Smoked Salmon Crostini with Herbed Cream Cheese

Ingredients (Makes 12 Crostini)

Crostini

• 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, peeled (optional, for rubbing the toast)

Herbed Cream Cheese

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tsp chives, finely chopped

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Toppings

• 6 oz (170 g) smoked salmon, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp capers, drained

• Fresh arugula or baby greens

• Fresh dill sprigs

• Freshly cracked black pepper

Balsamic Glaze (Optional)

• ¼ cup balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.

3. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.

4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.

5. While warm, rub each slice lightly with the garlic clove if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Herbed Cream Cheese

1. Beat together the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.

2. Stir in the dill, chives, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

3. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Crostini

1. Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on each toasted slice.

2. Add a few fresh arugula leaves.

3. Fold a slice of smoked salmon on top.

4. Sprinkle with capers.

5. Garnish with fresh dill.

Step 4: Finish

• Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze, if using.

• Add a final twist of freshly cracked black pepper.

• Serve immediately.

Prep Time

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Bake: 10 minutes

• Total: 25 minutes

Nutrition (Approx. Per Crostini)

• Calories: 145

• Protein: 6 g

• Carbohydrates: 10 g

• Fat: 9 g

• Fiber: 1 g

Tips

• Use room-temperature cream cheese for a silky, spreadable texture.

• Toast the bread until crisp so it stays crunchy under the toppings.

• Assemble the crostini just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soft.

• For extra brightness, garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

• Add thinly sliced cucumber or pickled red onions for additional freshness and crunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Smoked Salmon Crostini with Herbed Cream Cheese are elegant, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Crispy toasted baguette slices are layered with creamy herb-infused cheese, delicate smoked salmon, peppery greens, and briny capers, then finished with a touch of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated appetizer that's perfect for brunch, cocktail parties, holiday entertaining, or special occasions. 🥖🐟🌿