Salmon en Croute Recipe: A Simple and Elegant Dinner

Salmon en Croute is a classic French-inspired dish that combines flaky puff pastry, tender salmon, and a creamy herb filling. Perfect for dinner parties or a romantic meal, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare and makes an impressive centerpiece on any table. Whether you’re hosting or just treating yourself, Salmon en Croute is a crowd-pleaser.

What Is Salmon en Croute?

“En croute” translates to “in a crust,” and this recipe features salmon fillets wrapped in puff pastry with a flavorful cream cheese and herb filling. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is an elegant combination of buttery pastry and moist, flaky fish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive yet easy: A sophisticated dish that’s simpler to make than it looks.
• Versatile: Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or weeknight meals.
• Delicious flavors: Creamy filling, fresh herbs, and buttery pastry complement the salmon beautifully.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the filling or add vegetables to make it your own.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skinless)
• 3 tbsp cream cheese
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry slightly to ensure even thickness and cut it into two equal rectangles.

Making the Creamy Herb Filling

3. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and the chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Salmon en Croute

4. Place a salmon fillet in the center of each pastry rectangle.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
6. Fold the pastry over the salmon, ensuring it’s tightly sealed by pressing the edges with a fork.

Baking

7. Brush the tops of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
8. Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Resting and Serving

9. Let the Salmon en Croute rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair Salmon en Croute with:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or carrots.
• A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm.

Freezing Instructions

• Assemble the Salmon en Croute but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Variations

• Add vegetables: Include thinly sliced zucchini or spinach in the filling for added flavor.
• Make it spicy: Mix a teaspoon of horseradish or sriracha into the cream cheese filling.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this dish suitable for dietary restrictions.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Yes! Store-bought puff pastry is convenient and works perfectly for this recipe.

Can I prepare Salmon en Croute ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it in advance and store in the fridge for up to 12 hours or freeze it for later use.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese as a substitute, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Salmon en Croute is a delightful recipe that balances sophistication with simplicity. With its crispy, golden crust and tender salmon center, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try this recipe and impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish they won’t forget!

Print