Description

Smoked salmon canapés are elegant, flavorful appetizers that often make an appearance at sophisticated gatherings and special occasions. These bite-sized treats feature a base of crisp crackers, thinly sliced bread, or delicate blinis (small pancakes) topped with a generous slice of smoked salmon. The salmon is often paired with creamy, tangy spreads such as crème fraîche, cream cheese, or horseradish sauce, which complement the rich, savory flavor of the smoked fish. Garnishes like fresh dill, lemon zest, capers, or finely chopped red onions are used to enhance the taste and add a burst of color. Smoked salmon canapés are an excellent choice for festive occasions, brunches, or cocktail parties, offering a luxurious, savory flavor in a small, easy-to-eat bite. The balance of the smoky, silky salmon with the creamy topping and fresh garnishes makes these canapés a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 lb smoked salmon: The key ingredient that brings all the flavors together. Smoked salmon offers a rich, smoky flavor that’s both savory and slightly briny, complementing the creamy spread.
20–25 crackers or toasted baguette slices: The base of your canapés. You can use any type of cracker, but toasted baguette slices offer a more substantial and crunchy bite.
4 oz cream cheese (softened): Cream cheese forms the foundation of the spread, giving the canapés a rich, creamy texture that balances the smoky salmon.
2 tablespoons sour cream: Adds tangy contrast, enhancing the richness of the cream cheese and contributing to a smoother consistency.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and subtle acidity, cutting through the richness of the smoked salmon and cream cheese, with a refreshing note.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds tang and complexity to the spread, complementing the creamy cheese mixture and bringing out the savory flavors of the smoked salmon.
Fresh dill: An essential garnish with a slightly sweet, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with smoked salmon and adds a fragrant, herbal note to each bite.
Capers (optional): Bring a burst of briny, salty flavor that pairs wonderfully with smoked salmon and adds a tangy finish to the canapés.
Fresh chives (optional): Provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color, making them a perfect garnish for these canapés.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning, a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper helps balance and enhance the flavors of the spread and smoked salmon.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before assembling the canapés, gather all of your ingredients and prepare them:

Smoked Salmon: Slice the smoked salmon into manageable pieces, about 1 to 2 inches wide. You’ll want the slices to be large enough to cover the crackers or bread, but not so large that they overwhelm the other flavors.
Cream Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Bread or Crackers: If you’re using crackers, simply arrange them on a platter. If you’re using baguette slices, toast them lightly in a preheated oven or on a grill pan until golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
Garnishes: Finely chop fresh dill, chives, and set the capers aside if using. You’ll need these to garnish the canapés just before serving.

Step 2: Assemble the Canapés

Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to assemble the canapés:

Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a small butter knife or spoon, spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each cracker or piece of toasted baguette. Don’t overdo it—just a thin, even layer is enough to create a rich base.
Add the Smoked Salmon: Place a slice of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese spread. You can gently fold or layer the salmon for a visually appealing presentation. Let the salmon drape over the edges of the cracker or toast for a beautiful, elegant look.
Garnish and Season: Top each canapé with a sprinkle of fresh dill, a few chopped chives, and optional capers for extra tang. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top will enhance the overall flavor, and freshly cracked black pepper will add a little extra depth.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Once the canapés are assembled, arrange them neatly on a serving platter. These canapés are best served immediately, but you can prepare all of the components ahead of time. Just be sure to assemble the canapés within an hour of serving to ensure the freshness of the bread and salmon.

If you need to make them in advance, store the cream cheese spread, smoked salmon, and toasted baguette slices separately in airtight containers in the fridge, and then assemble the canapés just before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Assemble Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 120 kcal
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g