Johnson's Smoked Salmon & Dill Tartlets
Elegant individual tartlets with a flaky crust, topped with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and fresh dill for a sophisticated starter. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes brings together sheets phyllo dough, smoked salmon, crème fraîche for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 12, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
- 6 oz smoked salmon
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 lemon
- 1 small shallot
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp dairy butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with phyllo sheets (brush each sheet with melted butter between layers). Cut into 4-inch circles, pressing gently into muffin cups. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Step 2: While tart shells bake, finely chop 1 small shallot and 2 tbsp fresh dill. Mix with 1/2 cup crème fraîche, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp white pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth.
- Step 3: Once tart shells are golden, fill each with 1 tbsp crème fraîche mixture. Arrange 1/2 oz smoked salmon on top of each, then garnish with additional dill and lemon zest.
- Step 4: Serve immediately at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor balance.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Smoked Salmon & Dill Tartlets take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Johnson's Smoked Salmon & Dill Tartlets?
Refrigerate any leftover johnson's smoked salmon & dill tartlets in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Smoked Salmon & Dill Tartlets?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Johnson's Smoked Salmon & Dill Tartlets for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Johnson's Smoked Salmon & Dill Tartlets?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
