American
👍 Beginner Friendly
1h 5measy
AmericanAppetizer
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsThese Smoked Salmon Crostini represent the perfect marriage of simplicity and elegance in American entertaining. Crispy toasted baguette slices provide the perfect base for a luxurious spread of herb-infused cream cheese, delicate smoked salmon, and bright finishing touches of fresh dill and briny capers. This appetizer has become a staple at cocktail parties and holiday gatherings across America, offering a taste of sophistication without hours in the kitchen. The combination of textures—from crunchy bread to creamy cheese to silky salmon—creates a memorable bite that guests reach for again and again. Best of all, these beautiful appetizers can be assembled quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy your event. The recipe easily scales up for larger crowds and can be partially prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the baguette into 24 rounds, each about 1/4-inch thick. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a large sheet pan.
Brush both sides of each bread slice lightly with olive oil. Toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool on a cooling rack.
While the bread toasts, prepare the herbed cream cheese spread. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to mix until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Once the crostini have cooled to room temperature, spread about 1 tablespoon of the herbed cream cheese mixture on each piece using a butter knife or small spatula.
Arrange the smoked salmon pieces artfully on top of the cream cheese, folding or rolling them for an elegant presentation. Each crostini should have approximately 1/2 ounce of salmon.
Garnish each crostini with a small sprig of fresh dill, a few capers, and a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Smoked Salmon Crostini with Herbed Cream
3.5 (109)
Elegant toasted bread rounds topped with herbed cream cheese, premium smoked salmon, fresh dill, and capers. A sophisticated appetizer ready in just 20 minutes that impresses at any gathering.
easy
20 min
24 servings
Ingredients
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Base
- 1 pieces Bread, sliced into 24 rounds
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil, for brushing
Spread
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons Dill, fresh, finely chopped
- 1 pieces Lemon, juiced
- 1 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1/4 teaspoons Black Pepper, freshly ground
Topping
- 340 grams Salmon, smoked, thinly sliced
Chef Tips
expert advice•For the best flavor, use high-quality smoked salmon from a trusted source.
•Norwegian or Scottish salmon works beautifully.
•The crostini can be toasted up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
•If serving at a party, consider setting up a crostini bar where guests can assemble their own with various toppings.
•For a beautiful presentation, arrange the crostini in a circular pattern on a large round platter with lemon wedges in the center.
Variations & Substitutions
make it your own•If you prefer a lighter option, substitute Neufchatel cheese for the cream cheese.
•For variation, try adding thinly sliced red onion, cucumber ribbons, or a dollop of caviar for extra luxury.
•You can also substitute the dill with fresh chives or parsley based on preference.
Storage & Reheating
keeping it freshStorage
Assembled crostini are best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Toasted bread rounds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The herbed cream cheese mixture can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 3 days. Do not freeze assembled crostini as the texture will be compromised.
Reheating
These crostini are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. If refrigerated, remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Do not reheat as this will wilt the fresh herbs and make the salmon rubbery. If the bread has softened, you can re-crisp the plain toasted rounds in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes before assembling.
