Salmon, herb and creme fraîche tarts

Salmon, herb, and crème fraîche tarts feature a flaky pastry filled with a creamy mixture of salmon and dill, creating a harmonious blend of rich and fresh flavors. This elegant dish is perfect as an appetizer or a light main course and is easy to prepare at home.

21 Nov 2025
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1.50 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1/2 cup butter
1 dash salt
1 yolk
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp dill
8 oz salmon
Salmon, herb and creme fraîche tarts

Salmon, herb, and creme fraîche tarts are a delightful and elegant appetizer or main course that combines the rich, savory flavor of salmon with the fresh, aromatic notes of dill. This recipe features a homemade tart crust that's both tender and flaky, complemented by a creamy filling. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, these tarts are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the chilled, cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub or cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Mix until the dough just comes together. If the dough seems too dry, you can add an additional teaspoon of water.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles slightly larger than the tart or muffin tin cavities you’re using.
4. Form the Tart Shells:
- Gently press the dough circles into the greased tart or muffin tin cavities, ensuring they fit snugly.
- Poke the base of the tart shells with a fork to prevent puffing up during baking.
5. Bake the Tart Shells:
- Place a piece of parchment paper into each tart shell and fill with baking beans or rice to blind bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tart shells are lightly golden.
6. Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, crème fraîche, chopped dill, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
7. Fill the Tart Shells:
- Spoon the salmon filling into the baked tart shells, filling them generously.
8. Bake the Filled Tarts:
- Return the filled tarts to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and slightly set.
9. Serve:
- Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly in the tin.
- Carefully remove the tarts from the tin and transfer to a serving plate.
10. Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish the tarts with a few sprigs of fresh dill or a light drizzle of lemon juice before serving.

These salmon, herb, and creme fraîche tarts are a sophisticated yet straightforward dish that can elevate any meal. With a buttery crust, savory salmon, and refreshing herbs, each bite offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

Salmon, herb and creme fraîche tarts FAQ:

What is the baking time for the tart shells and filled tarts?

Bake the tart shells for a total of 15 minutes: 10 minutes with parchment paper and weights, then an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. After filling them, bake the tarts for another 10-12 minutes until the filling is heated through.

What can I use as a substitute for crème fraîche in this recipe?

You can substitute crème fraîche with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a mixture of cream cheese and milk for a similar creamy texture. Adjust the amount of lemon juice as necessary for acidity.

How do you know when the tarts are done baking?

The tarts are done when the filling is heated through and slightly set. The tops should look a bit firm but not overly browned.

What is the best way to store leftover tarts?

Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain their texture.

What size pan should I use for these tarts?

Use a standard muffin tin or a tartlet pan to create individual tarts. Each cup should ideally hold about 2-3 tablespoons of filling.

Tips:

- Ensure the butter is cold when making the crust to achieve a flaky texture.

- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to prevent shrinkage during baking.

- Opt for fresh dill for the best flavor and aroma.

- Pre-bake the tart shells to avoid a soggy crust.

- Check the salmon for bones before adding it to the tarts.

- Do not overbake the tarts; remove them from the oven when the crust is golden and the filling is set but still a bit jiggly in the center.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 460kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 36g
Fiber 1.41g
Sugar 0.31g
Fat 27g

More recipes

Iceberg lettuce with creamy caper dressing

Crisp iceberg lettuce with a tangy creamy caper dressing.

31 Dec 2025

Layered carrot cake with honeyed walnuts

Delicious layered carrot cake topped with honeyed walnuts.

10 Dec 2025

Spinach & avocado soup

Creamy spinach and avocado soup with lemon for a refreshing taste.

27 Nov 2025

Napa cabbage slaw

A zesty Napa cabbage slaw with a tangy vinegar dressing.

14 Nov 2025

Avocado, prosciutto and pecan salad

A refreshing avocado, prosciutto, and pecan salad with lime dressing.

09 Jan 2026

Spicy lamb in lettuce cups

Enjoy spicy lamb mince served in crisp lettuce cups.

20 Nov 2025

Chargrilled pumpkin, feta and spinach salad

Enjoy a delightful Chargrilled Pumpkin, Feta, and Spinach Salad.

20 Feb 2026

Keto italian sausage and bacon soup with spinach and cream

A creamy, low-carb soup with Italian sausage, bacon, and spinach.

30 Jan 2026

Posts