Appetizers are an important prelude to a meal. It’s like a teaser that sets the mood. They create the first impression for any meal and can be a fun way to kick off any event. Appetizers are also interchangeable with snacks and tapas-style dinners, which we’re a big fan of. Smoked salmon is one of the best ingredients to use in appetizers, snacks, and small bites. It has such a unique flavor that it’s the perfect choice for pairing with other unique ingredients for a flavor-packed bite. So today, we’re sharing a huge list of smoked salmon appetizers to tickle your taste buds and hopefully inspire your next pre-meal bites.
Before we get into it, if you’re making smoked salmon at home there are a couple of important things to consider. First, you want to make sure you’re getting seriously high-quality ingredients. When choosing a salmon to cook at home, we always recommend Oshēn Salmon, which can be delivered directly to your door. Second, you can learn how to cold smoke salmon HERE.
Now let’s get into the deliciousness.
The Best Smoked Salmon Appetizers
Pimento Smoked Salmon
If you’re looking to serve up something designed to impress, try this recipe by chef Oji Jaja of Ashebre. He used our own salmon to whip together this Pimento Smoked Salmon with micro salad and scotch bonnet annatto cream. It’s a small bite appetizer, which is perfect for a more formal dinner or a tray passed appetizer. We love not only the flavor but how beautiful the presentation is!
Herb Goat Cheese Frittata:
We love serving up a frittata appetizer for breakfast or brunch. If you’re hosting a brunch event, think Mother’s Day, Labor Day, Easter, or just a boozy brunch with your friends, this recipe is a great option. It’s cheesy, herby, yet totally decadent. Simply cut the frittata into small servings to serve it as an appetizer.
Smoked Salmon Carpaccio
Okay seriously, who doesn’t love a good carpaccio?! Especially if it’s smoked salmon. We thoroughly enjoy this recipe for an appetizer. It’s great for family-style dinners. You can throw all of the carpaccio on a single plate, and either place it on the table or have the tray passed around since it’s not a heavy dish. The great thing about this appetizer is it’s both a culinary masterpiece and surprisingly easy to throw together. So your guests will be impressed, without knowing how quickly you whipped this one up!
Mini Salmon Bagels
This is such a fun idea for breakfast or brunch appetizers. Simply grab a mini bagel or toast, add your ideal toppings, and you have bite-size smoked salmon bagel appetizers! You have so many options when it comes to salmon bagel toppings ideas. So this idea could also work for lunch if you chose toppings traditionally served at lunchtime.
Cold Smoked Salmon in Salad
Salads are honestly one of the most traditional appetizers choices. The great thing about salads is their versatility. They can be a side dish, an appetizer, and honestly even an entree. We think it’s all in the amount you serve. So if you’re serving a smoked salmon salad as an appetizer, just include a small amount so your guests don’t fill up before dinner. There are tons of salmon salad recipes we recommend you try, but Yuzu salmon salad. It’s top-notch as far as appetizers go!
Smoked Salmon & Avocado Glass
This is a fun way to serve an individual dip with smoked salmon and avocado. Serve it in a glass, that way it’s either passable or a fun way to eat your appetizer while seated. Either way it’s super unique and has a delicious flavor. Recipe via Cooking My Dreams.
Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board
Everyone loves a good charcuterie board. Appetizers on platters & boards are one of the best options if you’re hosting a party or a small gathering at home. It’s simple, straightforward, and only requires a few minutes to prepare.
Since you’ve smoked your salmon in advance, this one is also fairly low maintenance. All you need to do is grab your desired ingredients, then arrange them. Think salmon, onion, cucumber, radishes, tomatoes, eggs, the works!. Garnish it with chopped and colored peppers and dill. You can also add cut bagels or crackers to your platter.
Mini Smoked Salmon Cucumber Sandwiches
Who doesn’t love a mini sandwich? It totally reminds us of tea time in London. We love this idea for a fun lunch or brunch. Simply make a few smoked salmon, cucumber, and cream cheese sandwiches. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and throw a toothpick or something festive to hold them together. Then serve! You can even get fancy and garnish it with fresh dill, and you have a delicious appetizer!
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites:
This appetizer is seriously fresh and packed with flavor. Think lemon, smoked salmon, and dill all on top of a fresh bite-sized slice of cucumber. Recipe HERE via The Endless Meal.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Everyone loves dip. I mean seriously, how can you not?! This dip is one of the most delicious appetizer recipes we’ve found. We love it for more casual events that still require an appetizer. It’s also great for larger gatherings because it’s something you can prepare ahead of time easily. See the recipe by Self Proclaimed Foodie HERE.
What’s your favorite smoked salmon appetizer?
We would really love to hear from you! Share your favorite smoked salmon appetizers or even your favorite entrees with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear your recipes and your thoughts, too! If you’re looking for more smoked salmon appetizers, definitely check out this salmon appetizer board on Pinterest.
