Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

If you are a fan of bagel and lox, youll love this appetizer!

A baguette is thinly sliced and toasted into crostini, the base for this bite-sized starter.

The toppings are delicious layers of tangy cream cheese, pickled cucumbers, and cured salmon.

Close up of a platter of smoke salmon and herby cream cheese crostini

Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

I always save a few on the side for myself because they disappear fast!

What are Crostini?

Crostini are versatile Italian appetizers that use thinly sliced toasted bread.

Smoked salmon, cucumber, and cream cheese crostini on a platter.

Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

Whatever you could dream up, sweet, savory, or both, can be added on top.

Its meant to be eaten in a few hearty bites before the main meal.

Cut them 1/2-ich thick and brush extra virgin olive oil on top for flavor.

Crostini topped with smoke salmon, pickled cucumbers, and dilled cream cheese on a white plate.

Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

The oil acts as a protective layer to prevent the bread from getting soggy from the toppings.

Bake them until lightly golden brownit only takes about 10 minutes.

All you need is red wine vinegar and honey.

Overhead view of three smoke salmon and herby cream cheese crostinis on a plate with lemon next to it.

Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

I use a ratio of 2 parts vinegar to 1 part sweetener.

How to Make the Cream Cheese Spread

Smoked salmon and cream cheese are a classic flavor pairing.

How to Assemble Crostini

Assemble the crostini right before serving them.

Pickling liquid for smoked salmon, cucumber, and cream cheese crostini.

Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese spread on the toast.

Drain the pickled cucumbers well and add two or three slices on top of the cream cheese.

Freshly cracked black pepper and dill makes for a pretty garnish.

Cucumber slices pickling in a bowl to make smoked salmon, cucumber, and cream cheese crostinis.

Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

Enjoy within an hour for the best taste.

Dont worry, they wont last that long!

Swaps and Substitutions

There are easy ways to modify the quick pickle and cheese spread components.

Brushing crostinis with oil on a baking sheet to make smoked salmon crostinis.

Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

Try these delicious swaps:

Storage Instructions

The baguette slices can be baked five days in advance.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

You could also freeze them in a resealable plastic bag for up to a month.

Toasted crostinis for smoked salmon, cucumber, and cream cheese crostini.

Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

Bring them to room temperature before assembling them.

Assembled crostini can be made up to two hours ahead, covered, and refrigerated.

Dont leave them in any longer, the humidity in the refrigerator will soften the toast!

Ingredients n a bowl to make the cream cheese spread for smoked salmon crostinis.

Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and honey.

Stir them once halfway through.

Using a pastry brush, brush each side of the bread slices with olive oil.

Mixing the cream cheese spread in a bowl to make smoked salmon, cucumber, and cream cheese crostini.

Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

Arrange them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake them until dry, lightly browned, and crisp, about 10 minutes.

Flip the bread over halfway through baking.

Crostini topped with smoke salmon, pickled cucumbers, and dilled cream cheese on a baking sheet.

Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

Remove them from the oven and cool them on the baking sheet.

If not using right away, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it.

Drain the pickled cucumbers in a colander over the sink.

Using a butter knife, smear a thin layer of the cream cheese spread over each piece of crostini.

Top each with three pickled cucumbers and a slice of smoked salmon.

Garnish each with chopped dill and black pepper.

Arrange them on a platter and serve.