Smoked salmon canapes are fantastic appetizers or finger food, and perfect for entertaining. Smoked salmon, dill and cream cheese are layered on top of blinis or crostinis to create an easy savory starter.
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If you love smoked salmon, you have to try these easy salmon bites! They look really fancy, and perfect for entertaining, but they are also easy enough to prepare for brunch.
Whether you're looking to make a simple appetizer for Christmas dinner, or you're trying to impress guests at a birthday party, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Smoked salmon canapés have a very mild and pleasant flavor, which is sure to please a crowd.
Why you'll love it
- Easy to make with no cooking required
- Only requires 4 ingredients
- Salmon bites are probably the most popular seafood appetizer
- Perfect as a tasty snack, or as a holiday starter
- Great finger food for entertaining
- Has a very mild fish flavor
Ingredients
Cream cheese: Any spreadable cream cheese will work well for this recipe. You can also use a block of cream cheese if it's softened. Alternatively, use a savory cream cheese spread like Scallion Cream Cheese.
Smoked salmon: Cold smoked salmon, or smoked trout will both work well. If you use frozen smoked salmon, you will have to defrost it before use.
Crostini: These are toasted, crispy pieces of bread. You can usually find these next to the crackers in the grocery store, but you can also make them yourself. Alternatively, use your favorite crackers or blinis.
Dill: Fresh dill is a great pairing with salmon and cream cheese. It is however optional, so you can omit it if you prefer, or substitute with parsley.
Instructions
You can find full instructions + ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page
One: Spread a thick layer of cream cheese on top of crostinis or blinis.
Two: Add a piece of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh dill. Keep the canapes refrigerated, or serve them immediately.
Top tips
- Replace the crostinis with blinis, or your favorite crackers. You can use any savory crackers that you like.
- This appetizer tastes the best if served immediately, or at least within a few hours of preparing the dish.
- Omit the dill, or substitute it with any other herb if you prefer.
Serving suggestions
These easy smoked salmon canapes are best served as an appetizer, starter, snack, or even as a chic breakfast or lunch.
I like to serve my canapes along with other finger foods, like Air Fryer Zucchini & Corn Fritters, Cheese and Onion Sausage Rolls, Spanish Meatballs (Albondigas), Mozzarella Stuffed Mushrooms or Honey Roasted Almonds.
You can also serve them with finger sandwiches, scones and Victoria Sponge for afternoon tea.
Variations
Change the cream cheese: Instead of plain cream cheese, trying using a flavored cream cheese spread, like my favorite Scallion Cream Cheese. You can also use creme fraiche if you prefer, or even tartare sauce.
Try a different bread or cracker: Crostinis and blinis are the obvious choice for this dish, however you can also make this recipe with any savory cracker or crispbread. For example, try making them with Flaxseed Crackers or toasted sourdough slices. You can also replace the crackers with sliced cucumbers as a low calorie alternative.
Add toppings: Other toppings, like herbs, pickles, cucumbers, caviar, asparagus, capers, olives, scallions, radishes, red onions, lemon juice, avocado or chives, can be a great way to change this easy canape. You can even combine different versions on the same plate to make the dish more impressive.
Storage
This dish is best served fresh, but can me made ahead and refrigerated for a few hours before serving.
If you want to prepare the salmon appetizers in advance, you can prepare the cream cheese and salmon in separate containers, and combine the ingredients immediately before serving.
Any leftovers can be stored for up to a day in a refrigerator. Keep in mind that the crostinis will become softer over time, and might not be as crunchy the next day.
Frequently asked questions
They are best served cold, on a serving platter or tray, as an appetizer. Alternatively, you can serve them as a snack, or finger food at a buffet table.
Canapes are small, bite-sized, savory foods. They have a pastry or bread base, and a variety of toppings.
You might also like these recipes
- Oven Dried Blueberries
- Baked Camembert with Honey
- Ham, Egg and Cheese Rollups
- Potato and Cheese Balls
- Smoked Salmon and Avocado Toast
- Smoked Salmon and Quinoa Salad
If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with #hintofhealthy!
Recipe
Smoked Salmon Canapes
Ingredients
- 20 crostini
- 2 ounces smoked salmon
- 4 ounces cream cheese (spreadable or softened)
- 1 small bunch dill
Instructions
- Place the blinis or crostinis on a serving tray or cutting board.
- Spread a thick layer of cream cheese on top of crostinis or blinis.
- Add a piece of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh dill. Keep the canapes refrigerated, or serve them immediately.
Video
Notes
- The salmon canapes taste best when served immediately, but can be refrigerated for a few hours if required.
- Use flavored or seasoned cream cheese to add more flavor to the bites.
- You can replace the crostini with any savory crackers that you like, and add extra toppings like herbs or vegetables as you please.
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