Smoked Salmon Bruschetta 🐟🍋🧀🥖 Savory, Creamy, and Fresh With Luscious Salmon, Bright Herbs, and Lemon on Toasted Bread

This one brings that bagel shop vibe to bruschetta: whipped cream cheese or herbed goat cheese spread on garlicky toast, topped with silky smoked salmon, fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and maybe a thin slice of red onion.

It’s bold but clean — a brunch board standout or fancy appetizer in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients (Makes ~10–12 pieces)

For the creamy base

• ¾ cup whipped cream cheese, goat cheese, or Boursin
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp chopped chives, dill, or parsley
• Optional: ½ tsp caper brine or a few chopped capers
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping

• 4–6 oz cold-smoked salmon (lox-style), thinly sliced
• 1–2 tbsp capers, drained
• Thinly sliced red onion (optional)
• Extra fresh herbs for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

For the bread

• 1 baguette or rustic loaf, sliced ½-inch thick
• Olive oil for brushing
• Optional: 1 garlic clove, halved (for rubbing toast)

Instructions

Step 1: Toast the bread
Brush bread slices with olive oil and toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden and crisp. Rub with a cut garlic clove while warm, if using.

Step 2: Mix the spread
In a bowl, stir together cream cheese, lemon zest, herbs, and any optional additions like caper brine or finely chopped capers. Season to taste.

Step 3: Assemble
Spread each toast with a layer of the creamy base. Top with a ribbon of smoked salmon, a few capers, and a small slice of red onion. Garnish with herbs and a squeeze of lemon right before serving.

Flavor Variations

• Add cucumber ribbons or microgreens for crunch
• Swap cream cheese for herbed ricotta or labneh
• Drizzle with olive oil or hot honey for richness or kick
• Use beet-cured or pastrami-spiced salmon for flair
• Add a soft-boiled quail egg for elegance

Pro Tips

• Use thin, delicate smoked salmon — not cooked or flaky hot-smoked
• Toast bread just before serving for peak texture
• Don’t overload with onion — just a whisper for sharpness
• Cream cheese should be soft and spreadable for easy layering

Final Thoughts

Smoked Salmon Bruschetta is crisp, creamy, and refined — a luxe but simple bite that brings brunch energy to any occasion. It’s easy to prep, looks stunning on a platter, and hits all the right savory-salty notes.

Toast it. Spread it. Layer the luxe. 🐟🍋🧀🥖

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