Description
These Smoked Salmon Crostini are elegant, flavorful bite-sized appetizers perfect for gatherings or a light snack. Crispy toasted baguette slices are topped with a zesty lemon dill cream cheese spread, delicate smoked salmon, and garnished with capers, red onion, and fresh herbs to create a refreshing and sophisticated taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Toppings
- 1 baguette, sliced 1/2″ thick on a bias
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 8 oz. smoked salmon
- Whole grain mustard, for serving
- Capers, for serving
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Extra fresh dill, for garnish
Cream Cheese Spread
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon)
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup sliced chives
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the baguette slices evenly on a baking sheet and drizzle them lightly with extra-virgin olive oil to ensure they toast up crispy and flavorful.
- Bake the Crostini: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread slices for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and crisp. Remove the crostini from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Make the Cream Cheese Spread: In a medium bowl, combine the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Add the cream cheese, chopped fresh dill, and sliced chives. Using a handheld mixer on medium speed or a whisk, beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until it becomes fluffy and light.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous layer of the lemon dill cream cheese mixture onto each toasted baguette slice. Top each piece with smoked salmon, then add a dollop of whole grain mustard. Garnish with capers, thinly sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh dill to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can prepare the cream cheese spread a few hours ahead and refrigerate it to allow flavors to meld.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread slices.
- If fresh dill is unavailable, fresh parsley can be a mild substitute, but dill is preferred for authentic flavor.
- Leftover crostini are best enjoyed the same day to maintain the bread’s crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
