Smoked Salmon Crostini is an elegant and simple appetizer that can be prepared in just a few minutes but looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. The base is a crispy, toasted baguette slice that’s topped with a creamy spread—usually cream cheese, crème fraîche, or mascarpone—and finished with silky smoked salmon. Garnished with fresh herbs, capers, and a squeeze of lemon, this dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and zesty flavors.
These crostini are perfect for any occasion, from a holiday party to a casual dinner. They’re easy to make but look incredibly sophisticated, making them an ideal choice for entertaining.
What Are Smoked Salmon Crostini?
Smoked Salmon Crostini are small, open-faced sandwiches made with toasted slices of baguette. The bread is typically spread with a creamy base (like cream cheese or crème fraîche) and topped with thin slices of smoked salmon. The final touches include fresh herbs, capers, and a bit of lemon juice, creating a sophisticated and flavorful bite-sized treat.
These crostini can be served as an appetizer, brunch item, or a light snack. The combination of textures—the crispy toast, creamy spread, and silky smoked salmon—along with the salty capers and bright lemon, creates a delightful experience in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients to create a flavorful and elegant appetizer.
For the crostini
- 1 baguette (sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling on the bread)
- 4 oz smoked salmon (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (or crème fraîche, mascarpone, or goat cheese)
For the garnish
- Fresh dill or chives (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon capers (drained)
- Lemon wedges (for squeezing)
- Freshly ground black pepper
These ingredients combine to make a light yet rich appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
How to Make Smoked Salmon Crostini
Making Smoked Salmon Crostini is quick and easy. In just a few simple steps, you can have a beautiful, flavorful appetizer ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toast the baguette
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle lightly with olive oil on both sides.
- Toast the bread in the oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the creamy spread
- While the bread is toasting, take the cream cheese (or your chosen spread) and soften it by leaving it out at room temperature for a few minutes. This will make it easier to spread.
- If you prefer, you can mix in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, herbs, or a bit of garlic to enhance the flavor of the spread.
- Assemble the crostini
- Once the baguette slices have cooled slightly, spread a generous amount of cream cheese (or other spread) on each piece of toasted bread.
- Top each slice with a few pieces of smoked salmon, ensuring each crostini gets a nice portion of the delicate fish.
- Garnish and serve
- Sprinkle each crostini with fresh dill or chives for a burst of freshness.
- Add a few capers on top for a salty bite and a drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
- Finish with a crack of black pepper for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve the Smoked Salmon Crostini immediately as a beautiful appetizer or snack.
Tips for the Best Smoked Salmon Crostini
To ensure your Smoked Salmon Crostini turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Choose high-quality smoked salmon: Since the smoked salmon is the star of the dish, opt for a high-quality product. Wild-caught salmon, if possible, will offer the best flavor and texture.
- Use room-temperature spread: If using cream cheese, mascarpone, or another spread, make sure it’s softened to room temperature before using. This ensures it spreads easily on the crostini and doesn’t tear the bread.
- Don’t over-toast the bread: Be careful not to over-toast the baguette slices, as they can become too crunchy and difficult to bite into. A light golden color is all you need.
- Add variety: For added flavor, try using flavored cream cheese (such as garlic herb or lemon) or experimenting with different garnishes like pickled onions or arugula.
These tips will help you create a perfectly balanced and delicious crostini every time!
What to Serve with Smoked Salmon Crostini
Smoked Salmon Crostini are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks.
Perfect pairings
- Fresh salad: A light salad with arugula, mixed greens, or a simple lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the crostini.
- Vegetables: Serve with vegetable sticks like cucumber, carrots, or celery for a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the creamy dip.
- Cheese board: Pair the crostini with a variety of cheeses, such as goat cheese, brie, or sharp cheddar, for a delightful grazing platter.
For drinks
- Champagne or sparkling wine: The bubbles in champagne or sparkling wine provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the smoked salmon.
- White wine: A light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well with the smokiness of the salmon.
- Cocktails: For a festive touch, serve with classic cocktails like martinis or gin and tonics. Their fresh and light flavor complements the crostini perfectly.
Health Benefits of Smoked Salmon Crostini
While this appetizer is indulgent, it still offers some nutritional benefits:
- Smoked salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain and heart health.
- Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants that can improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation.
- Capers are low in calories and high in antioxidants, and they also contain vitamin K, which is essential for bone health.
While Smoked Salmon Crostini are a flavorful treat, they can also be a healthy addition to your diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Make-Ahead Tips
This appetizer is quick to assemble, but you can prep some components ahead of time to make serving easier:
- Toast the baguette in advance: You can toast the baguette slices a few hours before serving. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble the crostini.
- Prepare the spread: If you’re using cream cheese or another spread, mix it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before spreading on the crostini.
- Assemble just before serving: For the best texture and flavor, it’s best to assemble the crostini just before serving to ensure the bread stays crispy and fresh.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular salmon instead of smoked salmon?
While regular cooked salmon can be used, smoked salmon is preferred for its distinct flavor. The smokiness adds a unique richness to the crostini that’s hard to replicate with regular salmon.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free bread or gluten-free crackers as the base for the crostini. This will make the dish suitable for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese spread?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can use mascarpone, goat cheese, or crème fraîche as a spread. Each option adds a unique flavor to the crostini.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored separately—keep the smoked salmon and bread in different containers. The bread can become soggy if it’s stored with the spread. Store the smoked salmon in the fridge and consume within a day.
5. Can I serve these crostini as a main dish?
While these crostini are typically an appetizer or snack, you can certainly serve them as part of a light main dish, paired with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.
6. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
To keep the bread crisp, only spread the cream cheese and top with salmon just before serving. If you assemble the crostini too far in advance, the spread can soak into the bread and make it soggy.
7. Can I freeze Smoked Salmon Crostini?
It’s not ideal to freeze the crostini once assembled, as the bread can become soggy. However, you can freeze the toasted baguette slices and the smoked salmon separately and assemble the crostini when ready to serve.
8. How do I make these crostini spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes on top of the salmon for an extra kick. You can also add pickled jalapeños for a tangy spice.
9. How do I make these crostini more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, you can add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or tarragon to the cream cheese spread, or use a flavored cream cheese, such as garlic or chive-infused.
10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the spread and toast the bread ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the crostini just before serving to ensure the bread stays crisp.