If you are looking for an appetizer that feels gourmet without the fuss, these Smoked Salmon Appetizers are a fail-proof choice.

We love to entertain, and I have perfected this super easy combination of crisp baguette, silky smoked salmon, creamy accents, and bright fresh toppings. Every bite delivers sophisticated flavor with effortless ease.

Smoked salmon appetizers on a serving cutting board.

Whether for holiday parties or a casual get-together, these salmon bites always impress, vanish quickly, and prove that elegant entertaining does not have to be complicated.

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The perfect appetizer to go alongside our favorite Champagne cocktail.

In this Article

Why you will love this recipe

It is easy to prepare, taking less than ten minutes to assemble, making it the appetizer of choice any time of the year.

Most ingredients are staples in most households.

Elegant appetizers that will have your guests awe over them.

Ingredients needed to make this recipe

This is a short introduction. The ingredient list is also brief. It includes essential items that you may already have in your pantry. Please read the recipe for complete instructions.

Smoked salmon: Splurge on good quality that is rich in color and does not pull apart when touched.

French baguette: makes the best toast for these canapés. Slice them straight down or on a bias, as you wish.

Cream cheese: much easier to work with if at room temperature.

Sour cream: A touch brings flavor to your smoked salmon and to your dill.

Dill sprigs: are the perfect herb for all your fish dishes, and they marry well with the creams.

Ingredients needed to make this smoked salmon appetizers.

Equipment Needed

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Bread knife

Baking sheet pan

Wire rack

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10/12/2025 11:05 pm GMT

How to make these delicious salmon appetizers

With all my recipes, please assemble all the ingredients before starting cooking and baking.

  • Start by preheating the oven to 400°F.
  • Slice your baguette into 24 even 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet.
Baguette sliced and on a baking sheet ready to be toasted in the oven.
  • Position the oven rack in the middle of the oven and bake the baguette rounds for 5 minutes or until slightly toasted. Remove from the oven and cool the baking sheet on a wire rack.
  • Cut the smoked salmon into 24 pieces.
Smoked salmon cut into bite size, bread perfectly toasted on a wire cooling rack.
  • Spread the baguette evenly with the cream cheese, top with the smoked salmon and a spoonful of sour cream.
  • Place a dill sprig on each canapé.
Smoked salmon appetizer all done and ready to be enjoyed.

Giangi’s Pro Tips

  • Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before spreading it; it will be creamier and easier to handle.

What dishes can you enjoy with these smoked salmon appetizers?

This recipe is always the opener to any of my salmon recipes, such as salmon with basil mushroom sauce or grilled salmon with olives and pine nuts.

We also enjoy it just because it is the perfect party treat as it is small to handle.

Variations and Substitutions

  • I do not always have fresh dill on hand, so I sometimes replace it with capers.
  • On the lighter side, you can replace the baguette with cucumber slices. I recommend placing them in the refrigerator before serving, as the cheese may easily slip off the cucumber.

Storing

Store: I rarely have leftovers for this salmon appetizer; however, it will store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. Be aware that the cream cheese mixture will soften the bread.

All the ingredients will, of course, store beautifully separately for up to a week.

Salmon appetizers ready to be enjoyed placed on a wooden tray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is smoked salmon actually healthy?

Yes, smoked salmon is generally healthy due to its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients. However, it is high in sodium from the curing process.

How to serve smoked salmon as an appetizer easily?

Served as an appetizer, gather cream cheese, crackers, and toppings such as capers and thinly sliced red onions. At times, I enjoy a dash of squeezed lemon over it.

What appetizers go well with salmon?

Light cucumber bites mixed in a crispy salad are a great pairing. Crab cakes and stuffed mushrooms are also great pairings.

If you enjoy these smoked salmon appetizers, you may want to try my other recipes.

Mushroom, Goat Cheese Toasts – The Best Snack

Smoked Pork Chops with Potatoes and Sauteed Apple Slices

Prawn Cocktail

Close up to your salmon appetizer.

Smoked Salmon Appetizers

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Smoked salmon appetizers on a serving cutting board.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people
If you are looking for an appetizer that feels gourmet without the fuss, these Smoked Salmon Appetizers are a fail-proof choice.

Ingredients 

  • 1 French baguette
  • 8 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon
  • 8 ounced cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • dill springs

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Cut the baguette into 24, ½ inch thick rounds, and place on a baking sheet.
  • Place the oven rack in the middle of the oven. Bake the baguette rounds for 5 minutes or until slightly toasted. Remove to wire racks to cool.
  • Cut the salmon into 24 pieces. Spread the baguette evenly with the cream cheese, and top with smoked salmon and sour cream. Place a dill sprig on each canapé.

Notes

  • Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before spreading it; it will be creamier and easier to handle.

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 846mg | Potassium: 215mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 255IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 3mg

Giangi’s Kitchen provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as a registered dietician does not calculate them.

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