Getting Ready for the Festivities

Can you believe the holiday season is just around the corner? As Christmas approaches, many of us are busy making lists: gifts to buy, decorations to hang, and of course, menus to plan! I’ve been going through my favorite recipes to decide what delicious treats we’re going to enjoy this holiday season. One thing I’m sure about is that these delightful canapés will be featured at both our Christmas Eve gathering and our festive brunch on Christmas Day.

If you’re a lover of smoked salmon, these canapés are a must-try! They’re quick and simple to make, and I assure you, they’ll be a hit at your holiday celebrations.

Ingredients to Make Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Canapés

• 1 baguette, cut into 12 to 14 slices
• 8 oz smoked salmon, cut into small pieces
• 1/3 cup cream cheese
• Fresh chives, finely chopped
• Fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper

How to Make These Canapés

• Preheat the Oven

  Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a baking tray to crisp up the baguette slices.

• Crisp the Bread

  Drizzle olive oil over the baguette slices, ensuring each piece is coated. Bake for about 10 minutes until they are crisp. This step is crucial to keep the canapés from turning soggy once topped with cream cheese!

• Cool the Bread

  Let the toasted bread cool for about 5 minutes before adding the cream cheese. This will help maintain its texture and prevent the cheese from melting.

• Add Cream Cheese

  Generously top each piece of baguette with a layer of cream cheese, spreading it evenly.

• Top with Smoked Salmon

  Place a piece of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese. Depending on the size of the salmon slices, you might want to fold them for a perfect fit.

• Garnish the Canapés

  Add a finishing touch with freshly cracked black pepper, finely chopped chives, and a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to elevate the flavors.

Tip: Try to squeeze the lemon juice just before serving to keep the bread from becoming soggy. These canapés are best enjoyed fresh!

How to Serve These Canapés

These delightful canapés are best served immediately after assembly. They don’t hold up well if left sitting out for extended periods, so plan to prepare them just before your guests arrive.

• At a Brunch: These canapés are a perfect addition to a Christmas morning brunch spread!
• With Other Appetizers: Pair them with other tasty bites like Italian Stuffed Mushrooms and Bacon & Pecan Wrapped Dates for a delightful appetizer table.
• As a Starter: They make an exceptional starter for a grand Christmas dinner, whetting your guests’ appetites.
• Nibbles with Drinks: Serve them on a large platter with bubbly drinks, bringing a festive flair to your gathering.

Possible Substitutions for This Recipe

• Baguette Bread: While baguette is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute it with any rustic bread. I’ve even used standard sliced bread cut into smaller squares.
• Cream Cheese: Any spreadable soft cheese would do in place of cream cheese. Mascarpone could provide a delicious twist!
• Chives: Fresh dill or basil can be great alternatives to garnish the canapés with a fresh herb flavor.