Tasty Smoked Salmon Vol Au Vents

Name: Tasty Smoked Salmon Vol Au Vents
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry; 1 egg (for egg wash); 200g smoked salmon, chopped; 100g cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Delight your guests with these elegant Smoked Salmon Vol Au Vents, featuring flaky pastry shells filled with a luscious smoked salmon cream cheese mixture. Perfect as an appetizer for parties or a sophisticated addition to brunch, these bite-sized treats blend rich flavors and eye-catching presentation for a truly exquisite experience.

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2025-12-08T17:18:39.869Z

Smoked salmon is a classic choice for appetizers, and when combined with a flaky pastry, it becomes irresistible. These vol au vents are perfect for elevating your next gathering.

The Art of Vol Au Vents

Vol au vents are a classic French pastry that can elevate any gathering with their elegant appearance and delicious fillings. Originating from the French term meaning 'windblown,' these delightful puff pastry cases are designed to be light and airy, a perfect canvas for various savory fillings. Learning the technique to create vol au vents at home not only impresses your guests but also provides an opportunity to express your culinary creativity.

Making vol au vents requires just a few ingredients, but the result is undeniably impressive. The combination of flaky pastry and rich, flavorful fillings can elevate even the simplest of meals. Their adaptability means you can experiment with different fillings to suit your preferences, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.

Perfect as Appetizers or Brunch Additions

These smoked salmon vol au vents serve perfectly as appetizers at parties or celebrations. Their bite-sized nature allows guests to enjoy them without interrupting the flow of conversation. The combination of flavors, including the smokiness of the salmon and the creaminess of the cheese, creates an unforgettable taste experience that guests will be raving about long after the event.

Similarly, these vol au vents make for a sophisticated brunch option. They can be prepared in advance and served with various beverages, from mimosas to strong coffee. Their impressive presentation also makes them suitable for more formal brunch settings where the goal is to impress.

Don't hesitate to get creative! You can swap out the filling for different ingredients based on your preferences or dietary requirements, ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy this delightful treat.

Pro Tips for Success

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious vol au vents.

For the Pastry

1 sheet of puff pastry
1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Filling

200g smoked salmon, chopped
100g cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your vol au vents.

Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut out 12 circles. Use a smaller cutter to create a ring from the center of half of the circles, forming a top piece for your vol au vents.

Assemble the Vol Au Vents

Place the full circles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the edges with egg wash and place the rings on top. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine the smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Fill the Pastry

Once the pastry cups are baked and cooled slightly, fill them with the smoked salmon mixture. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Enjoy your elegant appetizer!

Serving Suggestions

While smoked salmon is a luxurious filling, consider other creative options for your vol au vents. Ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, creamy spinach, or even chicken and wild rice can offer a delicious twist. Pairing these with a complementary sauce can further enhance the experience.

For an added burst of flavor, serve your vol au vents with traditional accompaniments such as a zesty lemon aioli or a tangy dill sauce. This not only adds depth to the dish but also allows guests to customize their bites to their liking.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, it's best to store the filled vol au vents in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the pastry may lose its crispness after being filled. Unfilled pastry shells can be stored and reheated easily for another use, keeping their flaky texture intact.

To reheat filled vol au vents, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore their crispiness without overcooking the filling. Alternatively, using an air fryer can yield excellent results, keeping the pastry flaky while warming the filling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Bake the pastry fresh the day of serving.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if needed.