Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

Zesty Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe for Elegant Gatherings

Crafting a delightful smoked salmon crostini brings an elegant twist to your appetizer repertoire.

Crisp baguette slices provide the perfect canvas for rich, silky fish.

Smooth cream cheese creates a luxurious base that complements the delicate seafood.

Bright herbs and zesty capers add unexpected bursts of flavor to each bite.

Salt and pepper play beautifully against the smoky salmon’s nuanced profile.

Fresh ingredients make this appetizer shine with minimal effort.

You’ll want to serve these little gems at every gathering – trust me, they vanish faster than you can plate them.

Why Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe Is A Hit At Parties

Why Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe Is A Hit At Parties
  • Conquer Quick Appetizer: Smoked salmon crostini delivers gourmet taste with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for home cooks wanting impressive results.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like swapping herbs, adjusting cream cheese flavors, or adding unique garnishes to match individual preferences.
  • Party-Perfect Presentation: Elegant bite-sized appetizer that looks professionally prepared, making guests believe you're a culinary expert without complicated techniques.
  • Nutritious Nibble: Packed with protein from salmon, probiotics from cream cheese, and fresh ingredients providing a balanced and satisfying small plate option for health-conscious individuals.

Ingredients For Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

Base Ingredients:
  • Baguette: A classic French bread that provides a crispy foundation for the crostini.
  • Smoked Salmon: A delicate and flavorful fish that serves as the star protein of this appetizer.
  • Cream Cheese: A creamy spread that creates a smooth base for the toppings.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Dill, Fresh Dill: A fragrant herb that adds a bright and fresh taste to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Capers: Small briny gems that provide a tangy and salty accent to the crostini.
  • Black Pepper: A spice that adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
Preparation and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: A cooking oil used to help the baguette slices become crisp and golden.
  • Cucumber: A cool and crisp vegetable that adds freshness and texture to the appetizer.
  • Lemon: A citrus fruit that can be served as a side to add a zesty brightness to the dish.

How To Make Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab your baking sheet and get ready for some crispy magic.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Bases

  • Baguette slices
  • Olive oil

Arrange baguette slices on the baking sheet. Generously brush each slice with olive oil on both sides. Pop the sheet into the oven and bake until the edges turn golden and crisp, about 10-12 minutes. Once done, let them cool down and become extra crunchy.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Spread

  • Cream cheese
  • Fresh dill

In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and finely chopped dill until you create a smooth, herb-infused mixture that’s packed with flavor.

Step 4: Build Delightful Layers

  • Prepared crostini
  • Cream cheese mixture
  • Cucumber slices
  • Smoked salmon

Spread a generous dollop of the dill cream cheese on each crispy crostini base. Layer thin cucumber slices, then drape a piece of smoked salmon on top with elegant precision.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

  • Capers
  • Black pepper
  • Extra dill

Sprinkle capers across the salmon. Grind some fresh black pepper for a zesty kick. Garnish with delicate dill sprigs to add a burst of fresh green color.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Plate your crostini immediately. Accompany with lemon wedges for guests who want a citrusy splash. Watch as your appetizer becomes the star of the gathering!

Helpful Tips For Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

  • Select Quality Salmon: Choose fresh, high-grade smoked salmon from a reputable source to ensure the best flavor and texture for your crostini.
  • Prep Ahead of Time: Toast the baguette slices and mix the cream cheese up to 2 hours before serving to save time during party preparation.
  • Crisp Crostini Trick: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through toasting to guarantee even browning and prevent any soggy spots on your bread.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace smoked salmon with roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini for a delightful plant-based alternative that keeps the appetizer exciting.
  • Caper Control: Rinse capers before sprinkling to reduce their intense saltiness and balance the overall flavor profile of the crostini.

Tasty Twists On Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

  • Vegetarian Salmon Alternative: Replace smoked salmon with marinated carrot lox for a plant-based version that mimics the texture and flavor of traditional salmon.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap baguette slices with gluten-free crackers or roasted sweet potato rounds to create a celiac-friendly appetizer.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese, add roasted red peppers, and top with fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired crostini experience.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute baguette with cucumber rounds as the base, creating a light and refreshing keto-friendly appetizer that maintains the original flavor profile.

Perfect Matches For Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

  • Elevate Sparkling Wine Pairing: Crisp, light champagne or prosecco complements the rich, smoky salmon and creamy dill spread perfectly, cutting through the richness with bright bubbles.
  • Herbaceous White Wine Match: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers zesty citrus notes that highlight the dill and salmon's delicate flavors, creating a refreshing taste experience.
  • Citrus Cocktail Companion: Craft a classic gin martini with a lemon twist, which echoes the crostini's bright, fresh elements while providing a sophisticated alcohol backdrop.
  • Herbal Mocktail Option: Create a cucumber-mint spritzer using fresh cucumber, mint leaves, sparkling water, and a splash of lime juice to mirror the crostini's cool, crisp ingredients.

How To Store Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

  • Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness.
  • Keep cream cheese mixture, crostini, and toppings in separate containers to prevent bread from getting soft. Seal each component tightly and refrigerate.
  • Warm toasted bread slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crunchiness. Avoid microwave, which makes bread soggy.
  • When ready to eat, quickly reassemble crostini by spreading cream cheese, adding cucumber and salmon just before serving to maintain fresh texture and prevent bread from getting damp.

FAQ Guide For Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

  • Is smoked salmon safe to eat without cooking?

Smoked salmon is already cured and cooked during the smoking process, making it safe to eat without additional cooking. However, always ensure you purchase from a reputable source and store it properly.

  • Can I use other types of fish instead of smoked salmon?

While smoked salmon is traditional, you can substitute with other cured fish like gravlax or even cooked shrimp for a similar appetizer experience.

  • How do I prevent my crostini from getting soggy?

To keep crostini crispy, spread the cream cheese mixture just before serving and avoid adding wet ingredients too far in advance. Toast the bread slices until they are completely crisp and golden.

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Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Elegant Mediterranean-inspired Smoked Salmon Crostini elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet appetizer that promises sophisticated flavor. Crisp baguette slices topped with herbed cream cheese and delicate salmon create an irresistible bite you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Smoked Salmon Crostini Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) smoked salmon
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 baguette, sliced into 0.5 inch pieces
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, coating both sides with olive oil for optimal crispiness.
  2. Bake the baguette slices for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp, then allow to cool briefly.
  3. Blend softened cream cheese with chopped dill in a mixing bowl until smooth and uniform.
  4. Spread the herbed cream cheese mixture generously across each toasted crostini.
  5. Layer cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese base, ensuring even coverage.
  6. Place smoked salmon pieces atop the cucumber, creating an elegant presentation.
  7. Scatter capers across the salmon and dust with freshly ground black pepper for added depth.
  8. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs for visual appeal and herbal fragrance.
  9. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to add a zesty citrus accent if desired.

Notes

  • Customize the cream cheese by mixing in finely chopped herbs like chives or parsley for an extra flavor boost.
  • Opt for gluten-free baguette or crisp rice crackers to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, easy spreading and better flavor integration.
  • Consider using low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative to make the crostini lighter and more diet-friendly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 286
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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