salmon for a rich, smoky flavor that takes these croissants to the next level.
- Puff Pastry – We use store-bought puff pastry for convenience. Make sure to use a high-quality brand for the best results.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few of our favorite variations and substitution ideas:
- Herbs: We love the combination of dill with smoked salmon and cream cheese, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like chives or even a pinch of dried oregano.
- Prosciutto or Ham: Not a fan of smoked salmon? No problem! You can easily swap it out with prosciutto or thinly sliced ham.
- Cheese: Try adding a sprinkle of your favorite cheese on top of the cream cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
How to Make Cream Cheese Croissant
Step 1: Mix cream cheese, chopped salmon, and dill in a bowl.
Step 2: Roll out puff pastry and cut it into triangles. Place a tablespoon of the salmon filling on the widest end of each triangle.
Step 3: Roll the dough from the widest end into a croissant shape and repeat the process with the second piece of puff pastry.
Step 4: Place the croissants on a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Brush the top of each croissant with egg and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Croissant
Breakfast or Brunch
- These flaky, creamy croissants are a perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. We love this vegan breakfast casserole!
- They also pair well with a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries.
Lunch or Dinner
- If you have leftovers, you can enjoy cream cheese croissants for lunch or dinner. They're great on their own, or you can pair them with a light salad. We love a classic Caesar salad.
- They also make a great side for a bowl of soup. Try them with a comforting tomato soup or a creamy butternut squash soup.
Party or Potluck
- Cream cheese croissants are always a hit at parties and potlucks. They're easy to eat with your hands, so they're perfect for a casual gathering.
- If you're hosting a brunch party, consider serving these croissants alongside other breakfast favorites, such as bacon, homemade sausages, and air fryer pancakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you can technically use fresh salmon, we highly recommend using smoked salmon for this recipe. It has a more intense flavor and doesn't require any additional cooking or seasoning. Plus, it's already in the perfect shape and size for your croissants!
The croissants are done when they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary. After 20 minutes of baking, brush the top of each croissant with the beaten egg and then bake for another 5-10 minutes until they reach the desired golden color.
Yes, you can reheat the croissants in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. This will help them regain their flakiness and warm up the filling.
Cream cheese croissants can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Recipe
Cream Cheese Croissants
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese
- 8 slices smoked salmon chopped (I use Foppen brand from Costco)
- 1 tablespoons dill minced
- 14 oz puff pastry I use Dufour brand
- 1 egg cracked and whisked
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355 F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, chopped salmon and dill.
- On a parchment paper, lightly roll out one puff pastry sheet until it is smooth. Use a pizza cutter or a regular knife, cut puff pastry sheet into the triangles of the even width.
- Place 1 tablespoon of smoked salmon filling on the widest end of each triangle. Beginning with the wide end of a triangle, roll the dough up into a croissant shape. Repeat the process with the remaining triangles and the second piece of puff pastry.
- Carefully transfer the croissants onto the baking dish, lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Then remove from the oven, brush the top of each croissant with an egg and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the top is nice and golden.
Notes
Nutrition
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Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
Heather says
Do you think I could use regular cooked salmon and crescent rolls?
Iryna says
Yes, definitely! They'll work too.
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
I would definitely love this! Smoked salmon is definitely a favorite here.
Iryna says
Thanks Michelle! This appetizer come out really good. My husband had to take couple of pieces to work for his co-workers to try:)