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Elegant Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe Easy Homemade Appetizer for Parties

smoked salmon crostini - featured image

This elegant smoked salmon crostini with cream cheese is a quick, classy appetizer featuring smoky salmon, creamy lemon-dill cream cheese, and crispy toasted baguette slices. Perfect for parties and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium baguette, sliced diagonally into 1/4-inch (6mm) thick pieces
  • 8 ounces (225g) smoked salmon, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/4-inch (6mm) thick pieces, aiming for uniform slices.
  3. Brush each slice lightly with extra virgin olive oil on both sides.
  4. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping.
  5. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and firm but not burnt.
  6. While the bread toasts, mix the cream cheese, lemon zest, and chopped dill in a bowl until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Let the toasted crostini cool for a few minutes to prevent the cream cheese from melting too much when spread.
  8. Spread about 1 tablespoon (15g) of the cream cheese mixture onto each crostini.
  9. Top each with a folded slice of smoked salmon and, if desired, a few capers.
  10. Finish with a light sprinkle of black pepper and a tiny dill sprig if desired.
  11. Serve immediately or chill for up to an hour before serving.

Notes

Let cream cheese sit out for 10-15 minutes before mixing for easier spreading. Use gluten-free baguette or crackers for gluten-free version. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with plant-based or nut-based spread. Toast baguette slices just until golden to avoid hard texture. Assemble crostini shortly before serving to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

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