Smoked Salmon & Herb Cheesecake Bites

The dish in the image appears to be Smoked Salmon & Herb Cheesecake Bites, a savory appetizer featuring a buttery cracker crust, creamy herb-infused cheesecake filling, fresh chives, and smoked salmon garnish.

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup buttery crackers or digestive biscuits, finely crushed

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Savory Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 eggs

• 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping

• 4 oz (115 g) smoked salmon, diced

• Fresh chives

• Microgreens or baby herb leaves

• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Combine cracker crumbs and melted butter.

3. Press mixture into small tart rings or mini cheesecake molds.

4. Bake for 8 minutes and cool.

2. Make the Filling

1. Beat cream cheese until smooth.

2. Mix in sour cream.

3. Add eggs one at a time.

4. Stir in chives, dill, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Bake

1. Pour filling over cooled crusts.

2. Bake for 18–22 minutes until just set.

3. Cool completely.

4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

4. Garnish

1. Top each cheesecake with smoked salmon pieces.

2. Sprinkle with fresh chives.

3. Add microgreens for presentation.

4. Serve chilled.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 220–280

• Protein: 8–12 g

• Carbohydrates: 10–14 g

• Fat: 15–20 g

Flavor Profile

🐟 Delicate smoked salmon
🧀 Rich creamy cheesecake texture
🌿 Fresh dill and chive notes
🍋 Bright citrus finish
✨ Elegant fine-dining presentation

Serving Suggestions

• Sparkling wine

• Sauvignon Blanc

• Champagne

• Light cucumber salad

Yield

• 6–8 mini cheesecakes

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Bake Time: 22 minutes

• Chill Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: About 3 hours

A sophisticated savory appetizer that combines silky herb cheesecake with premium smoked salmon, creating an elegant restaurant-style starter perfect for brunches, cocktail parties, or holiday entertaining. 🐟🧀🌿✨🍋