Christmas Smoked Salmon Bruschetta Wreath Recipe
Introduction
This Christmas Smoked Salmon Bruschetta Wreath is a festive and elegant appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring crispy baguette slices topped with creamy lemon-zested spread and delicate smoked salmon, it’s both beautiful and delicious.

Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz plain cream cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh dill, chopped (optional for spread and garnish)
- 6 oz high-quality smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Lightly brush each slice on both sides with olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Allow to cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in some chopped fresh dill if using.
- Step 3: On a large serving platter, arrange the toasted baguette slices in a circular, overlapping pattern to form a wreath shape.
- Step 4: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each baguette slice.
- Step 5: Top each slice with a piece of smoked salmon, draping it elegantly.
- Step 6: Sprinkle capers over the salmon. Garnish the wreath with cucumber slices, cherry tomato halves, extra fresh dill, and a little more lemon zest.
- Step 7: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute smoked salmon with smoked trout or plant-based smoked salmon for different flavor or dietary needs.
- Use herbed or dairy-free cream cheese to add variety or accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Try gluten-free bread or rye crisps as a base if you need to avoid gluten.
- Add radishes or bell pepper slices for extra color and crunch.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To keep the bread crispy, store the toasted baguette slices separately from the toppings and assemble just before serving. Reheat the baguette slices briefly in the oven if needed, but avoid reheating the assembled bruschetta to preserve texture and freshness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the wreath in advance?
You can prepare the toasted baguette slices and cream cheese spread a few hours ahead, but assemble the wreath just before serving to keep the bread crisp and fresh.
What can I use if I don’t like capers?
If you’re not a fan of capers, finely chopped green olives make a great salty alternative, or you can simply leave them out.
PrintChristmas Smoked Salmon Bruschetta Wreath Recipe
Celebrate the holiday season with this elegant Christmas Smoked Salmon Bruschetta Wreath. Featuring crispy toasted baguette rounds topped with a creamy lemon-dill spread, rich smoked salmon, briny capers, and fresh vegetables, this festive appetizer is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for entertaining, it combines smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors in a stunning wreath presentation that will impress your guests and brighten any holiday table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 bruschetta pieces, serving 8-10 people as an appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 fresh baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Olive oil, for brushing
Spread
- 8 oz plain cream cheese, softened
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 6 oz thinly sliced high-quality smoked salmon
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- Additional fresh dill for garnish
- Extra lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange them on a baking sheet and lightly brush each side with olive oil. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the slices turn golden and become crispy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Make the Spread: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. For extra flavor, stir in the chopped fresh dill if using.
- Assemble the Wreath Base: On a large serving platter, arrange the toasted baguette slices in a circular, overlapping pattern to form a wreath shape. This creates the foundation of your festive appetizer.
- Spread the Cream Cheese: Using a knife or spatula, evenly spread a generous layer of the lemon-dill cream cheese mixture on each toasted baguette slice.
- Add the Smoked Salmon: Place a piece of smoked salmon on top of each cream cheese-coated slice, draping it elegantly to enhance the presentation and add a luxurious touch.
- Garnish the Wreath: Sprinkle capers over the salmon slices for a briny burst of flavor. Arrange the thinly sliced cucumbers and halved cherry tomatoes around and on top of the wreath for fresh color and crunch. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a bit of extra lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Present your beautiful Christmas Smoked Salmon Bruschetta Wreath immediately to guests. Enjoy while the baguette remains crisp and the flavors fresh.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute smoked salmon with plant-based smoked salmon or smoked trout for a different flavor.
- Gluten-free bread or rye crisps can be used instead of a traditional baguette for dietary restrictions or taste variations.
- You can swap fresh dill with fresh parsley or chives depending on availability and preference.
- If you dislike capers, finely chopped green olives make a tasty alternative.
- Additional vegetables like radishes or bell pepper slices can be added for extra color and crunch.
- Prepare the toasted baguette slices in advance and cool completely to save time before assembling.
Keywords: Christmas appetizer, smoked salmon bruschetta, holiday wreath appetizer, festive finger food, smoked fish hors d’oeuvres

