Smoked Salmon Herb Crostini (Print Version)

Toasted baguette topped with creamy herbs, smoked salmon, and bright lemon for a fresh, elegant snack.

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 1 baguette, sliced into approximately 1/4 inch-thick pieces
02 - Olive oil, for brushing

→ Spread

03 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
04 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, chives, or parsley)
05 - Zest of 1/2 lemon
06 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

09 - 8 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced
10 - Capers, for garnish (optional)
11 - Thinly sliced red onion, for garnish (optional)
12 - Extra fresh herbs, for garnish (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Toast for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
02 - In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with chopped herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and evenly combined.
03 - Spread a layer of the herb cream cheese mixture onto each toasted slice.
04 - Place a piece of smoked salmon over the cream cheese on each crostini. Garnish with capers, extra herbs, or sliced red onion if desired.
05 - Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve promptly for optimal texture.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure the crostini are cooled before topping to avoid melting the cream cheese. For best results, assemble just before serving.