8 Delicious Smoked Salmon Appetizers Perfect for the Holidays

If you're planning a gathering and want appetizers that make a splash, smoked salmon is your secret weapon! From classic spreads to creative crostinis and elegant bites, this roundup of appetizers with smoked salmon has something for every palate and occasion.

Smoked salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients, making it ideal for creating a range of crowd-pleasing appetizers! These easy smoked salmon appetizer recipes have something for every occasion, whether you're hosting a holiday party, brunch, or casual get-together, these recipes are sure to impress your guests while being easy to prepare.

Jump to:

• There are different types of smoked salmon
• Where to buy smoked salmon
• 6 ways to use smoked salmon (without a recipe!)
• Our Favorite Recipe
• Recipes for Smoked Salmon Appetizers
• Smoked Salmon Tart
• Smoked Salmon Spread
• Smoked Salmon Cakes
• Smoked Salmon Dip in Cucumber Cups
• Smoked Salmon Polenta Pancakes
• Smoked Salmon Platter
• Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Crackers
• Smoked Salmon Bites Appetizer with Cucumber
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Recipes for Entertaining
• 💬 Comments & Reviews

There are different types of smoked salmon

There are a few different types of smoked salmon, each with unique qualities and methods of preparation. While the type of salmon may vary, today's classifications of smoked salmon reflect distinct characteristics, flavors, and textures based on the smoking and curing process used.

• Lox, traditionally made from the belly of the salmon, is cured in brine but never actually smoked, giving it a saltier, more raw texture. It resembles thinly sliced raw salmon.
• Gravlax is made with the same process as lox, but it's seasoned with other ingredients like dill, salt, and sugar.
• Cold-smoked and hot-smoked salmon are actually cooked. They are sometimes cured or brined first.
  • Cold-smoked salmon is cooked at a low temperature for up to 12 hours. It is more delicate than hot-smoked salmon.
  • Hot-smoked salmon is cooked at a higher temperature for only a few hours and it has a drier, flakier texture.

We've noticed on the East Coast and much of the Midwest, smoked salmon often brings to mind lox or gravlax, while the West Coast, it's usually cold- or hot-smoked salmon. Both are delicious but have distinct flavors and textures, so not all recipes are interchangeable. Be sure you select a recipe that works with the type of smoked salmon you are using.

6 ways to use smoked salmon (without a recipe!)

We've included smoked salmon appetizer recipes, but it's also delicious in a variety of other ways!

1. Add to a crisp green salad.
2. Break into potato or broccoli soup or chowders.
3. Serve on a sandwich with artisan bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, and sandwich spread of your choice.
4. Add to scrambled eggs.
5. Serve on a bagel with cream cheese, fresh dill, and capers.
6. Fill a taco shell and add your favorite toppings.

Our Favorite Recipe

Asking us to pick one favorite recipe is...unfair. But if we had to choose JUST ONE DISH from this recipe collection, it would be this Smoked Salmon Spread with Buttery Crostini.

Quick and easy to make, served on buttery, toasted crostini it's a perfect appetizer for any occasion; holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or any time you want to impress!

Recipes for Smoked Salmon Appetizers

This collection features some of our favorite smoked salmon appetizer recipes from our archives, plus a few delicious ideas from other recipe developers!

Add a vegetarian holiday appetizer option to your table with
this festive Feta, Cilantro, and Roasted Red Pepper Spread recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you loved this guide to smoked salmon appetizers! If you have any questions, drop a comment below. For more easy ideas to help you entertain with confidence, visit our full recipe index.

More Recipes for Entertaining