Looking for a quick and elegant appetizer that will impress your guests? Look no further than these delightful Smoked Salmon Endive Boats! With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create a stunning dish that combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon and creamy dill-infused cheese, all nestled in crisp, refreshing endive leaves. Perfect for a party, brunch, or a light snack, these bite-sized delights are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to elevate your entertaining game!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of endive
- 8 oz smoked salmon
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
Instructions
- Carefully wash the endive and pat dry with paper towels. Trim the base of the endive and gently separate the leaves, creating boat-like cups for the filling.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with finely chopped fresh dill. Mix thoroughly until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.
- Using a fork or knife, break the smoked salmon into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size.
- Gently fold the smoked salmon pieces into the herbed cream cheese mixture, being careful not to overmix and break down the salmon texture.
- Drain the capers and roughly chop them to release their briny flavor, then fold them into the salmon cream cheese mixture.
- Using a small spoon, carefully fill each endive leaf with the salmon cream cheese mixture, creating a generous but neat portion in each boat.
- Arrange the filled endive boats on a serving platter, garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs if desired.
- Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for high-quality smoked salmon and fresh dill to enhance the flavors of your endive boats. The freshness of the ingredients makes a significant difference in taste.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just fill the endive leaves right before serving to maintain their crispness.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, such as chopped red onions or a squeeze of lemon juice, for an extra zing.
- Presentation Matters: Arrange the filled endive boats on a colorful platter and garnish with additional dill or lemon wedges to make the dish visually appealing.
- Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, allow the filled endive boats to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
