She Strengthens

Elegant Cocktail Party Appetizer: Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites

When it comes to hosting a memorable cocktail party, having a few show-stopping appetizers up your sleeve can make all the difference. One such recipe that’s sure to impress your guests is these elegant Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites.

A Foolproof Recipe for Busy Hosts

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. All the components can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and then assembled just before serving. This means you can focus on enjoying the party with your guests instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Success

To ensure your Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites turn out perfectly, don’t skimp on the quality of the two star ingredients: smoked salmon and caviar. For an added touch of sophistication, invest in a star piping tip to create beautiful, delicate swirls.

Fromage Blanc: The Essential Cheese

Fromage blanc, a type of fresh cream cheese, is a crucial component of this recipe. You can find it at specialty cheese stores or gourmet markets. If you’re unable to track it down, a high-quality whipped cream cheese makes a suitable substitute.

Equipment Essentials

To bring this recipe to life, you’ll need a large piping bag and a 1/2-inch star piping tip. These tools will help you create the elegant, professional-looking bites that are sure to wow your guests.

Recipe Details

Yield: About 70 pieces
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 25 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces smoked salmon, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup fromage blanc (about 7 1/2 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon finely grated red onion
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (from about 1 medium lemon)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarsely chopped capers
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 medium English cucumbers (about 18 ounces), sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 (2-ounce) jar caviar or 1/4 cup salmon roe

Assembly and Serving

Process the smoked salmon, fromage blanc, onion, lemon zest and juice, capers, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch star tip and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. When ready to serve, arrange the cucumber slices on a platter, pipe the salmon mixture onto each slice, and top with caviar or salmon roe. Serve immediately and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your guests!