Smoked Salmon on Crackers

A need for simple, fast appetizers is in the air due to the abundance of holiday gatherings and the ease of presenting something quick, light and fabulous! Smoked salmon on crackers is the perfect idea for an easy to assemble and light snack, appetizer or canapes.

Smoked Salmon on Crackers

You can take a cracker, spread some creamed cheese over, top it off with salmon and enjoy OR..... You could make it exciting with a sprinkle of sea salt, a sprinkle of fresh smoked paprika, and drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. They simply couldn't taste any better! Mix and match the salmon with fresh seasonal fruit, be as creative as you like and take advantage of seasonal goodness!

During December, hardly a single person has time to bake, make, or cook anything that takes all your time. One of the easiest appetizers to whip together for a gathering is this cheese on crackers with salmon. To serve a dip is always a great idea and the holidays are filled with dips for everything that you can think of!

When To Serve Crackers, Dips and Appetizers?

Summer lunches: Picnics, braai (barbecue), any outing because they pack easily just pack them seperately and carry dip and eat type arrangements

Family gatherings: Any family gatherings from a quick hello, to after church snacks, to engagement party canapes! Just dress them up with capers, dill, seasonal fruit, preserves like fig and olive tapenades, etc.

Pre-Meals: This is smart way to keep guests entertained before a main meal and it can also be served to 'break the ice' in conversation. Food is always the best communicator!

As a main meal: If you are busy prepping gammon for Christmas day and want to keep it light then these salmon on crackers are an easy 'get-together' snack.

3 Good Reasons Why You Will Love These Smoked Salmon Canapes

• Very easy to make and no cooking required!

• Perfect as a snack, a starter or even a main dish if you've had a big lunch

• Easy to serve with no mess and no cutlery needed

Ingredients For Smoked Salmon On Crackers

The ingredients are a guide, remember to add your own twist on it and adjust the servings.

Smoked salmon: Smoked salmon can be very costly, at least here in South Africa it is not the average type of daily shopping, it's more of a treat.

Crackers: You can use any type of crackers. Try mixing up the shapes and textures if you like.

Cream cheese: Philadelphia (original) creamed cheese is one of the best choices but you can use any other spreadable creamed cheese. There are many varities.

Fresh Dill: Some green always works in terms of taste and presentation, dill is great.

Seasoning: A good sea salt like Maldons or any salt and fresh black pepper. We use this sea salt and fresh black pepper blend.

Extra virgin olive oil: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for flavor, taste and texture.

Spices: Feel free to add nothing or something. On some of these crackers we used this paprika dry rub which is a (not hot) combination of herbs and spices and we frequently use this for a pop of heat.

How To Make Smoked Salmon On Crackeres

1. Apply the cream cheese on the crackers and spread it evenly. A piece of smoked salmon should be peeled and then sliced to the desired size.

2. Put the smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese until it is completely covered.

3. Place them on a platter or serving tray and serve.

TIP! Even though you can make cream cheese crackers ahead it's best to try and make them when you're going to serve them. If you must, then an hour or two ahead is reasonable otherwise the cream makes the crackers too soft!

Variations

These salmon bites are so versatile that you can simply adjust them to suit your preferences.

In place of the dill, fresh basil or coriander (cilantro) can be used but, you need to decide what taste you prefer. I use fennel in place of dill because we always have fennel. We prefer the licorice fennel taste as opposed to the bitter cilantro taste.

When applied to the salmon, lemon zest or a spritz of fresh lemon juice can be used. I always serve these salmon appetizer bites with fresh lemon to liven the taste up!

Another wonderful addition is pine nuts that have been toasted or almond shavings or pistachios, honestly it's up to your liking.

To make a salmon crostini, place it on a slice of bread.

Add a cream cheese that has been flavored. Among the best options available are chives, fresh herbs, and lemon dill cream cheese.

Use chives or green onions (also known as scallions) as a garnish.

Shape into flowers made of salmon.

 FAQs

What goes well with smoked salmon?

With crackers, capers, and cream cheese. Served with a tangy lemon vinaigrette over a bed of greens is one way of serving smoked salmon. On bread as crostini. Combined with sautéed green onions, fresh parsley, extra-virgin olive oil and into cooked spaghetti or any pasta.

What can I put on crackers instead of cheese?

Hummus, guacamole, smoked salmon, cream cheese, nut butter, or bruschetta are tasty alternatives to cheese for crackers.

How long will smoked salmon last?

Simply place it on the lowest level of your refrigerator, where the temperature is the lowest. It will remain fresh for two weeks if it is not opened, and for 4 to 5 days if it is opened.

What cheese goes with smoked salmon?

The traditional and obvious choice for pairing with salmon is cream cheese, but you may also try soft cheeses like feta, goat cheese, labneh, or brie (my personal favorite). I use the back of a spoon to break up my feta and combine it with some premium extra virgin olive oil to make it more spreadable.

More Dip & Things To Try

• Olive Oil Bread Dip
• Basil Pesto
• Beetroot Hummus
• Baba Ganoush Recipe
• Easy Hummus Recipe
• Roasted Red Pepper Dip Recipe
• Mascarpone Cheese Dip
• Easy Guacamole Recipe

More Delicious Appetizers

• Italian Antipasto Charcuterie Board
• Caprese Salad Sticks
• Salad Lettuce Cups
• Baked Feta And Tomatoes
• Italian Caprese Bruschetta
• Charcuterie Fruit Platter