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This elegant smoked salmon crostini appetizer combines creamy herb cheese spread with delicate salmon on perfectly toasted bread. It's the appetizer I bring to gatherings when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors creates a sophisticated bite that always disappears quickly from the serving platter.
I first created this recipe when hosting a holiday cocktail party and needed something elegant yet simple. Now it's become my signature appetizer that friends specifically request whenever I offer to bring something to gatherings.
Ingredients
- Fresh dill provides the signature flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon look for bright green bunches with no yellowing
- Cream cheese creates the creamy base opt for full-fat for the richest flavor
- Smoked salmon adds luxurious flavor and a beautiful presentation choose cold-smoked for the best texture
- Capers offer briny pops of flavor that cut through the richness
- Fresh garlic adds subtle heat and depth one clove is perfect without overpowering
- Baguette provides the crispy base look for one that's not too wide for perfect bite-sized pieces
- Arugula delivers peppery freshness and beautiful color
- Cucumber slices add refreshing crunch and moisture
- Green onions provide mild onion flavor without overwhelming the delicate salmon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toast the Baguette
- Slice your baguette into approximately 1/4-inch rounds and brush each piece with olive oil. Place under the broiler for just 2 minutes, watching carefully to achieve golden brown edges without burning. The perfect crostini should be crisp around the edges but still have a slight give in the center.
- Prepare Herb Cream Cheese
- Combine softened cream cheese with freshly chopped dill, freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth and well-incorporated, ensuring no large pieces of garlic remain. The mixture should be spreadable but still hold its shape when placed on the crostini.
- Assemble the Crostini
- Start with a generous layer of herb cream cheese on each toasted baguette slice. The cream cheese acts as both flavor and adhesive for the toppings. Layer arugula and cucumber slices next, followed by delicate folds of smoked salmon. The salmon should be arranged in small ruffles for the most attractive presentation.
- Add Final Touches
- Sprinkle capers and sliced green onions over the assembled crostini. These ingredients add bright, punchy flavors that balance the richness of the salmon and cream cheese. Finish with optional fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
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The fresh dill in this recipe is truly transformative. The first time I made these without it when I ran out, my husband immediately noticed something was missing. Now I keep a pot of dill growing in my kitchen window just for this recipe.
Make-Ahead Options
For stress-free entertaining, you can prepare elements of this appetizer in advance. The herb cream cheese mixture can be made up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The baguette slices can be toasted several hours before serving and kept at room temperature in a paper bag to maintain their crispness.
When ready to serve, simply assemble the components. For a party, consider setting up a small assembly station where guests can build their own crostini with the prepared ingredients, allowing the bread to stay crispy and the experience to be interactive.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe welcomes creative adaptations based on what you have available. If dill isn't your preference, try fresh chives or tarragon for different but complementary flavor profiles. Cream cheese can be swapped with goat cheese for a tangier option, or use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests.
For the smoked salmon, hot-smoked varieties offer a different texture and more intense smoky flavor. In a pinch, smoked trout or even thinly sliced prosciutto can stand in as alternatives. The cucumber can be replaced with thinly sliced radishes for extra peppery crunch, while microgreens can substitute for arugula.
Serving Suggestions
These crostini shine as part of a larger appetizer spread. Consider serving them alongside complementary finger foods like stuffed mushrooms, a cheese board with honey and fruit, or classic deviled eggs. For drinks, the bright flavors pair beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or with champagne for celebratory occasions.
For a stunning presentation, arrange the crostini in a circular pattern on a large white platter, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. Garnish the center of the platter with additional sprigs of fresh dill and lemon wedges for guests who prefer extra brightness.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make these smoked salmon crostini ahead of time?
Yes, you can partially prep ahead! Make the herb cream cheese mixture in advance and store refrigerated. Toast the baguette slices just before serving, then assemble the crostini with the toppings to maintain the best texture and freshness.
- → What can I substitute for capers?
If you don't have or don't enjoy capers, try chopped green olives, pickled red onions, or a small amount of finely diced cornichons. Each will provide a similar briny contrast to the rich salmon and creamy cheese.
- → Can I use smoked trout instead of salmon?
Absolutely! Smoked trout works beautifully as a substitute for smoked salmon in this dish. You could also experiment with hot-smoked salmon or even thin slices of rare seared tuna for a different flavor profile.
- → What's the best bread to use for crostini?
A thin baguette is ideal as it provides the perfect bite-sized base. For variations, you could use sourdough baguette for more tang, ciabatta for a chewier texture, or even pumpernickel for a striking color contrast with the salmon.
- → How can I make these crostini dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Many brands offer herb-flavored options, or you can flavor plain dairy-free cream cheese with the herbs and seasonings in the original recipe.
- → What wines pair well with smoked salmon crostini?
These crostini pair beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay. Sparkling wines such as Prosecco or Champagne also complement the richness of the salmon and creaminess of the cheese spread.