These Smoked Salmon Crostini with herbed cream cheese are the perfect bite-sized appetizers for brunches, parties, or holiday gatherings.
With crisp toasted baguette slices, silky smoked salmon, a flavorful lemon-dill cream cheese spread, and briny capers, each bite delivers the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
imple to prep and irresistibly fancy, they’ll be gone in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant & Impressive: Looks gourmet, tastes divine, but comes together in minutes.
Flavor Explosion: Creamy, smoky, tangy, and herby all in one bite.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Toast the crostini and prep the cream cheese in advance.
Versatile: Great for brunch, cocktail hour, or light lunches.
Customizable: Easily adjust toppings to suit your style.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
For the Crostini Base:
Baguette – Sliced into thin rounds, toasted to golden perfection.
Olive Oil Spray – For crispiness and light flavor.
For the Dill Cream Cheese:
Cream Cheese – Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Fresh Dill – Bright, aromatic, and perfect with salmon.
Lemon Juice – Adds tang and freshness.
Garlic – Crushed for a subtle savory kick.
Salt & Black Pepper – To enhance all the flavors.
For the Toppings:
Smoked Salmon – Cold-smoked for silky texture and rich flavor.
Capers & Fresh Dill – Classic garnishes that add boldness and color.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Don’t skip the garlic – It brings depth to the cream cheese.
Use a piping bag for a clean, professional look when topping.
Choose quality smoked salmon – It’s the star of the show.
Slice baguette evenly to ensure consistent toasting.
Make extra – These disappear quickly at gatherings!
How to Make Smoked Salmon Crostini
Toast the Baguette
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the baguette into ¼–½ inch slices (about 30–35 pieces).
Lay them on a baking sheet and spray both sides lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Let cool completely.
Mix the Herbed Cream Cheese
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese with lemon juice, chopped dill, crushed garlic, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. S
tir until well blended. For a neater presentation, transfer to a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble the Crostini
Arrange the cooled crostini on a serving platter.
Top each slice with a piece of smoked salmon, dividing it evenly.
Add the Toppings
Pipe a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top of each salmon-topped crostini.
Garnish with a few capers and a fresh sprig of dill.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
Mimosas or Sparkling Wine – Perfect brunch pairing.
Cucumber salad or light greens – For a refreshing contrast.
Charcuterie board – Serve alongside meats and cheeses.
Egg dishes – Like frittata or quiche for brunch spreads.
Chilled soup shooters – For a trendy party appetizer pairing.
Variations / Substitutions
Use whipped feta or goat cheese for a tangier base.
Swap salmon for prosciutto or avocado for a different twist.
Add sliced radish or cucumber for extra crunch.
Make it gluten-free with GF baguette or crackers.
Try flavored cream cheese like chive or garden veggie for shortcuts.
Storage & Leftovers
Cream cheese spread can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Toasted crostini stay crisp for 1–2 days in an airtight container.
Assembled crostini are best served fresh to keep the bread crisp.
Leftovers can be refrigerated, but bread may soften.
Do not freeze assembled crostini — texture will suffer.
FAQs
Can I use pre-sliced crostini from the store?
Yes! They’re a great time-saver and work perfectly.
What type of smoked salmon should I use?
Cold-smoked salmon is best for this recipe — thinly sliced and delicately flavored.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Toast the bread and mix the spread in advance, but assemble right before serving for best texture.
Can I serve these warm?
They’re typically served cold or at room temperature.
Warm versions may soften the cream cheese and bread.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Not as written, but you can use low-carb bread or cucumber slices instead of crostini.
What if I don’t like dill?
Try chives or parsley as a substitute for a milder herb flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely — it’s easy to scale up for a crowd!
Final Thoughts
These Smoked Salmon Crostini are the ultimate appetizer for when you want something elegant yet effortless.
Creamy, tangy, smoky, and herby, every element works together to create a bite that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
They’re quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and sure to impress every guest at your table.
