Name: Prep these Everything Bagel cups ahead and enjoy a stress-free Christmas Day
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: Olive oil spray; 5 sheets filo pastry; 250g cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons milk; Finely grated zest 1 lemon, plus wedges to serve; 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped dill, plus sprigs to serve; Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season; 100g smoked salmon slices, cut into strips; 1 cucumber, peeled into ribbons; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 2 teaspoons Everything Bagel Seasoning; 2 teaspoons capers (optional)

If you’re hosting Christmas lunch this year, and you’re wondering how on earth you’ll be able to get everything on the table in time without losing your sanity, we’ve got a handy tip for you. Find recipes that you can prep ahead – like Everything Bagel cups.

You can make the tart cases up to two days ahead (store them in a snap-lock container), and make the delicious cream cheese filling up to one day ahead (store it in a sealed container in the fridge).

A little planning ahead will make a world of difference come Christmas Day. So, let’s get cracking!

Ingredients

Olive oil spray

5 sheets filo pastry

250g cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons milk

Finely grated zest 1 lemon, plus wedges to serve

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped dill, plus sprigs to serve

Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season

100g smoked salmon slices, cut into strips

1 cucumber, peeled into ribbons

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons Everything Bagel Seasoning

2 teaspoons capers (optional)

Method

Step 1

Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Lightly grease a 12-hole, 1/3-cup capacity muffin tray with oil.

Step 2

Spray each filo pastry sheet with oil, stacking as you go. Cut in 12 pieces. Press one stack into each muffin hole and lightly prick the base with a fork.

Step 3

Bake for 15 minutes until crisp and golden. Cool in pans completely. Carefully remove from pans (edges of shells are delicate). Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Step 4

In a small bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add milk and beat on low speed to combine. Increase speed to high and beat for 2–3 minutes, until fluffy. Stir in lemon zest and dill, then season. Cover, refrigerate until needed.

Step 5

When ready to serve, dollop whipped cream cheese mixture into base of tart shells (alternatively, transfer to a small snap-lock bag and snip a 2cm edge from the corner and pipe in – this helps to avoid breaking any of the delicate filo pastry edges).

Step 6

Top with salmon, cucumber and red onion. Sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning and capers, if using. Serve with dill sprigs and lemon wedges.