If you’re looking for a party appetizer that’s classy, easy, and absolutely delicious, this Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe is your new best friend. I first made these for a holiday gathering, and honestly, they vanished quicker than I could say “pass me another!” The combination of creamy herbed cream cheese, delicate smoked salmon, and crisp crostini slices creates a bite that’s both elegant and comforting. Stick with me—I’ll show you all my tricks for making this appetizer flawless every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Textures: Crispy crostini provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky smoked salmon and creamy cheese.
Fresh Flavor Boost: Lemon juice, fresh dill, and garlic add brightness and herbaceous notes that lift the flavors.
Quick & Crowd-Pleasing: It’s super simple to prepare in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver when entertaining.
Customizable Garnishes: Capers and fresh dill make each bite pop visually and flavor-wise without complicating prep.

Smoked Salmon Crostini, smoked salmon appetizer, easy party appetizers, elegant canapés, seafood crostini - 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

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together to create a balance of creamy, tangy, smoky, and fresh flavors. When you pick quality components—like good smoked salmon and fresh dill—it really shows. Here’s a quick rundown of why each one shines in this Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe.

Smoked Salmon Crostini, smoked salmon appetizer, easy party appetizers, elegant canapés, seafood crostini - 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: Provides the sturdy, crunchy base that holds up well under toppings, and its mild flavor lets the other ingredients shine.
Olive oil spray: Helps the bread crisp up nicely without getting greasy.
Cream cheese: The creamy layer that acts as a luxurious cushion for the salmon, and it’s easy to blend with herbs and lemon.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright freshness and balances the richness of the cream cheese and salmon.
Fresh dill: Offers an herbal aroma and subtle flavor that complements smoked fish perfectly.
Garlic: Just a little crushed garlic gives a gentle hint of savory depth without overpowering.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in every bite.
Cold smoked salmon: The star ingredient delivering that delicious smoky, silky seafood flavor.
Capers (for garnish): Their briny tang adds a burst of flavor that cuts through the creaminess.

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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

Everyone loves a little personalization, right? For me, swapping out fresh dill for chives or adding a tiny spread of horseradish into the cream cheese mix gives a different but equally tasty twist on the Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: I sometimes swap cold smoked salmon with gravlax or smoked trout when I want a different smoky fish flavor—both work great here.
Dietary Mods: Use dairy-free cream cheese if you’re avoiding dairy; the lemon and herbs will keep it bright and flavorful.
Seasonal Twist: Adding finely chopped cucumber or radish on top for summer gatherings adds crunch and a refreshing pop.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Toast the Crostini

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice your baguette into thin, roughly ¼ to ½ inch rounds—you should get about 30 to 35 slices depending on the baguette size. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and give them a quick spritz of olive oil on both sides. This little trick keeps the crostini crisp and golden without soaking up too much oil. Bake for about 9 minutes, flipping them halfway so both sides get nicely toasted. You’re aiming for a golden crunch, but be careful not to burn them—your eyes are better timers here than the clock!

Step 2: Whip up the Herbed Cream Cheese

While the crostini cool, grab a medium bowl and start mixing. You’ll want 8 ounces of softened cream cheese—not melted, just soft enough to stir easily. Add your chopped dill, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. I love using a fork or even just a wooden spoon to mash everything together until it smooths out perfectly. If you want it to look fancy, spoon the mixture into a piping bag so each crostini gets that neat little dollop on top later.

Step 3: Build Your Crostini

Arrange the crostini on your serving platter. Add one slice of cold smoked salmon on each crostini—lay it neatly, so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. Using your piping bag or a small spoon, add a dollop of your herbed cream cheese mixture on top of each salmon slice. Lastly, garnish generously with a few capers and a fresh sprig of dill. This is what brings that signature pop of color and sharpness that makes each bite unforgettable.

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Pro Tips for Making Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

Softening Cream Cheese: Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing—it makes blending with herbs and lemon effortless.
Keep Crostini Crisp: Toast your bread just before serving to avoid sogginess—if you make ahead, reheat briefly in the oven for that fresh crunch.
Lemon Juice Balance: Add lemon juice little by little to avoid making the cream cheese too runny—taste as you go!
Garnish Smart: Use a small amount of capers and dill so they complement rather than overpower the delicate salmon flavor.

How to Serve Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

Smoked Salmon Crostini, smoked salmon appetizer, easy party appetizers, elegant canapés, seafood crostini - 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 finish my crostini with a sprinkle of capers and a small sprig of fresh dill—not just for flavor, but because they make the presentation pop! Sometimes, I add a few thin slices of cucumber or radish for extra crunch and color, which guests love. If you want a touch of indulgence, a tiny dollop of crème fraîche works wonders too.

Side Dishes

These crostini are perfect as starters alongside a crisp green salad or a platter of roasted vegetables. I’ve also served them with a chilled glass of white wine or bubbly for an extra festive touch—trust me, your guests will be impressed!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging the crostini on a wooden board with edible flowers or sprigs of fresh herbs scattered around for a rustic elegant vibe. Another fun idea? Use mini toasts or cracker bases for bite-sized versions perfect for cocktail parties. It’s a simple way to make your appetizer table feel extra special without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store the smoked salmon and cream cheese mixture separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep your crostini slices in a sealed bag, but if they soften, a quick re-toast in the oven brings back the crunch. Assemble fresh just before serving again.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this recipe as the texture of the crostini changes and smoked salmon doesn’t freeze well—it can get mushy. Best to enjoy fresh or store in the fridge as mentioned for a day or two.

Reheating

To refresh your crostini, pop them in a 350°F oven for 3–5 minutes until crisp again. Add the cold toppings after reheating so they stay fresh and delicious. This little hack saved me more than once when I whipped up these crostini ahead of time!

FAQs

Can I use regular smoked salmon instead of cold smoked salmon?

Cold smoked salmon is preferred because it has a silky texture and delicate smoky flavor without being cooked. Regular smoked salmon, often hot smoked, has a firmer, cooked texture which can work but changes the mouthfeel and taste. For authentic crostini, cold smoked salmon is ideal.
How far ahead can I prepare this Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe?

You can toast the crostini slices a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. The herbed cream cheese and salmon are best assembled shortly before serving to keep textures fresh and crisp. If necessary, cream cheese can be mixed a few hours ahead and refrigerated.
What can I substitute for fresh dill?

If you don’t have dill, chives or fresh parsley are good substitutes and will add a nice herbal touch. The flavor profile will be a bit different but still tasty.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use plant-based cream cheese alternatives and swap smoked salmon for smoked carrot or beet slices available at some health food stores. Adjust seasonings as needed to maintain the bright and smoky flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe is one of my go-to appetizers whenever I want to impress without fuss. It’s elegant, flavorful, and truly comes together in a snap, making it perfect for gatherings both big and small. I hope you love making (and eating!) it as much as I do—just wait till your friends ask for the recipe. Go on, give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!