Easy Savory Croissants with Smoked Salmon: The Perfect Party Appetizer

These easy savory croissants are a quick and elegant appetizer made with puff pastry, perfect for parties, brunches, and special occasions. Flaky and golden on the outside, they’re filled with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and arugula, creating a delicious balance of creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors.

The best part? They’re incredibly simple to prepare, thanks to ready-made puff pastry. You can bake them in advance and fill them just before serving for a stress-free and impressive appetizer.

What Are Savory Puff Pastry Croissants?

Savory puff pastry croissants are small, crescent-shaped pastries made by cutting puff pastry into triangles and rolling them up like classic croissants. Once baked, they become light, flaky, and crisp, ready to be filled with savory ingredients such as cheese, cured meats, or smoked fish.

They’re a popular choice for finger food platters, brunch tables, and buffet-style entertaining.

Cooking Tips

• Always fill the croissants after baking to keep them crisp.
• Let them cool fully before slicing to avoid breaking the layers.
• You can swap smoked salmon for ham, prosciutto, or grilled vegetables.
• For extra flavor, mix herbs or lemon zest into the cream cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these savory croissants ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the croissants a day in advance and store them unfilled. Fill them shortly before serving.

Can I freeze the croissants?

You can freeze the unbaked shaped croissants, then bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Are these good for brunch?

Absolutely. They’re perfect for brunch, aperitivo, buffets, and parties.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, but puff pastry gives a flakier and more elegant result.

How to Store

Store baked but unfilled croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Once filled, keep them refrigerated and consume within 24 hours.

How to Freeze

Freeze the unbaked croissants on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, increasing baking time slightly.

How to Make Easy Savory CroissantsStep 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Unroll the two rectangular sheets of puff pastry and place one directly on top of the other.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the pastry into 10 triangles.

Step 2: Shape the Croissants

Starting from the wider base of each triangle, roll the pastry onto itself toward the tip to form small croissant shapes.

Step 3: Brush and Bake

Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with the milk, then brush the croissants evenly.
Sprinkle with poppy seeds, if desired.

Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 10–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 4: Cool

Remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool completely before filling.

Step 5: Fill and Serve

Slice each croissant horizontally.
Spread cream cheese on the bottom half, add smoked salmon and arugula, then close and serve.