🥂 Why You’ll Love These Mini Croissants for the Holidays
Let’s be honest—when it comes to holiday hosting, we all want something that’s quick to make, cute to serve, and delicious to eat. Enter: Mini Salmon & Cream Cheese Croissants. These bite-sized beauties are made with flaky puff pastry, filled with herby cream cheese, smoked salmon, and crunchy radishes, and finished with a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
They’re festive. They’re fancy. And they come together in no time. Whether you’re serving them with mulled wine, champagne, or a sparkling mocktail, these croissants will be the talk of your Christmas drinks spread. 🥳
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 10 mini croissants, but it’s super easy to double or triple if you’re hosting a crowd.
For the croissants:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (round or rectangular)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the filling:
- 30g St MĂ´ret cheese (or any creamy fresh cheese like Boursin, cream cheese, or goat cheese)
- 40g smoked salmon, sliced thinly
- 5 radishes, finely sliced
- A few fresh basil leaves (chopped or whole for garnish)
🧑‍🍳 How to Make Mini Salmon & Cream Cheese Croissants
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Roll out your puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. If it’s round, cut it into 10 triangle wedges like slicing a pizza. If it’s rectangular, slice into long strips and then diagonally to form triangles.
Step 2: Assemble the Mini Croissants
At the wider end of each triangle, place a small spoonful of St MĂ´ret cheese, a few slices of radish, and a sliver of smoked salmon. Add a small piece of basil for an aromatic kick.
Gently roll each triangle from the wide end toward the point to create a mini croissant shape. Curve the ends slightly to form that classic crescent.
Step 3: Egg Wash & Bake
Place the mini croissants on your lined tray. Brush each one with egg yolk for that glossy, golden finish and sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until beautifully puffed and golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving—they’re best warm but not too hot!
đź’ˇ Pro Tips & Tricks
- Puff pastry tip: Keep the pastry cold until you’re ready to roll. Warm dough gets sticky and won’t puff as well.
- Cheese swaps: No St MĂ´ret? Try herbed cream cheese, ricotta, or mascarpone.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate the croissants a few hours ahead. Just brush with egg yolk and bake right before guests arrive.
- Crispy radish tip: Soak sliced radishes in ice water for 5–10 minutes for extra crunch!
🎄 Why These Mini Croissants Are Perfect for the Holidays
- Effortlessly festive: They look fancy but are a breeze to put together.
- Elegant flavor: The combo of creamy cheese, smoky salmon, peppery radish, and fresh herbs is irresistible.
- Perfect finger food: No forks, no fuss—just flaky, bite-sized deliciousness.
- Customizable: Swap the filling for whatever you love—ham and brie, cranberry and goat cheese, or pesto and sun-dried tomato.
🧂 Variations to Try
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas:
- Add zest: Mix a little lemon zest or dill into the cheese for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Go spicy: Add a thin slice of chili or a dash of horseradish to the filling for heat lovers.
- Make it vegetarian: Ditch the salmon and replace with roasted red peppers or cucumber ribbons.
- Make it sweet: Use the same dough technique but fill with Nutella or jam for a sweet dessert version!
🍷 What to Serve With Mini Salmon & Cream Cheese Croissants
These croissants are perfect alongside:
- Sparkling wine, rosé, or white wine
- Holiday punch or sangria
- A platter of mixed appetizers like olives, nuts, and cheese cubes
- A crisp green salad if serving as part of a light lunch or brunch
They also pair well with cozy holiday vibes and a playlist full of jazzy Christmas tunes. 🎶
⏱ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Hosting can get hectic, so here’s how to stay stress-free:
- Assemble in advance: Prep and roll your croissants earlier in the day, refrigerate on the tray, and bake just before guests arrive.
- Leftovers: Store baked croissants in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 5–7 minutes to refresh that flake!
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked, rolled croissants on a tray. Once solid, store in a bag. Bake from frozen at 190°C for about 25–30 minutes.
❤️ Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress without the stress this Christmas, Mini Salmon & Cream Cheese Croissants are the answer. They’re elegant enough for cocktail hour, easy enough for beginners, and festive enough to feel right at home among twinkling lights and clinking glasses.
They’re bite-sized, buttery, and bursting with flavor. Honestly? You might want to double the batch—these disappear fast!