Smoked Salmon Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smoked Salmon Bites are a perfect balance of flavors and textures—rich, smoky, and creamy with a refreshing crunch. They’re simple to prepare but look and taste incredibly sophisticated. These bites are versatile, allowing you to customize them with your favorite spreads, garnishes, or toppings. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, a holiday dinner, or just want a savory snack, these smoked salmon bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re quick to assemble, making them a go-to appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 oz smoked salmon, sliced into small pieces
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12-16 crackers, cucumber slices, or small toast rounds (your choice of base)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Assemble the Bites: Lay out the crackers, cucumber slices, or toast rounds on a platter. Spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture on each base.
3. Top with Salmon: Place a small piece of smoked salmon on top of each spread base.
4. Garnish: Garnish each bite with a small sprig of fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
5. Serve: Arrange the smoked salmon bites on a serving platter and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12-16 bites
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Crispy Bases: Instead of crackers or cucumber, try using small crostini or bagel chips for a different crunch.
• Herbed Cream Cheese: Add more herbs like chives, parsley, or tarragon to the cream cheese spread for an extra burst of flavor.
• Avocado: Top the smoked salmon with a slice of ripe avocado for added richness and texture.
• Capers: Garnish with a few capers for a briny contrast to the smoky salmon.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese or avocado spread to make these bites dairy-free.
• Spicy: Add a touch of horseradish or sriracha to the cream cheese mixture for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

These smoked salmon bites are best served fresh, but you can prepare the components (cream cheese spread, salmon, and bases) ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. If you need to store leftovers, keep the assembled bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, the bases may lose some crispness over time, so it’s best to assemble them close to serving time.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought smoked salmon?

Yes, store-bought smoked salmon works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s fresh and of good quality for the best flavor.

2. Can I make these bites ahead of time?

You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and slice the smoked salmon ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the bites right before serving to maintain the freshness and crispness of the bases.

3. What can I use instead of crackers?

You can use cucumber slices, small toast rounds, crostini, or even endive leaves as the base for the smoked salmon bites.

4. Can I make these bites with a different type of fish?

Yes, you can use other smoked fish like trout or mackerel for a similar flavor profile, though smoked salmon is the most traditional.

5. Is there a substitute for dill?

Yes, if you don’t like dill, you can substitute it with fresh parsley, chives, or tarragon for a different flavor.

6. How do I make these bites spicy?

For a spicy kick, add a small amount of horseradish or a drizzle of sriracha to the cream cheese mixture.

7. Can I use a different base for these bites?

Yes, you can use any base that provides a bit of crunch, such as crackers, cucumber slices, bagel chips, or even mini tortillas for a unique take.

8. How long will the cream cheese spread last in the fridge?

The cream cheese spread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that it’s best to assemble the bites just before serving.

9. Can I use a dairy-free cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative.

10. What can I garnish the bites with besides dill?

You can garnish with a variety of toppings such as capers, thinly sliced red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Conclusion

Smoked Salmon Bites are the perfect appetizer for any occasion, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will surely impress your guests. Whether you serve them at a casual gathering or a formal dinner party, they’re quick and easy to prepare, yet feel incredibly elegant. With their creamy spread, smoky salmon, and zesty garnishes, these bites are a fresh and flavorful addition to your appetizer repertoire. Try them today and enjoy this delicious, sophisticated treat!

Smoked Salmon Bites

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Smoked Salmon Bites are bite-sized appetizers that combine the rich, smoky flavor of salmon with creamy spreads, all served on a crisp base. A perfect balance of flavors and textures, these bites are simple to make but incredibly sophisticated.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 12-16 bites
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 4 oz smoked salmon, sliced into small pieces
   
   1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
   
   2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
   
   1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
   
   1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
   
   1 teaspoon lemon zest
   
   Salt and pepper to taste
   
   12–16 crackers, cucumber slices, or small toast rounds (your choice of base)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. Assemble the Bites: Lay out the crackers, cucumber slices, or toast rounds on a platter. Spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture on each base.
2. Top with Salmon: Place a small piece of smoked salmon on top of each spread base.
3. Garnish: Garnish each bite with a small sprig of fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
4. Serve: Arrange the smoked salmon bites on a serving platter and serve immediately.

Notes

• For a variation, try using crostini, bagel chips, or endive leaves as the base.
• If you want a spicier version, add horseradish or sriracha to the cream cheese spread.
• Store leftover components (spread, salmon, and bases) separately, and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bite
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg