Description
A refined twist on the classic French treat, these savory macarons are filled with silky cream cheese and delicately sliced smoked salmon—perfectly balanced with a hint of black pepper and topped with fresh dill for an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of cream of tartar
- Cracked black pepper, for garnish
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp sour cream or crème fraîche
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 oz high-quality smoked salmon, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in dry ingredients until batter flows in thick ribbons.
- Pipe small circles onto baking sheets. Tap sheets to release air bubbles. Sprinkle tops with cracked black pepper.
- Let rest at room temperature for 30–40 minutes until a skin forms. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Bake for 15–17 minutes. Let cool completely before filling.
- For the filling, mix cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pipe a dollop of filling onto one shell, top with a folded slice of smoked salmon, then sandwich with another shell.
- Garnish with a tiny sprig of dill and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for best volume.
- Do not skip resting the shells before baking, or they may crack.
- Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg