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

When I first tried making smoked salmon crostini, it quickly became one of my favorite go-to appetizers for gatherings and cozy nights in. This Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe hits all the right notes—creamy, smoky, tangy, and with that delightful crunch from toasted baguette slices. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but comes together fast, which is a winning combo for those times when you want to impress without stress.

What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of flavors and textures—the herby cream cheese, the silky smoked salmon, and the zing of everything bagel seasoning create a harmony that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, holiday party, or just treating yourself to something scrumptious, this Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe will quickly become a crowd favorite in your recipe arsenal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe lets each flavor shine while making prep a breeze. Here’s what I find essential and some tips on choosing the best components for delicious crostini.

• French baguette: Pick a fresh baguette with a crisp crust—it toasts beautifully and holds up under the toppings without sogginess.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle here brings out the bread’s flavor and helps it crisp up perfectly in the oven.
• Whipped chive cream cheese: The creamy texture spreads easily; if you can’t find it pre-whipped, just soften regular cream cheese and mix in fresh chives yourself.
• Nova lox salmon: This thinly sliced smoked salmon gives a silky, smoky taste that’s essential for this recipe’s signature flavor.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp contrast—gives a nice bite without overpowering the other flavors.
• Everything But the Bagel seasoning: A must-have seasoning blend that adds crunch and umami punch; don’t skip it!
• Chopped chives or scallions: Fresh herbs on top add a pop of color and subtle onion flavor that’s just delightful.

Variations

I love how versatile this Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe can be. Over time, I’ve tried a few tweaks that keep it exciting and let you adapt it based on what’s in your kitchen or your personal taste.

• Variation: Swap out the Nova lox for smoked trout or even smoked mackerel if you want a different smoky flavor. I did this once when salmon was scarce, and it was surprisingly tasty.
• Dietary modification: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative with fresh herbs if you’re avoiding dairy. The texture is slightly different but still delicious.
• Seasonal change: During warmer months, add thin cucumber slices for extra crunch and freshness. The cucumber’s coolness pairs beautifully with the salmon.
• Extra kick: Sprinkle a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha mayo to give your crostini a spicy edge.

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

Step 1: Toast the Baguette Slices to Golden Perfection

Start by slicing your baguette into half-inch pieces—this size strikes the perfect balance of crunch and bite-size. Brush each slice lightly with extra virgin olive oil to help them crisp up beautifully in the oven. I find baking them at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes works best, flipping once halfway through to ensure both sides turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end since ovens vary, and you want them crispy but not burnt.

Step 2: Spread the Luxurious Chive Cream Cheese

Once your baguette slices are cool enough to handle, spread a generous dollop of whipped chive cream cheese on each one. If you haven’t found a pre-flavored cream cheese, soften plain cream cheese and stir in finely chopped chives—it’s easy and tastes just as good! This creamy layer acts as the perfect base, keeping the salmon moist and adding an herby freshness.

Step 3: Arrange the Smoked Salmon and Onion Slices

Next, gently fold or roll small strips of your Nova lox salmon and place them on top of the cream cheese. Don’t be stingy here; the salmon is the star! Add a few thin slices of red onion over each crostini for a bit of crunch and sharpness. I like to use my sharpest knife here to get those paper-thin onion slices, which help keep the flavor balanced without overwhelming the salmon’s delicacy.

Step 4: Sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning and Fresh Chives

This is the magic touch—the everything bagel seasoning adds a burst of flavor that ties everything together and gives the crostini a savory crunch. Finish by scattering finely chopped chives or scallions on top. The fresh herbs brighten the dish and make it look pretty enough for company. As someone who’s made these at countless parties, I can tell you this step elevates the whole experience.

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

Garnishes

I often add a few capers or a tiny lemon wedge next to each crostini when serving—it adds a briny hit and a zesty squeeze that balances the richness beautifully. Dill sprigs or microgreens also make lovely garnishes and bring extra freshness.

Side Dishes

For a fuller spread, I like pairing these crostini with a crisp green salad or a bowl of chilled cucumber salad. A light white wine or sparkling rosé also complements the smoky and creamy flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Once for a holiday gathering, I presented the crostini on a wooden board lined with fresh herbs and edible flowers, instantly elevating the look. Another fun idea is layering different smoked fish on crostini and labeling each with little tags for a tasting party—or make mini platters featuring other bagel toppings alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (and sometimes I do!), I recommend keeping the cream cheese spread and bread slices separate from the toppings to avoid sogginess. Store smoked salmon and cream cheese-covered crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours—beyond that, the bread can get too soft.

Freezing

Because the bread and toppings are delicate, I don’t usually freeze assembled crostini. However, you can freeze the baguette slices before toasting for future use, then prepare everything fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To refresh the toasted baguette slices, pop them back in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C)—but avoid reheating the assembled crostini to keep the smoked salmon fresh and creamy. I usually toast bread right before serving for best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both simple and sophisticated. I always feel like I’m treating myself and my guests to something a little extra special whenever I make it. If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful appetizer that balances creamy, crunchy, and smoky elements, give this recipe a try—you’ll love how effortlessly elegant it feels, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home too.

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