An elegant Italian-inspired appetizer combining crispy toasted bread, silky egg and cheese cream, and premium smoked salmon into the perfect bite.

THE STORY BEHIND THIS RECIPE

Smoked Salmon Crostini are one of those appetizers that make an impression long before the first bite.

Perhaps it’s:

• the aroma of freshly toasted bread,
• the vibrant colour of smoked salmon,
• or simply the moment they appear on the table as the first bottle of wine is opened.

Their role is never to steal the spotlight.

They prepare the stage for everything that follows.

Every bite brings together:

• the silky richness of the egg and cheese spread,
• the delicate saltiness of premium smoked salmon,
• the freshness of dill,
• the satisfying crunch of perfectly toasted bread.

Together, they create an appetizer that feels equally at home at:

• a relaxed summer brunch,
• a family celebration,
• a festive gathering,
• or an evening shared with good friends.

Some recipes are made for special occasions.

Others have the rare ability to make an ordinary evening feel special.

These crostini belong to the latter.

INGREDIENTS

For the Crostini

• 1 large French baguette
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove

For the Egg & Cheese Spread

• 3 hard-boiled eggs
• 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese
• 80 g (3 oz) finely grated Cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• freshly ground black pepper
• salt to taste

For Finishing

• 200 g (7 oz) premium cold-smoked salmon
• fresh dill
• black sesame seeds
• finely grated lemon zest (optional)
• a few drops of extra virgin olive oil

METHOD

Slice the baguette diagonally into slices about 1 cm (½ inch) thick.

Lightly brush each slice with olive oil.

Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden and crisp.

While still warm, gently rub each slice with the cut side of a garlic clove.

Only a few strokes are needed.

The garlic should perfume the bread without becoming overpowering.

THE EGG & CHEESE SPREAD

Place the following ingredients into a food processor:

• hard-boiled eggs
• cream cheese
• grated Cheddar
• Dijon mustard
• lemon juice
• turmeric
• freshly ground black pepper

Blend until perfectly smooth.

If needed:

• add another spoonful of cream cheese if the mixture is too thick,
• refrigerate for about 20 minutes if it feels too soft.

The spread should be silky, creamy and easy to pipe.

ASSEMBLY

Spread or pipe the cream generously onto each crostini.

Top with loosely folded slices of smoked salmon.

Avoid arranging the salmon too perfectly.

Natural folds create a more elegant presentation.

Finish each crostini with:

• fresh dill,
• black sesame seeds,
• a little lemon zest (optional),
• a few drops of premium extra virgin olive oil.

SERVING

Serve on:

• a rustic wooden serving board,
• or a modern ceramic platter.

Avoid arranging the crostini in perfectly straight rows.

Instead, allow them to overlap naturally.

The presentation will feel:

• relaxed,
• authentic,
• and far more inviting.

Serve immediately while the bread is still crisp.

Pair with:

• Lugana DOC,
• Sauvignon Blanc,
• or a well-chilled Prosecco Brut.

Preparing a few extra pieces is always a good idea.

They disappear surprisingly quickly.

WINE PAIRING (TGCC)

🇮🇹 Italy

Lugana DOC

Few Italian white wines pair with smoked salmon as naturally as Lugana DOC.

Expect elegant notes of:

• citrus,
• green apple,
• white flowers,
• fresh minerality.

These flavours beautifully complement both the silky smoked salmon and the creamy spread.

The wine refreshes the palate without overpowering the food.

It is more than simply a pairing.

It completes the entire experience.

🇸🇰 Slovakia

If you prefer Slovak wines, we recommend:

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Riesling
• Devín (dry style)
• Grüner Veltliner

Look for wines offering:

• lively acidity,
• elegant minerality,
• fresh fruit character.

They should support the smoked salmon rather than dominate it.

RECIPE DETAILS

• Difficulty: Easy
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Baking Time: 8–10 minutes
• Servings: 20–24 crostini
• Season: All year round
• Style: Elegant Appetizer
• TGCC Category: Appetizers & Finger Food