Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe with Creamy Dill Spread

Why you’ll love this appetizer:

Smoked salmon instantly elevates simple toasts to something special. A crisp baguette slice topped with a tangy, herby cream cheese, fresh tomato relish and silky smoked salmon delivers a balanced bite every time.

• One of the best crostini recipes for entertaining
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Most components can be prepared a day ahead

Crispy toasted bread contrasts the rich, buttery salmon while the cream cheese spread—brightened with lemon, capers and dill—adds creaminess without overpowering the fish. The tomato relish brings freshness and acidity to complete each bite.

Key ingredient notes

• Tomatoes – Roma tomatoes are ideal for the relish because they have less water and firmer flesh.
• Red onion – Finely chopped red onion gives a slightly sweet, sharp flavor to the relish.
• Cream cheese – Full-fat cream cheese yields the creamiest spread; lower-fat versions work in a pinch.
• Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the filling better than bottled juice.
• Capers – Capers add a briny pop; find them near pickles and olives.
• Dill – Fresh dill is preferred, but dill paste or freeze-dried dill are good alternatives.
• Baguette – Freshly sliced and toasted baguette gives the best crostini texture compared with pre-sliced store-bought crostini.
• Smoked salmon – Cold-smoked salmon has a silky texture and delicate flavor; buy vacuum-packed near fresh seafood.

How to prepare this brunch spread

This appetizer consists of three simple components that come together quickly: a tomato relish, a creamy herbed spread, and toasted baguette slices.

1. Make the tomato relish

Combine chopped tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, salt and pepper in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld; it can also be made up to a day ahead.

2. Make the cream cheese spread

In a bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, finely minced capers and dill until smooth and well combined.

3. Toast the baguette slices

Slice a crusty baguette thinly and brush each slice with olive oil. Toast in a hot skillet for about 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp, or arrange on a sheet pan and bake at 400°F until lightly golden.

4. Assemble

Just before serving, spread the cream cheese onto the toasted baguette slices, spoon on a bit of tomato relish, and top with a slice of smoked salmon.

For a casual buffet-style presentation, arrange the toasted bread, relish, spread and smoked salmon on a platter and let guests assemble their own crostini.

Make-ahead tips

• You can prepare the tomato relish and cream cheese spread a day ahead and refrigerate them. Store toasted bread in an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature to avoid condensation.
• Assemble crostini right before serving to preserve crunch, or set out the components for guests to build their own.

Storing tips

• Assembled crostini are best eaten immediately; if stored, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
• Keep components separate until serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

More crostini ideas

Crostini are versatile—try these tasty topping combinations:

• Caprese – Fresh mozzarella and tomato on toasted baguette, finished with basil and balsamic glaze.
• Goat cheese & honey – Spread goat cheese, top with fruit and a drizzle of honey.
• Hummus & sundried tomato – Spread hummus and add chopped sundried tomatoes with a sprinkle of feta.
• Pesto – Spread pesto and add a slice of fresh mozzarella.

FAQs

More smoked salmon appetizers

Smoked salmon is an easy way to elevate appetizers. Try other simple bites like cucumber rounds topped with smoked salmon, smoked salmon with cottage cheese, smoked salmon deviled eggs, or dill crepes filled with salmon.