Quick Smoked Salmon Tart
If there’s one dish that instantly makes me feel like I’m brunching in a cozy Parisian café, it’s a Quick Smoked Salmon Tart. Light, elegant, and bursting with flavor, it’s the kind of recipe that looks fancy — but takes surprisingly little effort. Whether you’re hosting weekend brunch, need a last-minute dinner idea, or just want to treat yourself to something luxurious (without the hassle), this smoked salmon tart checks every box.
When I first made this recipe, it was a spontaneous decision on a Sunday morning. I had leftover smoked salmon from a bagel breakfast, half a tub of cream cheese, and a sheet of puff pastry calling my name. Within half an hour, my kitchen smelled like buttery heaven, and I had a golden, flaky tart that could’ve easily passed for a café showstopper.
Let me show you exactly how to make it — no stress, no complicated ingredients, just pure deliciousness.
🧂 Ingredients for Quick Smoked Salmon Tart
This recipe keeps things simple but delivers maximum flavor. You can easily customize it with what’s in your fridge, too.
Base Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (store-bought works perfectly)
- 3 oz (85 g) smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (120 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the pastry)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sliced red onions or shallots
- A few capers for tang
- Arugula or baby spinach for freshness
- Chives or lemon zest for garnish
🥑 Substitution Ideas
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese and a splash of coconut cream instead of sour cream.
- Gluten-Free: Swap puff pastry for a gluten-free pastry sheet or make a crust using crushed gluten-free crackers and melted butter.
- Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and choose whole-grain puff pastry (available in some stores).
- No Smoked Salmon? Try flaked cooked salmon, smoked trout, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your puff pastry sheet on it.
Using a knife, lightly score a border about ½ inch from the edges — be careful not to cut all the way through. This border will puff up beautifully and form a golden crust. Prick the center with a fork several times to prevent it from puffing unevenly.
Brush the edges with the beaten egg for that glossy, golden finish.
Step 2: Pre-Bake the Pastry
Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden and puffed. Keep an eye on it — puff pastry browns fast!
If the center puffs too much, gently press it down with the back of a spoon after baking. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In a bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and fluffy. This creamy mixture is what ties all the flavors together — tangy, fresh, and just rich enough.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
Spread the creamy filling evenly inside the cooled puff pastry shell (stay within the golden border).
Arrange slices of smoked salmon beautifully on top — think of it like edible art! You can lay them flat for a minimalist look or twist them into small rosettes for a touch of flair.
Step 5: Add Garnishes and Chill
Top with red onion slices, capers, and a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives. If you’re serving immediately, you can enjoy it warm.
For a more classic, chilled version (great for summer brunch), let it cool completely and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving.
🍽️ Extra Tips for the Perfect Smoked Salmon Tart
🥂 Serving Suggestions
- Serve this tart as an appetizer, brunch centerpiece, or light dinner with a crisp salad and chilled white wine.
- Pair it with mimosas or sparkling water with lemon for a fresh, festive touch.
- For a cozy winter version, add a sprinkle of grated cheese (like Gruyère) and bake until bubbly before topping with salmon.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days, covered tightly.
- To reheat, pop it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes — but note that smoked salmon tastes best when served chilled or at room temperature.
- Avoid microwaving — it makes the pastry soggy.
🍋 Ingredient Swaps & Flavor Variations
- Herbed Cream Base: Add chopped parsley, tarragon, or chervil for extra freshness.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a bit of horseradish or a dash of hot sauce into the cream base.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use cream cheese blended with olive tapenade and top with roasted peppers and olives instead of salmon.
- Breakfast Tart: Add soft-scrambled eggs or poached eggs on top before serving.
🧮 Nutritional Information
According to NYT Cooking’s Quick Smoked Salmon Tart recipe:
- Calories: ~310 per serving
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 9g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
(Values may vary based on pastry brand and toppings used.)
❓ FAQ: Quick Smoked Salmon Tart
How long does it take to make?
From start to finish, this Quick Smoked Salmon Tart takes about 25–30 minutes — including baking time! Perfect for last-minute guests or a quick weeknight meal.
Can I substitute the smoked salmon?
Yes! You can use cooked salmon, smoked trout, or even canned tuna for a different flavor. For a vegetarian version, roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or mushrooms make a delicious alternative.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake the pastry and mix the filling up to a day ahead. Store them separately, then assemble right before serving to keep the crust crisp.
Can I freeze it?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the baked pastry shell (without filling) for up to 1 month. Defrost and crisp it up in the oven before adding the creamy topping and salmon.
How do I make it look fancy for guests?
Use circular layers of salmon, sprinkle edible flowers or microgreens on top, and serve on a wooden board. It’ll look like something straight out of a bistro window!
💕 Why You’ll Love This Quick Smoked Salmon Tart
This tart is everything I love about easy entertaining — quick to make, elegant to serve, and full of flavor. It combines that irresistible mix of creamy, smoky, and buttery textures that makes everyone go back for seconds.
And the best part? You can serve it warm or chilled, for brunch or dinner, and it fits almost any occasion — from holiday breakfasts to lazy weekend lunches. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that great food doesn’t have to be complicated.
🥰 Conclusion
There you have it — your go-to Quick Smoked Salmon Tart that’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a busy weeknight. With its flaky crust, tangy cream filling, and smoky salmon topping, it’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent without taking hours in the kitchen.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, share a photo on social media, or tag me — your creations always make my day.
Now go preheat that oven and get ready to impress yourself (and everyone else) with this beautiful, buttery tart. Bon appétit! 🥂🐟✨