Christmas 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
Scale
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
