Smoked Salmon Canapés
These Smoked Salmon Canapés are quick, easy, and elegant, featuring protein-rich salmon and fiber-packed rye bread. Topped with a creamy dill and cream cheese spread, they’re a healthy, satisfying appetizer ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for parties, gatherings, or a simple nutritious snack.
Equipment
- Oven or toaster oven (1)
- Baking tray – 1
- Small mixing bowl (1)
- Fork (1)
- Knife – 1
- Cutting board – 1
Ingredients
- 2 –3 slices thin rye bread see notes
- 3 tablespoons red onion minced, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill minced, plus extra for garnish
- 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 2 –3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 4 ounces smoked salmon
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Bread: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat will quickly toast the bread squares to a perfect golden crisp. While the oven warms, cut your rye bread slices into roughly 1½-inch (3.8 cm) squares. If your bread has crusts, remove them for a cleaner, more elegant presentation. Depending on your bread size, you’ll need 2–3 slices to make 16 squares. For a thinner bread option, gently roll it with a rolling pin, ensuring it still maintains enough structure to hold toppings.
- Toast the Bread Squares: Place the cut bread squares evenly on a baking tray. Bake them in the preheated oven for 2–3 minutes, then carefully flip each square and toast for an additional 2–3 minutes. The goal is a light golden crust that is crisp but not hard. If using a toaster oven, toast until evenly golden on both sides. Once toasted, transfer the squares to a plate or platter and let them cool slightly to avoid wilting the toppings later.
- Mince the Aromatics: While the bread is cooling, finely mince the red onion and fresh dill. Reserve one tablespoon of minced red onion for garnish and set aside. The combination of onion and dill will infuse the creamy spread with fresh, aromatic flavors, balancing the richness of the smoked salmon.
- Soften and Mash the Cream Cheese: Place the cream cheese in a small mixing bowl at room temperature. Using a fork, mash the cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. This creates a soft, spreadable base that will easily combine with herbs and seasonings.
- Incorporate Herbs and Lemon: Add the minced dill and two tablespoons of the minced red onion to the cream cheese. Pour in 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Mix thoroughly with the fork, ensuring the herbs and lemon are evenly distributed. This mixture should be creamy, fragrant, and slightly tangy, perfectly complementing the smoked salmon.
- Season the Cream Cheese Mixture: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Take a moment to taste the mixture and adjust flavors as needed, adding more lemon juice, dill, or seasoning to suit your preference. For deeper flavor, cover the mixture and refrigerate for up to one hour, or prepare up to two days in advance, allowing the herbs to meld with the cream cheese.
- Spread the Cream Cheese on Bread: Using a small butter knife or spoon, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each toasted bread square. Be careful to cover the surface evenly while leaving a clean edge for an elegant presentation. The creamy layer acts as a flavorful “glue” to hold the smoked salmon in place.
- Shape and Place the Smoked Salmon: Tear off small strips of smoked salmon and gently roll them into rose-like shapes. Place each salmon rose on top of the cream cheese-covered bread squares. The rolling technique adds a visual sophistication to the canapés, making them appear gourmet with minimal effort.
- Garnish the Canapés: Top each canapé with a small sprinkling of the reserved minced red onion and a delicate sprig of dill. This finishing touch adds color, freshness, and a subtle crunch, elevating both presentation and taste.
- Serve or Store: Serve the canapés immediately for the best crispness and flavor. If needed, arrange them on a platter, loosely cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours. Keep in mind that softer breads may lose some crispness, while denser breads like rye will maintain their structure. These canapés are best enjoyed fresh but can be prepped slightly in advance for convenience.
Notes
- Use dense rye or pumpernickel bread for structure; thinner breads can be gently rolled to even thickness.
- Fresh dill adds bright flavor, but chives, tarragon, or parsley are excellent substitutes.
- Cream cheese mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance; bring to room temperature before spreading.
- Toast bread just before assembly to maintain crispness.
- Handle smoked salmon gently to preserve its delicate texture and appearance.
- Garnish with minced onion and dill sprigs for an elegant, visually appealing presentation.
- Adjust lemon juice, salt, and pepper in the cream cheese mixture to taste for optimal flavor balance.
- Dense breads maintain crispness better if assembled slightly in advance; softer breads are best served immediately.
