Imagine serving up elegant, restaurant-quality appetizers that look like they've been crafted by a professional chef, but can actually be prepared in just 25 minutes! These Delicious and Easy Canapés are your ticket to instant culinary stardom, transforming simple ingredients into bite-sized masterpieces that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated cocktail party or looking to elevate your appetizer game, these smoked salmon canapés promise to be the star of any gathering.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Appetizer
Serves: 12 canapes
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (e.g., dill, chives)
- 1/2 cup smoked salmon
- Capers for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by softening the cream cheese at room temperature for about 15 minutes to ensure smooth spreading.
- Slice the French baguette diagonally into 12 thin, even slices approximately 1/4 inch thick. Aim for consistent sizing to ensure uniform canapés.
- Finely chop the fresh herbs (dill and chives) using a sharp knife, creating a fragrant and colorful herb mixture.
- Mix the softened cream cheese with the chopped herbs in a small bowl, stirring until well combined and creating a smooth, herbed cream cheese spread.
- Cut the smoked salmon into small, bite-sized pieces that will comfortably fit on each baguette slice.
- Spread a generous layer of the herbed cream cheese mixture evenly onto each baguette slice, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully place a piece of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese spread on each canapé.
- Garnish each canapé with a few capers, placing them strategically to add visual appeal and a briny flavor accent.
- Arrange the completed canapés on a serving platter, ensuring they are neatly presented and easily accessible.
- Optionally, chill the canapés for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cream cheese to set.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure cream cheese is truly at room temperature for the smoothest, most spreadable consistency.
- Sharp Knife Technique: Use a very sharp knife when slicing the baguette to get clean, even cuts without crushing the bread.
- Herb Freshness: Chop herbs just before mixing to preserve their vibrant flavor and color.
- Salmon Placement: Cut salmon pieces uniformly to ensure each canapé looks professionally prepared.
- Caper Garnish: Place capers strategically - they should enhance, not overwhelm, the delicate flavors.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These canapés can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerated, making party prep a breeze.
- Serving Tip: Remove canapés from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
