Description
Ina Garten’s croissants with smoked salmon elevate breakfast to an elegant experience. Delicate layers of buttery pastry cradle silky salmon, creating a luxurious French-inspired dish perfect for special mornings when you want something extraordinary.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large fresh croissants
- 225g / 8 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon (preferably Scottish)
- 250g / 8.8 ounces Italian mascarpone (about 1 cup)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1.5 tablespoons minced fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1.5 tablespoons capers in brine, drained
Additional Ingredients:
- 1.5 tablespoons whole milk
- 85g / 3 cups baby arugula (rocket)
- Very thinly sliced red onion (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 180°C / 350°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
- Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for the croissants.
- Carefully arrange the croissants on the prepared baking tray, spacing them evenly to allow consistent warming.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and warm the croissants for approximately 8 minutes, watching to ensure they heat through without becoming overly crisp.
- Remove the croissants from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes, which helps them retain moisture and softness.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, milk, finely chopped chives, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each croissant horizontally, creating two even halves that will form the base and top of the sandwich.
- Spread a generous layer of the prepared mascarpone mixture across the bottom half of each croissant, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle briny capers over the mascarpone layer to add a tangy flavor contrast.
- Layer delicate slices of smoked salmon evenly across the capers, creating a rich and luxurious filling.
- Optional: Add thin slices of red onion for an extra layer of sharpness and crunch.
- Top the salmon with a handful of peppery arugula leaves, which will provide a fresh, slightly spicy element.
- Gently place the top half of each croissant over the prepared fillings, creating a complete sandwich.
- Serve the croissants immediately while they are still warm, allowing the flavors to meld and the textures to complement each other.
Notes
- Select premium croissants that are buttery and soft for the best taste and texture in this elegant appetizer.
- Gently warm croissants to maintain their delicate layered structure without compromising their original flakiness.
- Blend mascarpone mixture until completely smooth to ensure a creamy, consistent spread across each croissant.
- Pat capers dry thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the croissants soggy or losing their crisp edges.
- Construct these appetizers moments before serving to preserve the perfect balance of textures and temperatures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant (out of 4)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg