– **Title**: Smoked Salmon Crostini
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 French baguette or Italian bread
– 8 oz smoked salmon, sliced
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp capers, drained
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 lemon, zested and juiced
– Fresh dill, for garnish
– Olive oil, for brushing
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the baguette or Italian bread into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet.
3. Lightly brush each slice of bread with olive oil on both sides.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes or until the crostini are golden and toasted.
5. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture generously over each toasted crostini.
7. Top each crostini with a slice of smoked salmon.
8. Add a few capers and a small slice of red onion on top of the salmon for added flavor.
9. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.
10. Serve immediately as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A French baguette gives a nice crunch. If you can’t find one, try sourdough or ciabatta bread. They both toast well and add a slightly different flavor.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is crucial for spreading. For a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese. This keeps the crostini creamy while accommodating different diets.
Smoked Salmon: This is the star ingredient! If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, try lox or canned salmon. Just make sure it has good flavor. You could also use cooked shrimp for a different taste.
Dill: Fresh dill brightens the dish. Dried dill will work in a pinch, but use less. You can also substitute with fresh parsley or chives if you’re not a fan of dill.
How Do I Get the Baguette Perfectly Toasted?
Toasting the baguette correctly makes a big difference. You want it crispy on the outside but still soft inside. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the baguette into half-inch pieces and lay them on a baking sheet.
- Brush each slice with olive oil for flavor and to help with browning.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Let them cool slightly before adding your toppings. This step is key for keeping the toppings from sliding off!
How to Make Smoked Salmon Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crostini:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- Olive oil, for drizzling
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings:
- 8 oz smoked salmon, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 2 tbsp chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 25 minutes to prepare this dish. It takes around 10-12 minutes to toast the baguette slices and about 15 minutes to prepare the cream cheese mixture and assemble everything. Then, you’re ready to enjoy a sophisticated, yet simple appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Baguette:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, arrange the sliced baguette pieces on a baking sheet. Lightly brush each slice with a little olive oil to help them crisp up nicely.
2. Toasting the Baguette:
Once the oven is ready, bake the baguette slices for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re crisp and lightly golden. When done, take them out of the oven and let them cool a bit.
3. Making the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to season with a bit of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!
4. Assembling the Crostini:
Now it’s time to assemble! Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each toasted baguette slice. Make sure you cover it well; you want every bite to be delicious!
5. Adding Toppings:
Top each cream cheese-covered slice with a piece of smoked salmon. Then, add a few slices of red onion and a couple of capers for that extra zing. They will add a wonderful flavor contrast!
6. Garnishing:
Finish the crostini off by sprinkling some chopped chives and black sesame seeds on top for presentation and added flavor.
7. Serving Up:
Place your smoked salmon crostini on a beautiful platter. If you like, drizzle a little more olive oil on top for that gourmet touch. Serve them to your guests and enjoy!
And that’s it! You’ve made a delightful appetizer that looks as good as it tastes. Enjoy your smoked salmon crostini!
Can I Use Another Type of Bread for Crostini?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a French baguette, you can use ciabatta, sourdough, or any crusty bread you prefer. Just slice it into 1/2 inch pieces and follow the same baking instructions for a delicious alternative!
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to assemble the crostini, give it a good stir to bring back the creamy texture before spreading it on the toasted baguette slices.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Crostini?
To store leftovers, place the assembled crostini in an airtight container, but keep in mind that the baguette may become soggy. It’s best to store the toasted bread separately from the toppings. You can reassemble just before serving for the freshest taste!
Can I Substitute the Smoked Salmon?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of smoked salmon or want a vegetarian option, you could use roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes, or even sliced avocado as a topping. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, so choose a substitute that you enjoy!
