Smoked Salmon Canapés Recipe

This Smoked Salmon Canapés Recipe with Caviar uses delicate smoked salmon, creamy cheese and caviar on a crisp cracker.

Delicately balanced on a crisp cracker, the silky folds of smoked salmon are adorned with a creamy layer of dill-infused cream cheese. If you're feeling particularly extravagant, a dollop of caviar crowns each canapé, adding bursts of briny indulgence. The combination of flavors, textures, and vibrant garnishes will captivate both the eyes and the palate, elevating your culinary experience.

Each component of this recipe contributes to the overall harmony. The smoked salmon brings a rich umami flavor, enhanced by the subtle smokiness that dances on your tongue. The cream cheese, whipped to a velvety consistency, imparts a mild tanginess while highlighting the fresh herbal notes of dill. For those seeking an extra touch of opulence, the caviar adds a pop of saltiness and an air of extravagance, taking these canapés to the next level.

If you love this recipe, you need to try my Salmon Carpaccio or my Salmon Crudo.

Jump to:

• What are smoked salmon canapés?
• Why you will love this recipe
• Smoked Salmon Canapés Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Smoked Salmon Canapés
• What to serve with Smoked Salmon Canapés
• Substitutions
• Smoked Salmon Canapés Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Smoked Salmon Canapés
• Smoked Salmon Canapés Recipe Top tips
• Smoked Salmon Canapés with Caviar
• Food safety

What are smoked salmon canapés?

Smoked salmon canapés are elegant bite-sized appetizers that feature thin slices of smoked salmon, usually rolled or folded, and served on a base such as crackers or toasted bread. They are typically garnished with complementary ingredients like cream cheese, dill, caviar, or lemon wedges to enhance the flavors and create a visually appealing presentation. These canapés offer a delightful combination of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors, making them a popular choice for special occasions, cocktail parties, or as an indulgent treat for seafood lovers.

Why you will love this recipe

• Elegance meets simplicity: These canapés effortlessly bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. With their beautiful presentation and sophisticated combination of flavors, they give the impression of being meticulously crafted while being surprisingly easy to prepare.
• Bursting with flavors: The smoked salmon imparts a rich, smoky taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy and tangy cream cheese. The addition of dill adds a fresh and herby note, while caviar provides bursts of briny indulgence. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
• Versatile and customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable to personal preferences and dietary needs. You can experiment with different types of crackers, choose between various flavors of cream cheese, or even add your own twist by incorporating additional ingredients like capers or finely diced red onions.
• Effortless entertaining: Smoked salmon canapés are perfect for entertaining guests. They can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your guests. The bite-sized portions make them easy to handle and enjoy while mingling.

Smoked Salmon Canapés Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Crackers (such as water crackers or thin toasts)
• Smoked salmon slices
• Caviar
• Fresh dill sprigs
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Smoked Salmon Canapés

What to serve with Smoked Salmon Canapés

• Fresh Fruit: Offer a selection of fresh fruits like sliced melons, berries, or grapes. The vibrant colors and refreshing flavors of the fruit will complement the rich and smoky taste of the canapés.
• Cheese and Charcuterie: Create a cheese and charcuterie board with a variety of cheeses such as brie, goat cheese, or blue cheese. Pair them with sliced cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or smoked ham. Add some olives, pickles, and crusty bread to complete the ensemble.
• Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Offer a chilled bottle of champagne or sparkling wine to accompany the canapés. The effervescence and crisp flavors will enhance the overall experience and add a touch of elegance to your gathering.

Substitutions

• Crackers: You can substitute the crackers with sliced baguette, toasted pita bread, cucumber rounds, or even endive leaves for a gluten-free option.
• Smoked salmon: If you prefer a different type of fish or if smoked salmon is not available, you can use thinly sliced cooked or cured fish like trout, mackerel, or gravlax.
• Caviar: If you don't have caviar or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with other toppings such as finely chopped red onions, capers, or small pieces of pickled herring for a tangy flavor.
• Fresh dill sprigs: If you don't have fresh dill, you can use other fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or basil for added freshness and flavor.
• Cream cheese: If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can use vegan cream cheese or try spreading a layer of mashed avocado or hummus for a different twist.
• Lemon wedges: If you don't have lemon wedges, you can use lime wedges or omit the citrus garnish altogether. Alternatively, you can drizzle a small amount of lemon or lime juice over the canapés before serving.

Smoked Salmon Canapés Recipe Variations

• Dill and Lemon Cream Cheese: Enhance the cream cheese spread by adding freshly grated lemon zest and extra chopped dill. This will give the canapés a brighter, zesty flavor.
• Wasabi Cream Cheese: Mix some wasabi paste into the cream cheese for a spicy kick. This variation adds a unique twist and pairs well with the smoky salmon.
• Avocado and Lime: Replace the cream cheese with mashed avocado mixed with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The creamy avocado provides a smooth and buttery element, while the lime adds a tangy citrus note.
• Horseradish Cream: Substitute the cream cheese with a horseradish cream sauce. The horseradish adds a sharp and pungent flavor that complements the richness of the smoked salmon.
• Cucumber Cups: Instead of using crackers, hollow out cucumber slices to create small cups. Fill each cucumber cup with a dollop of cream cheese, top it with smoked salmon, and garnish with dill or a sprinkle of caviar.

Check out my Ricotta Toast Recipe.

Equipment

To make smoked salmon canapés, you'll need the following equipment:

• Knife: A sharp knife will be essential for slicing the smoked salmon, chopping dill, and spreading cream cheese.
• Cutting Board: Use a clean cutting board to prepare and assemble the canapés. Having a separate board for fish and other ingredients can help prevent cross-contamination.
• Small Bowl: You'll need a small bowl to mix the cream cheese with herbs or other flavorings.
• Spatula or Butter Knife: A spatula or butter knife will be helpful for spreading the cream cheese mixture onto the crackers or bread.
• Serving Platter or Tray: Choose a platter or tray to arrange and display the finished canapés. Opt for a platter with enough space to hold all the canapés without overcrowding.

How to store Smoked Salmon Canapés

To properly store smoked salmon canapés, follow these guidelines:

1. Refrigeration: Smoked salmon canapés should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Place them in an airtight container or cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure the canapés are not left at room temperature for an extended period.
2. Separation: If you need to stack the canapés in layers, place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together or getting squished.
3. Timing: Smoked salmon canapés are best when served fresh, so try to consume them within 24 hours of preparation to ensure optimal taste and texture. The longer they sit, the crackers may become soft, and the flavors may blend together.
4. Components Separately: If you have leftover components such as smoked salmon, cream cheese, or garnishes, store them separately. Wrap the smoked salmon tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. The cream cheese can be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator. Fresh garnishes like dill sprigs or lemon wedges should be stored in a sealed bag or container.
5. Assembly Before Serving: If you're preparing the canapés ahead of time, it's best to assemble them just before serving to maintain the integrity of the crackers and the freshness of the toppings. This will help prevent the crackers from becoming soggy.

Smoked Salmon Canapés Recipe Top tips

• Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to smoked salmon. Look for fresh, thinly sliced smoked salmon that has a rich and flavorful taste.
• Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is properly softened before mixing it with other ingredients. This will make it easier to spread and incorporate flavors.
• Creative Garnishes: Don't be afraid to get creative with garnishes. Experiment with different toppings such as caviar, pickled onions, capers, or fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley. These additions can add unique flavors and visual appeal to the canapés.
• Consistent Sizing: Try to keep the sizes of the smoked salmon slices, cream cheese spread, and crackers consistent. This will not only create an aesthetically pleasing presentation but also ensure that each bite has a balanced combination of flavors.
• Chill Before Serving: After assembling the canapés, it's a good idea to let them chill in the refrigerator for a short time before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and also allow the cream cheese to set slightly.
• Timing is Key: Assemble the canapés just before serving to keep the crackers crisp. If you assemble them too far in advance, the crackers may become soggy from the toppings.
• Serve Fresh: Smoked salmon canapés are best enjoyed fresh. Aim to serve them soon after assembly to ensure the best texture and flavor.
• Presentation: Pay attention to the visual presentation of the canapés. Arrange them neatly on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges, and make sure they look enticing to your guests.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.