Smoked Salmon on Crostini is a delicious and fast appetizer that you can make for any get together! They’re perfect for parties, the holidays and even for a fast brunch. Save this recipe so you can make them for your next celebration!
When it comes to creating appetizers for company, I like to make simple dishes that are packed with flavor. This Smoked Salmon on Crostini recipe with herb cream cheese are packed with flavor in each bite. And they only take about 10 minutes to throw together.
Layering flavor
My biggest thing when making anything with smoked salmon is to create layers of flavor. I know a lot of people think they don’t like salmon but it’s truly one of the best things you can eat for your body. When Kevin and I first started dating, he didn’t eat any fish at all. Now he’s up for it all and that’s because I showed him that using the freshest fish possible would create the least fishy taste AND that if you’re eating something like smoked salmon, layering the flavor into the other elements will give you a beautiful flavor profile that’s truly crave-able. This recipe adds flavor upon flavor to make this one of my favorite party appetizers.
Ingredients in my Smoked Salmon on Crostini recipe
So while the salmon is a big component of this Smoked Salmon on Crostini recipe, you might say that the herb cream cheese spread is the second biggest component. It blends together creamy cream cheese (and let’s be honest, I can never pass up cream cheese) with fresh dill, simple salt and pepper and some grated garlic and lemon. All of this together creates a perfect compliment to the smoked salmon.
Additionally, I added in some fresh arugula for a little color and mild peppery taste and then capers for a little bit of that brine that’s real ideal with the smoked salmon flavor.
Tips for making Smoked Salmon on Crostini recipe
- You can make the cream cheese spread by mashing softened cream cheese with a fork and the other ingredients. Or you can use a small food processor. This one {HERE} is my favorite. I have a back up still in a box in case this one breaks because for some reason, it’s become difficult to find. Even on Amazon where it is frequently sold out.
- I grate the garlic with a lemon zester. You can do the same but just make sure to watch your finger tips. If it makes you nervous this garlic press will help you get the perfect consistency. If you’re making this in the food processor, just let it do all the work and throw the garlic into it in slices. For toppings I like capers, green onion and salt and pepper.
- But you can also use red onion, shaved carrots and even cilantro or basil. You can make the herb cream cheese spread up to three days ahead of time. Store it in an air tight container in the refrigerator and then put everything together just before serving.
Looking for more appetizer recipes?
If you’re looking for more delicious appetizer recipes, try these ideas!
- Spinach Artichoke Dip {HERE}
- Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms {HERE}
- Smoked Salmon Carpaccio {HERE}
- Prosciutto and Brie Crostini {HERE}
- Reuben Slider Sandwiches {HERE}
- French Onion and Roast Beef Dip Pinwheels {HERE}
- Homemade Soft Pretzels {HERE}
Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! I hope that you enjoy this Smoked Salmon on Crostini recipe with herb cream cheese and I hope that you come back again. You can find the full printable recipe below.

Smoked Salmon on Crostini with herb cream cheese
Equipment
- Small food processor
Ingredients
- 6-8 oz. smoked salmon
- 1 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped well
- 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 clove fresh grated garlic
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. fresh cracked pepper
- 1 thin baguette, sliced
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. capers
- 1-2 sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup fresh arugula
- Cucumber slices - enough for each baguette slice
- Optional: Parsley as a garnish and another squeeze of lemon
Instructions
- Brush olive oil onto the sliced baguette and broil for 2 minutes. Watch your oven so they don't get over done. You can add another minute is you want them crispier.
- Combine the cream cheese, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl or a small food processor. Blend or mash with a fork until well combined.
- When the baguette slices are done, spread the cream cheese mix onto the crostini. Add a few pieces of arugula on top and a slice of cucumber.
- Next layer on the smoked salmon, then the capers and green onion.
- Top off with parsley and additional fresh cracked pepper and salt as desired. Serve immediately. Or if you plan to make this before the party, mix the cream cheese spread ahead of time and then cook the bread prior to serving.
Where does the garlic come in? And the cucumbers? The recipe doesn’t match the picture and there are missing steps.
Hi Erin, The garlic is blended with everything else and the cucumbers are added on top of the arugula.