Description
An easy and elegant starter featuring smoked salmon atop crispy toasted baguette slices, paired with a creamy herb spread and fresh toppings.
Ingredients
- Baguette (1 medium)
- Extra-virgin olive oil (2–3 tbsp)
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
- Lemon zest + juice (1 lemon)
- Fresh dill (2 tbsp, chopped) or chives (2 tbsp)
- Capers (2 tbsp, drained)
- Red onion (1 small, thinly sliced or minced)
- Smoked salmon (8–10 oz, thinly sliced)
- Smoked paprika or cracked black pepper (pinch)
- Arugula or microgreens (a handful, optional)
- Honey or balsamic glaze (optional drizzle)
- Sea salt (for finishing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Slice the baguette on the diagonal into ¼–½-inch slices.
- Arrange slices on the baking sheet in a single layer and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt on each slice.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Broil for 30–60 seconds for extra crunch.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill (or chives), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Thinly slice red onion and soak in cold water for 5 minutes, then pat dry.
- Drain capers and tear smoked salmon into bite-size strips.
- Spread 1–2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture onto each crostini.
- Layer with smoked salmon, capers, and red onion. Top with dill, lemon, and sea salt.
- Serve immediately, or assemble shortly before serving for best texture.
Notes
Ensure to toast the baguette well to avoid sogginess. Experiment with toppings for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crostini
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: smoked salmon, crostini, appetizer, easy recipe, party food, elegant starters