Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 9 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a party appetizer that’s simple, elegant, and absolutely bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. This Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that always gets rave reviews—and I’m excited to share it with you. It’s quick to put together, packed with fresh herbs and that luscious smoked salmon, and perfect for any festive gathering or casual get-together. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on your regular rotation for sure!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The tangy cream cheese with lemon and dill pairs perfectly with the rich, smoky salmon, creating a harmonious bite every time.
  • Crunch Meets Creaminess: Crisp toasted baguette slices hold up beautifully under the creamy topping, delivering great texture contrast.
  • Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for last-minute entertaining or holiday spreads.
  • Customizable Garnishes: Capers and fresh dill bring a burst of freshness and visual appeal, but you can easily tailor them to your taste or occasion.
Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese, smoked salmon appetizer, easy party appetizers, elegant finger foods, bridal shower snack ideas - The image shows small white toasted bread slices as the base layer, each topped with a smooth layer of pink salmon. On top of the salmon, there is a swirl of white cream cheese mixed with herbs, giving a soft and fluffy texture. Each swirl is decorated with a small green caper and a sprig of fresh green dill. The white plate holding the toasts sits on a white marbled surface, with more capers and dill scattered around for decoration. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here has its moment to shine, and together they build a classic appetizer you and your guests won’t forget. When picking your ingredients, freshness really makes a difference—especially with the dill and lemon, which brighten everything up.

Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese, smoked salmon appetizer, easy party appetizers, elegant finger foods, bridal shower snack ideas - Flat lay of a fresh whole baguette, several golden toasted baguette slices arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of softened cream cheese, a small white bowl with freshly squeezed lemon juice, a small white bowl of chopped fresh dill, one whole garlic clove unpeeled, a small white bowl containing capers, a few sprigs of fresh dill, thin folded slices of cold smoked salmon, and a small white bowl with freshly cracked black pepper, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Baguette: I prefer a fresh, sturdy baguette that holds its crunch after toasting; pre-sliced works great if you’re pressed for time.
  • Olive Oil Spray: Lightly coating the bread crisps it perfectly without getting soggy or greasy.
  • Cream Cheese (softened): The base for that creamy topping; soft but not melted is key for easy mixing and piping.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a little tang that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese.
  • Fresh Dill: Brings that herbaceous, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with salmon.
  • Garlic Clove (crushed): Adds a subtle depth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
  • Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: The basics that enhance every component.
  • Cold Smoked Salmon: The star of the dish—go for good-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor and texture.
  • Capers (for garnish): Their briny punch is the perfect finishing touch.
  • Fresh Dill (for garnish): Adds color and a fresh note to finish the crostini.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to ramp up the herbs, swap ingredients for dietary needs, or experiment with toppings, go for it! I often play around with what’s in my fridge and find little tweaks make it even more special.

  • Herb Variations: I sometimes add chives or parsley along with dill for a slightly different herbal kick, which is delicious.
  • Spicy Twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey on top can give a wonderful contrast to the smoky salmon.
  • Dairy-Free Swap: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make this friendly for lactose intolerance, still tastes great!
  • Seasonal Toppings: For holidays, I like to add pomegranate seeds or thinly sliced radishes on top — they add color and texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Baguette Slices to Crispy Perfection

I cut the baguette into about ¼ to ½ inch slices — aim for around 30-35 slices so you have plenty for a crowd. Then I arrange them on a baking sheet and give both sides a light spray of olive oil. Toasting at 350°F for around 9 minutes, flipping halfway through, yields these perfectly golden, crunchy little bread slices that won’t get soggy under the toppings. If you try to skip the flipping, some slices might toast unevenly — trust me, flipping is worth the extra second!

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Spread

While the crostini cool, I whip together the cream cheese mixture in a bowl. Using softened cream cheese (never melted!), I add fresh chopped dill, freshly squeezed lemon juice, crushed garlic, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Mixing until smooth, I sometimes spoon it into a piping bag — makes dolloping it on later so neat and easy. If you don’t have a piping bag, a small spoon works just fine too!

Step 3: Build Your Crostini

Once the slices have cooled completely, I lay them out on a pretty serving platter. Then I top each slice with a piece of smoked salmon—one slice per crostini is perfect for balance. Using the piping bag, I add a small dollop of that luscious cream cheese mixture right on top of the salmon. Finally, I finish things off with a few capers and a tiny sprig of fresh dill for color and zing. Simple, elegant, and irresistible!

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Pro Tips for Making Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese Recipe

  • Use Fresh Dill: I’ve found freshly chopped dill makes all the difference—dried just doesn’t give that same vibrant flavor.
  • Don’t Overdo the Lemon: The lemon juice adds brightness, but start with a little—you can always add more if needed.
  • Keep Crostini Crispy: Let the bread cool completely before adding toppings to avoid sogginess.
  • Choosing Smoked Salmon: Opt for cold smoked salmon for a silky texture; it’s the classic choice for crostini.

How to Serve Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese Recipe

Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese, smoked salmon appetizer, easy party appetizers, elegant finger foods, bridal shower snack ideas - The image shows a white plate with several small toasted bread slices arranged in rows. Each slice is topped with three layers: the bottom layer is pinkish-orange smoked salmon with a smooth texture, the middle layer is a dollop of white creamy spread mixed with herbs, and the top layer features a few small green capers and a small sprig of fresh green dill. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered dill and capers around the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always swear by capers and fresh dill as my go-to garnishes—they add that lovely briny contrast and a fresh herbal burst that brightens every bite. Sometimes if I want a little extra color and zing, I add thinly sliced radishes or a light sprinkle of finely chopped chives. These just take the presentation up a notch while complementing the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

For a complete spread, I like pairing these crostini with a crisp green salad or a light cucumber salad to keep things fresh. A chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon also pairs wonderfully—it really feels like a fancy little bite you’d get at a classy party!

Creative Ways to Present

Once for a holiday brunch, I arranged the crostini on a large wooden board surrounded by lemon wedges, extra dill sprigs, and bowls of capers and red onion slices so guests could customize their bites. It makes a beautiful centerpiece and invites mingling. Another time, I made mini crostini using a thinner baguette, which look adorable for cocktail parties or kids’ events.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover crostini components separately—the crostini bread slices in an airtight container to maintain crispness, and the cream cheese mixture in a covered bowl in the fridge. The salmon should be tightly wrapped to keep it fresh. Assemble crostini just before serving the next day for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled crostini since the bread will get soggy and the cream cheese won’t keep its fluffy texture. However, you can freeze leftover cream cheese mixture by placing it in a sealed container and thawing in the fridge before use, then give it a quick stir.

Reheating

To revive the crostini bread, pop the slices in a warm oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes to crisp them up again—but don’t add toppings until fully cooled to keep things from getting soggy. Cream cheese and smoked salmon are best served cold, so I keep those fresh and add immediately before serving.

FAQs

  1. Can I use different types of bread for this Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese Recipe?

    Absolutely! While a baguette is traditional and provides a nice crunch and size, you can use rye, sourdough, or even multigrain bread. Just make sure to slice it thinly and toast until crisp to hold up under the toppings.

  2. How long can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

    You can toast the crostini bread 1-2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. The cream cheese mixture can be made up to a day ahead and kept refrigerated. Assemble with smoked salmon just before serving for the freshest flavors.

  3. Is it okay to substitute smoked salmon with fresh salmon?

    Fresh salmon can be used if you cook and flake it first, but it won’t have that signature smoky flavor. For the best experience in this recipe, cold smoked salmon is recommended.

  4. Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

    Yes! Swap the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use a vegan smoked salmon substitute or marinated carrot “lox” to keep similar flavors and texture.

  5. What’s the best way to store leftover smoked salmon crostini?

    Store components separately in the fridge—crostini in an airtight bag or container, cream cheese mixture covered, and smoked salmon tightly wrapped. Assemble just before eating.

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese Recipe is one of my go-to appetizers when I want something that feels fancy but is simple to throw together. I love how quick it is, yet how much it impresses guests with those bold, bright flavors and that perfect crunchy-creamy combo. Give it a try next time you’re hosting; I promise it’ll become a crowd favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, it’s a pleasure to share with friends and family around the kitchen table—just like I’m doing with you right now.

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Smoked Salmon Crostini with Cream Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 30 crostini
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Delight your guests with these festive Christmas Smoked Salmon Crostini, featuring crispy baguette slices topped with a creamy dill and lemon-infused cream cheese, cold smoked salmon, and garnished with capers and fresh dill. Perfect for holiday parties or elegant appetizers.

Ingredients

Bread

  • 1-2 baguettes, enough to get about 30-35 ¼th inch slices
  • Olive oil spray

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (not melted)
  • 1 small lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 fresh garlic clove, crushed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Toppings and Garnish

  • 8 oz cold smoked salmon
  • Capers, for garnish
  • Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for toasting the baguette slices.
  2. Slice Baguette: Cut the baguette into ¼ to ½ inch slices, yielding approximately 30 to 35 pieces. Arrange the slices evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Toast Bread: Lightly spray both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil spray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the slices are golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.
  4. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended. Transfer to a piping bag if desired for easy application.
  5. Assemble Crostini: Once the crostini bread has cooled, arrange the slices on a serving platter. Place a slice of cold smoked salmon on each crostini.
  6. Add Cream Cheese Dollop: Use the piping bag to pipe a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top of each salmon-topped crostini for an elegant finish.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish each crostini with a few capers and a sprig of fresh dill. Serve immediately and enjoy your festive appetizer!

Notes

  • Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the baguette evenly without crushing the bread.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened but not melted to maintain the right texture for spreading and piping.
  • If you don’t have a piping bag, use a small spoon to dollop the cream cheese mixture.
  • For extra flavor, lightly zest some lemon over the finished crostini.
  • These crostini are best served fresh on the day they are prepared to keep the bread crisp.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 crostini
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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