Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that feels both elegant and effortless, the Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful combination layers creamy chive-infused cream cheese on crisp, golden baguette slices, topped generously with smooth Nova lox salmon, a whisper of red onion, and that unmistakable pop of savory flavor from Everything But the Bagel seasoning. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, prepping for a cocktail party, or simply craving a luxurious snack, this recipe brings together vibrant textures and bold flavors that are sure to impress every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s truly wonderful about this Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Recipe is how straightforward yet thoughtful the ingredients are. Each one plays a starring role—bringing freshness, creaminess, crunch, or that special dash of zest to create an unforgettable bite.

• French baguette: Provides a crisp, sturdy base that toasts to a perfect golden crunch.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A light brush adds subtle richness and helps the baguette slices brown beautifully.
• Whipped chive cream cheese: Creamy and flavorful, this spreads smoothly and adds a gentle oniony brightness.
• Nova lox salmon: The smoky, silky salmon is the star ingredient, infusing the crostini with rich, savory depth.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for just the right bite of sharpness and crunch without overpowering.
• Everything But the Bagel seasoning: This seasoning blend brings a punch of garlicky, sesame, and poppy seed goodness that ties everything together.
• Finely chopped chives or scallions: A fresh sprinkle on top for color, mild bite, and extra herby flair.

How to Make Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Baguette Slices

Preheat your oven to 350ºF to get started. Arrange all your baguette slices on a baking sheet, then lightly brush each one with extra virgin olive oil. This quick step ensures they brown evenly and develop that irresistible crunch. Bake them for about 8 to 10 minutes until they’re just golden around the edges—crispy but not hard. Once done, give them a minute or two to cool so they can stay crisp yet comfortable to spread the cream cheese on.

Step 2: Spread the Chive Cream Cheese

Now comes the fun part: dolloping about a tablespoon of chilled whipped chive cream cheese onto each toasted slice. This creamy layer adds richness and a mild onion flavor that complements the smoked salmon beautifully. Take your time to evenly spread it out but don’t be afraid to pile it a little high; this is where indulgence begins.

Step 3: Layer on the Smoked Salmon

Next, gently place a generous slice of Nova lox salmon over the cream cheese. The silky texture of the salmon is a stunning contrast to the crunchy bread underneath. You want each crostini to have a satisfying mouthfeel—soft, creamy, and smokey all at once.

Step 4: Add Red Onion and Seasoning

Next up, top with a few very thin slices of red onion for freshness and zing. Follow this with a light sprinkling of Everything But the Bagel seasoning. This seasoning blends garlic, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and salt, giving each bite a savory burst that’s both familiar and exciting.

Step 5: Finish with Chives or Scallions

To finish, sprinkle finely chopped chives or scallions atop your crostini. This final touch adds vibrant color, a mild sharpness, and an herbaceous aroma that brightens the entire dish. And just like that, you’re ready to impress everyone with your effortless appetizer!

How to Serve Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishes are where you can get playful. A little extra sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few capers adds bursts of briny flavor that amplify that smoked salmon magic. Lemon zest or a gentle squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving will add a delightful pop of brightness that wakes up the palate.

Side Dishes

Because these crostini are so packed with flavor, they pair wonderfully with light sides like a crisp arugula salad or a simple cucumber and dill salad. Offering something fresh and green balances the richness and keeps your guests’ taste buds refreshed. A chilled glass of crisp white wine or bubbly is a perfect beverage partner to elevate the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is part of the fun! Arrange the crostini neatly on a rustic wooden board for a charming, casual vibe or elevate them on a sleek white platter for a modern feel. You can also serve them with edible flowers or microgreens for a stunning visual pop. For a party, consider grouping crostini garnished with different herbs or seasoning blends to add variety while sticking to the same delicious base.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though they never last long!), you can store the crostini components separately for best results. Keep the toasted baguette slices in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch, while the smoked salmon and cream cheese should be refrigerated. Assemble them right before serving again to preserve their textures and flavors.

Freezing

Freezing smoked salmon crostini isn’t recommended because the baguette can become soggy upon thawing, and the fresh toppings lose their texture. Instead, freeze the cream cheese spread and the salmon separately if needed, then toast fresh baguette slices when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To refresh your toasts, pop the baguette slices back into a preheated oven at 350ºF for 2-3 minutes. Avoid reheating the cream cheese or salmon, as they’re best enjoyed chilled. Assemble your crostini after warming the bread to preserve the delicate flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for the crostini?

Absolutely! While a French baguette is classic for its perfect crunch and size, you can experiment with other crusty breads like ciabatta or sourdough. Just be sure to slice them thin enough to crisp up nicely in the oven.

What if I don’t have Everything But the Bagel seasoning?

No worries! You can make a simple substitute by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic flakes, dried onion flakes, and a bit of salt. This DIY blend will get you close to that iconic flavor.

Is whipped chive cream cheese necessary, or can I make my own?

You can absolutely make your own by whipping plain cream cheese with freshly chopped chives, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Whipping keeps the texture light and spreadable, perfect for crostini.

Can this appetizer be made vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative whipped with chives, and swap the smoked salmon for a vegan smoked carrot or beet slice. Season as usual for a delicious plant-based version.

How far in advance can I prepare this dish?

It’s best to prepare the toasted baguette slices and cream cheese spread a day ahead, keeping them stored separately. Assemble the crostini just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Recipe, it will quickly become a staple for your gatherings or your personal indulgences. It feels fancy but is so easy to make, and the balance of creamy, smoky, crunchy, and savory will have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring a little gourmet joy to your table today!

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