Elegant Ina Garten Croissants With Smoked Salmon Recipe

Ina Garten’s Fancy Smoked Salmon Croissants Recipe

Indulge in a luxurious breakfast experience with Ina Garten croissants with smoked salmon that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Delicate, buttery croissants become the perfect canvas for rich, silky smoked salmon.

Layers of flavor dance together, creating a sophisticated morning treat that feels both elegant and comforting.

The combination of flaky pastry and velvety fish offers a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily craft at home.

Fresh ingredients elevate this simple yet impressive recipe to new culinary heights.

Brunch enthusiasts and food lovers will adore this gourmet masterpiece that brings a touch of French-inspired charm to the breakfast table.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to impress with this stunning morning delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Calories: 551 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s Inside Ina Garten’s Croissants with Smoked Salmon

For Bread Base:
  • Croissants: Buttery, flaky pastry that provides a luxurious foundation, choose freshly baked or high-quality bakery croissants for ultimate texture and flavor.
For Creamy Spread:
  • Mascarpone, Milk: Silky smooth base that adds richness and creates a luscious binding layer, select creamy mascarpone with a soft, spreadable consistency.
  • Chives: Fresh herb that introduces a subtle onion-like zing, pick bright green, crisp chives for maximum flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances and balances the overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for a more vibrant profile.
For Savory Toppings:
  • Smoked Salmon: Delicate, smoky fish that brings elegant protein, choose wild-caught or premium cold-smoked salmon for superior quality.
  • Capers: Briny, tangy garnish that adds unexpected brightness, select small, firm capers packed in brine for intense flavor.
  • Red Onion: Sharp, crisp vegetable that provides a pungent crunch, look for firm onions with tight, shiny skin.
  • Arugula: Peppery green that introduces a fresh, spicy note, pick bright green leaves without wilting or yellowing.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina’s French-Inspired Breakfast

  • Oven: Essential for warming croissants to perfect temperature.
  • Baking tray: Needed to hold croissants during heating.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents croissants from sticking to tray.
  • Serrated knife: Critical for cleanly slicing croissants in half.
  • Mixing bowl: Used for creating smooth mascarpone mixture.
  • Measuring spoons: Helpful for precise salt and pepper amounts.
  • Spoon or spatula: Perfect for mixing and spreading mascarpone.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Croissants with Salmon

How to Make Ina Garten’s Croissants with Salmon
  • Oven Warmth

Gently heat the oven to create a cozy environment for your culinary adventure, setting the temperature to a perfect golden glow.

  • Croissant Transformation

Nestle the delicate pastries onto a parchment-lined tray, allowing them to bask in the oven’s gentle embrace for a few minutes until they’re just right.

  • Creamy Bliss

Whip together a velvety mixture of mascarpone, bringing together herbs and seasonings into a smooth, luxurious spread that whispers of gourmet elegance.

  • Gentle Slicing

With a careful hand, split the croissants horizontally, revealing their tender, flaky interior.

  • Elegant Assembly

Lavish the bottom half with the creamy mascarpone, then artfully layer briny capers, delicate smoked salmon, crisp red onion slivers, and peppery arugula.

  • Final Touch

Crown your creation with the top half of the croissant, presenting a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.

Variation Tips for Ina Garten’s Morning Favorite

  • Mix and match ingredients to make this recipe your own signature dish.
  • Replace smoked salmon with prosciutto, turkey, or grilled chicken for a protein-packed twist.
  • Experiment with fresh dill, tarragon, or basil instead of chives. Try cream cheese or goat cheese as an alternative to mascarpone.
  • Prepare the mascarpone mixture and slice croissants up to a day in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time during serving.
  • Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor and crunch, transforming this simple recipe into a gourmet experience.

Serving Brunch with Ina Garten’s Salmon Croissants

  • Layer with Love: Create an elegant appetizer by stacking the smoked salmon croissants on a rustic wooden board, perfect for impressing guests at brunch or cocktail parties.
  • Pair with Perfection: Complement these rich croissants with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling prosecco to balance the creamy mascarpone and smoky salmon.
  • Add Fresh Sides: Serve alongside a small mixed green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette or some pickled vegetables to cut through the richness of the smoked salmon and creamy mascarpone.
  • Make it Colorful: Garnish the plate with extra fresh chives, capers, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to enhance the visual appeal and add an extra layer of flavor to this elegant dish.

Save or Serve Later: Ina’s Storage Tips

  • Prepare Ahead: Chop chives and slice red onions up to 24 hours before assembly to save time during meal preparation.
  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store mascarpone mixture and sliced salmon separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days, keeping ingredients fresh and preventing soggy croissants.
  • Freeze Smartly: Wrap uncut croissants individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks, thawing at room temperature before warming in the oven.
  • Serve Fresh: Consume assembled croissants immediately for optimal texture and taste, as arugula and salmon can become limp if left too long.
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Elegant Ina Garten Croissants With Smoked Salmon Recipe

Elegant Ina Garten Croissants With Smoked Salmon Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s smoked salmon croissants blend creamy textures with delicate seafood elegance. Simple ingredients and expert technique create a luxurious French-inspired appetizer perfect for brunch gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 croissants (large, fresh)
  • 225g / 8 oz smoked salmon (thinly sliced, preferably Scottish)
  • 250g / 8.8 oz mascarpone (Italian, about 1 cup)
  • 85g / 3 cups baby arugula (rocket)
  • 1.5 tbsps whole milk
  • 1.5 tbsps capers (in brine, drained)
  • 1.5 tbsps fresh chives (minced)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
  • red onion (very thinly sliced, optional)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F with the rack positioned centrally for uniform heating.
  2. Tray Setup: Line a baking tray with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for even warming of croissants.
  3. Croissant Warming: Arrange croissants on the prepared tray, heating for 8 minutes until thoroughly warmed without over-crisping.
  4. Mascarpone Mixture: Whisk mascarpone, milk, chives, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
  5. Croissant Assembly: Slice croissants horizontally, spreading the mascarpone mixture generously on the bottom half, creating a creamy foundation.
  6. Flavor Layering: Strategically scatter capers over the mascarpone, then drape delicate smoked salmon slices across the surface for a luxurious texture.
  7. Optional Enhancement: Add thin red onion slices for an extra sharp dimension and crisp counterpoint.
  8. Herbal Finish: Crown the salmon with peppery arugula leaves, introducing a vibrant, fresh element to the sandwich.
  9. Final Composition: Carefully place croissant tops over the prepared fillings, creating an elegant, complete sandwich.
  10. Serving: Present the croissants immediately while warm, allowing the intricate flavors to harmonize and textures to interplay.

Notes

  • Warm Croissants Carefully: Heat croissants gently at 180°C for 8 minutes to maintain softness and prevent over-crisping.
  • Create Smooth Mascarpone Spread: Whisk mascarpone with milk, chives, salt, and pepper until creamy for a luxurious base.
  • Layer Strategically: Build sandwich with even layers of capers, salmon, onions, and arugula for balanced flavor and texture.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy croissants warm to ensure optimal taste and texture fusion of ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 551
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1077 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 78 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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