Prepare your workspace: a cutting board, a sharp serrated bread knife, a small bowl, a lemon zester, a mixing spoon, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Wash the dill and arugula under running cool water, and gently dry them with a paper towel.
Description
Delicate, elegant mini sandwiches with smoked salmon are the perfect appetizer for Valentine's Day — subtle in flavor, aesthetically presented, and quick to prepare. On crispy, lightly toasted slices of baguette, we spread creamy cream cheese seasoned with fresh dill and lemon zest, layer thin slices of salmon, add a bit of red onion and capers (optional arugula). The dish combines the creamy texture of the cheese, the salty, smoky flavor of the salmon, and a refreshing hint of lemon — it pairs wonderfully with bubbles, a glass of white wine, or as an elegant appetizer before the main course. Visually, it attracts with a variety of textures and vibrant colors: pink salmon, green dill and arugula, and golden toasts.
Ingredients Used
Ingredients (11)
- Baguette 1.2 szt. (~300 g)
- Cream cheese 200 g
- Smoked salmon 150 g
- Lemon 1.3 szt. (~100 g)
- Butter 30 g
- Red onion 0.5 szt. (~70 g)
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Dill 0.5 pęczek (~10 g)
- Salt 1 g
- Ground black pepper 1 szczypta (~1 g)
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Capers 30 g
- Arugula 30 g
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Preparation steps
Preparation of ingredients
Slice the baguette diagonally into pieces about 12-15 mm thick (1.2-1.5 cm). From 300 g of baguette, you will get about 12-16 slices, enough for 4 servings of 3-4 mini sandwiches each.
Grate a thin layer of the yellow part of the lemon peel (about 1/2 lemon) using a fine grater — avoid the white, bitter part (albedo). Squeeze the juice from this half of the lemon and set aside.
Slice the red onion into very thin half-moons (it's best to use a mandoline or a sharp knife). If you want to mellow its flavor, transfer the slices to a bowl of cold water and let them sit for 5 minutes, then drain and dry.
In a small bowl, combine cream cheese (200 g), grated lemon zest, finely chopped dill (about 10 g), 1 pinch of salt (1 g), and 1 pinch of freshly ground pepper (1 g). Mix with a spoon until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency — mix for about 30-60 seconds.
Toasting the slices
Preheat the oven to 200°C (top-bottom) or prepare a skillet. Melt the butter (30 g) briefly in the microwave or in a saucepan. Lightly spread butter on one side of each slice and place them butter-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy. If using a skillet, fry for 2-3 minutes on medium heat on each side.
Sandwich Assembly
After the slices have cooled (1-2 minutes), evenly spread cream cheese on each slice with a spoon (about 12-15 g of cheese per slice). Gently place slices of smoked salmon on the spread cheese (about 12 g of salmon per sandwich). For a decorative effect, roll a folded slice of salmon into a rosette or arrange it with a gentle wavy motion.
On each sandwich, place a few thin strips of red onion, add 1-2 capers (if using), and drizzle with a very small amount of lemon juice (a few drops). Gently sprinkle with fresh dill and freshly ground pepper. If you like, place a single arugula leaf next to or on the sandwich.
Serving
Arrange the sandwiches on a flat plate or serving board in an aesthetically pleasing way — preferably in a line or a circle. Add a few slices of lemon for decoration and possibly a few sprigs of dill. Serve immediately, offering guests a drink of their choice.
Cleaning and final tips
After preparing, set aside the leftover salmon and cheese in airtight containers and place them in the fridge. Wash the tools and the cutting board. If you prepare the sandwiches in advance, do not assemble them completely — keep the ingredients separate and assemble them 15-20 minutes before serving.
Fun Fact
Smoked salmon as a luxury appetizer has a long history in Scandinavian and British cuisines — it was traditionally served on thin slices of bread with butter as an elegant snack. The combination of salmon and dill is a classic that has stood the test of time.
Best for
Tips
Serve the sandwiches chilled, on a light plate with a few slices of lemon and fresh dill. White wine (e.g., sauvignon blanc), rosé wine, or champagne pairs well with the sandwiches. If you plan to make a cold version in advance, store the slices and ingredients separately, and assemble 15-20 minutes before serving.
Store unused smoked salmon and cream cheese tightly in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Slices of bread are best stored in a paper bag at room temperature; after baking, eat within 2 hours or store in an airtight container for a maximum of 24 hours (they will lose their crispness). Assembled sandwiches are not suitable for long storage — the bread softens quickly.
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