Salmon And Cream Cheese Cucumber Appetizers
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Easy meets fancy with these salmon and cream cheese cucumber appetizers. They’ve got that silky richness of cream cheese and the delightful smokiness of salmon, wrapped up in the crisp freshness of cucumber. It’s a classic combo that never misses, but when you serve it up in bite-sized form? Absolute perfection. And it gets better – these light and refreshing bites come together in just 10 minutes!
Effortless yet elegant appetizers are my thing, especially when there’s cheese involved! Cranberry brie bites and goat cheese stuffed dates are among my go-tos, and I’m so happy to add smoked salmon and cream cheese cucumber appetizers to the list. They’re a mix of so many personal faves – I love the combination of crunchy cucumber, thick cream cheese, fatty salmon, and a seasoning blend that never disappoints.
They’re refreshing, satisfying, and look downright gorgeous on a platter, yet they couldn’t be easier to make. We love these as a quick lunch, a lunchbox treat, or as a refreshing snack. They’re also perfect for brunches, picnics, and parties. Definitely a year-round treat you can’t miss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-cook appetizer: No stove, no oven, no stress! Just assemble, chill, and serve.
- 5-ingredient recipe: All you need is smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, dill, and seasoning to make this light and refreshing treat.
- Light yet satisfying: The crisp cucumber keeps it refreshing, while the creamy cheese and smoky salmon make it feel indulgent.
- Perfect for entertaining: Assemble them a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until serving. An easy make-ahead appetizer for parties!
- Fun finger food: These cucumber appetizers are the perfect finger food – easy to grab, easy to eat, and mess-free.
- Adaptable: Mix up the flavors with different herbs, spices, or cheese spreads according to your mood or the occasion.
How to Make Salmon And Cream Cheese Cucumber Appetizers
These salmon and cream cheese cucumber appetizers are proof that fancy doesn’t have to mean fussy. With just a few simple ingredients, you get a bite-sized treat that’s creamy, crunchy, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying. They’re fresh and flavorful, making the perfect light bite with all the creamy, cheesy, and smoky goodness. Make a batch in 10 minutes, chill, and serve!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Cucumber: Any cucumber would do, but I recommend using an English cucumber for this recipe because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds, and their smooth texture and crispness provide the perfect base for the other ingredients.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best taste and texture. I use Philadelphia cream cheese, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Everything Bagel seasoning: For that delicious savory burst of flavor. I use Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning blend.
- Dill: For depth of flavor, and for enhancing the freshness of the cucumber.
- Smoked salmon: It’s important to learn how to make salmon correctly if preparing it yourself. Thinly-sliced smoked salmon is ideal for this recipe so it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors. Buy extra to make salmon quiche for breakfast the next day!
Step-By-Step Instructions
These delicious bites of goodness await! Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for flawless, flavorful cucumber appetizers that are easy to prepare as they are to enjoy.
Step 1: Prep the cucumber
Slice the cucumber lengthwise into thin strips using a mandoline or a vegetable peeler. Place the first strip on a cutting board and then arrange each additional one so it slightly overlaps the first while still extending out to the side.
See the in-process images above if this sounds confusing to you. Once the cucumber is sliced, pat them dry with a paper towel or two.
Step 2: Layer
Spread the cream cheese over the cucumber. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of everything bagel seasoning over the cream cheese. Arrange the smoked salmon on top and sprinkle with dill.
Step 3: Roll and slice
Start with the last cucumber you sliced and fold it upwards by 1.5 to 2-inches or so. Repeat with all others. Then, carefully roll them all up together and slice the log into individual rolls. I cut 10.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Arrange on a serving platter with an optional added garnish of dill and serve.
Substitutions
Another thing that I love about these salmon and cream cheese cucumber appetizers is that they’re endlessly customizable. If you’re missing something from the ingredient list or prefer to use an alternative, there are so many ways to make this recipe your own. Try these easy substitutions:
- Cucumber: If you don’t have cucumber, you could try using zucchini ribbons, though they’ll be slightly less crunchy.
- Cream cheese: Swap out with Greek yogurt, goat cheese, ricotta, or mascarpone, depending on your preference.
- Everything Bagel seasoning: Make a homemade version with equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. In a pinch, use any seasoning you have on hand, such as onion or garlic powder.
- Dill: Substitute with dried dill (but use less since it’s more concentrated), fresh chives or fresh parsley for a milder flavor.
- Smoked salmon: Use smoked trout, cooked shrimp, or crab if smoked salmon is unavailable.
Expert Tips
- Keep your salmon fresh: If you’re using store-bought smoked salmon, make sure to keep it tightly wrapped and chilled until just before assembling to preserve its delicate texture and flavor.
- Use a sharp knife for the cucumber: A sharp knife ensures clean, even slices without crushing the cucumber, giving your appetizers a beautiful presentation.
- Flavor it up: Instead of using plain, use herbed cream cheese! Use store-bought or make your own at home by mixing plain cream cheese with your favorite herbs and spices. Alternatively, experiment with other spreads like spicy mayo, ranch sauce, or hummus.
- Switch up the protein: Not a fan of salmon or seafood? Make these cucumber appetizers with meats like roast beef, turkey, chicken breast, or deli meats like ham, salami, or prosciutto.
- Play with toppings: If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, try topping each cucumber slice with a small dollop of capers, finely chopped red onion, a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.=
How to Store This Recipe
Salmon and cream cheese cucumber appetizers are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be placed into an airtight container and stored for up to 2 days. If making ahead, assemble the cream cheese and cucumber base ahead of time and store that in the fridge, then add the salmon and toppings right before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
What to Serve with Salmon And Cream Cheese Cucumber Appetizers
These cucumber appetizers are the perfect light bite, but they pair beautifully with a variety of dishes to complete your meal. For a well-rounded spread, serve them alongside a green salad with lemon vinaigrette, carrot raisin salad, or coleslaw. You could also offer warm, freshly baked bread or crackers for a satisfying crunch.
Serve these appetizers as part of a brunch menu with sheet pan eggs or a creamy quiche like impossible quiche, or as part of a charcuterie spread along with other party treats like bacon-wrapped pineapple bites and sausage rolls.
More Easy Cheesy Appetizers To Try
- Cream cheese stuffed mushrooms
- Cheese and bacon cob loaf
- Pull-apart bread
- Pineapple cheese ball
- Christmas tree cheese platter
Cucumber Appetizer With Cream Cheese And Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 whole English cucumber
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 1 portion Everything Bagel Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dill fresh and chopped
- 4 ounces smoked salmon thinly sliced
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber lengthwise into thin strips using a mandoline or a vegetable peeler. Place the first strip on a cutting board and then arrange each additional one so it slightly overlaps the first while still extending out to the side. See the in-process images above if this sounds confusing to you.
- Once the cucumber is sliced, pat them dry with a paper towel or two.
- Spread the cream cheese over the cucumber. Sprinkle a generous amount of everything bagel seasoning over the cream cheese. Arrange the smoked salmon on top and sprinkle with dill.
- Start with the last cucumber you sliced and fold it upwards by 1.5 to 2-inches or so. Repeat with all others. Then, carefully roll them all up together and slice the log into individual rolls. I cut 10.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Arrange on a serving platter with an optional added garnish of dill and serve.
Notes
- If using store-bought smoked salmon, keep it tightly wrapped and chilled until just before assembling to preserve its delicate texture and flavor.
- Use a sharp knife for the cucumber to make clean, even slices without crushing it, giving your appetizers a beautiful presentation.
- Instead of using plain, use herbed cream cheese! Alternatively, experiment with other spreads like spicy mayo, ranch sauce, or hummus.
- Make these cucumber appetizers with meats like roast beef, turkey, chicken breast, or deli meats like ham, salami, or prosciutto.
- For an extra layer of flavor, top each cucumber slice with a small dollop of capers, finely chopped red onion, a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
