Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Bites

Ingredients

• 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed (thaw according to instructions on back of box)
• 5 ounces whipped chive cream cheese, softened
• 3 ounces smoked salmon, rough chopped
• 1 Tablespoon fresh dill plus more for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Lay the 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed out flat and prick it all over with a fork. Cut into 25 even squares.
3. Press the squares into the sections of a mini muffin tin. I used a cocktail muddler to help me press the pastry down into the cups. You will only be using 24 of the pieces since most standard mini muffin tins have 24 sections. Set aside.
4. In a medium-sized bowl, add 7.5 ounces whipped chive cream cheese, softened, 3 ounces smoked salmon, rough chopped and 1 Tablespoon fresh dill.
5. Stir together until combined.
6. Evenly distribute the filling among the 24 sections.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the cream cheese starts to brown slightly. Let cool for 5 minutes in the tin.
8. Place on a serving platter, garnish with more dill if desired.

Notes

• These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, to reheat crisp up in a toaster oven.
• You can substitute the salmon for crab or shrimp if you like.
• Regular cream cheese can be used in place of the chive flavored cream cheese.
• Make sure the puff pastry is defrosted before trying to cut and place in muffin tin.
• You can easily double this recipe to serve larger crowds.
• Fresh dill can be swapped out with dried dill. (The Country Cook)