Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese, Cucumber, and Capers Recipe

Introduction

Smoked Salmon Crostini are elegant, bite-sized appetizers perfect for any gathering. Combining creamy lemon-dill cream cheese, fresh cucumber, and savory smoked salmon on crisp baguette slices, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 baguette (cut into 1/4 – 1/2 inch slices)
• 1 long English cucumber (thinly sliced)
• 3.5 ounces jar capers (drained)
• 6 ounces wild smoked salmon (smaller pieces)
• 5 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 lemon (zest whole and juice half, about 1-2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill (finely chopped, plus more for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for crostini)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil, sprinkle lightly with salt, and bake for 10 minutes, turning once halfway through. Remove from the oven and let the slices cool completely.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Arrange the cooled crostini on a serving platter. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture on each slice.
4. Step 4: Top each crostini with a slice of cucumber and a rolled piece of smoked salmon. Garnish with capers and extra dill. Serve immediately as elegant bite-sized appetizers.

Tips & Variations

• For a tangier flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the cream cheese mixture.
• Use whole grain or sourdough baguette for a different flavor and texture.
• Substitute smoked salmon with smoked trout or lox if preferred.
• Make crostini a few hours ahead but assemble just before serving to keep bread crisp.

Storage

Store any leftover cream cheese mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If crostini slices are leftover without toppings, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain crispness. Assembled crostini are best served fresh; if necessary, cover lightly and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before serving. Avoid storing fully assembled crostini overnight to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the crostini slices in advance?

Yes, you can bake and cool the crostini slices a few hours ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble the toppings just before serving to keep the bread crisp.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with goat cheese or mascarpone for a different but equally creamy texture and flavor.

Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese, Cucumber, and Capers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 58 reviews

Smoked Salmon Crostini is a delightful appetizer featuring crispy baguette slices topped with a creamy lemon-dill spread, fresh cucumber, and savory smoked salmon, garnished with capers and fresh dill. Perfect for entertaining or as a fancy snack.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 crostini 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread

• 1 baguette, cut into 1/4 – 1/2 inch slices
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, for sprinkling on crostini

Toppings & Spread

• 6 ounces wild smoked salmon, smaller pieces
• 1 long English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 3.5 ounces jar capers, drained
• 5 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 lemon, zest whole and juice half (1–2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare crostini: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Brush both sides of the baguette slices with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle them with salt. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
2. Make the cream cheese spread: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice (about 1-2 tablespoons), finely chopped dill, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a smooth spread.
3. Assemble crostini: Place the cooled baguette slices on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each crostini, dividing the mixture equally among them.
4. Top and garnish: On each crostini, arrange a thin slice of cucumber, then add a rolled piece of smoked salmon on top. Garnish each with a few capers and a small sprig of fresh dill. Serve immediately as elegant, bite-sized appetizers.

Notes

• Use thin slices of cucumber to keep the crostini light and refreshing.
• You can adjust the lemon juice quantity based on your preferred tanginess.
• Ensure the baguette slices are fully cooled before spreading to prevent sogginess.
• For extra flavor, consider lightly toasting the capers before garnishing.
• This appetizer is best served fresh, but you can prepare the crostini and spread ahead of time, assembling just before serving.

Keywords: smoked salmon, crostini, appetizer, cream cheese, lemon, dill, cucumber, capers