Smoked Salmon Phyllo Appetizers

Looking for an eye-catching appetizer for your next event that is as delicious as it looks? You found it! These gorgeous smoked salmon phyllo appetizers are made with cold smoked salmon, a decadent dill cream cheese, fresh dill, and capers inside a bite-sized crispy, phyllo pastry cup. You'll love that, while they look gourmet, crafting them is incredibly easy.

A few years ago, a friend of ours threw the best backyard dinner party - a fake wedding! She went all out - with decorations, a wedding cake, photo booth, and more. She asked us all to dress up like we were going to a wedding and bring a wedding worthy appetizer to share. It was for this event that I found my inspiration to craft these gorgeous smoked salmon phyllo cups. They ended up being huge hit! Since then, I have made them for other special events, such as Christmas or New Years parties, and they're always a crowd pleaser.

Reasons to Love These Mini Lox Appetizers

First, I love that this appetizer uses unique ingredients that stand out. The smoked salmon, phyllo pastry cups, and capers really make these small bites seem extra bougie and fun.

Secondly, and maybe even more importantly, assembling them is a breeze! The phyllo cups can be bought pre-made for the frozen section of the grocery store. Then, the cream cheese whips together in 2 minutes, and assembling them is just as easy. Because we all know that focusing your energy on creating memorable moments with your guests, instead of toiling away in the kitchen, is always a win!

Have I mentioned, these are downright delicious? The flavors of the crispy phyllo pastry shells, the decadent dill cream cheese, the salty tangy capers, and the smokey/salty salmon + the sprig of dill is truly bomb.

But don't just take my word on this. Try these smoked salmon phyllo appetizers for yourself and let me know what think of them!

Looking for other, delicious recipes? Here's a few favorites:

• Pretzel Dogs
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter & Cream Cheese Icing
• Prickly Pear Limeade

Ingredients

For the Fresh Dill Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz. Cream Cheese, softened
• ½ c. Sour Cream
• 1 Tbsp. Fresh Dill, finely chopped
• ½ tsp. Garlic Powder
• ½ tsp. Onion Powder
• ½ tsp. Salt

All Remaining Ingredients

• 2 Packages of Mini Phyllo Pastry Shells, 15 count each (found in the frozen section of most grocery stores)
• 1 3-4 oz. Package Cold Smoked Salmon
• 1 Bunch Fresh Dill, (divided for dill cream cheese and garnish)
• Capers (usually comes in a 3-4 oz. jar but you won't need to use the full jar.)

Directions

Prepping the Ingredients

1. To begin, place the phyllo pastry shells on a baking sheet and toast them according to the package instructions (about 5 minutes.)
2. While the phyllo cups are in the oven, mix up the cream cheese filling. Chop the fresh dill, then add it with all the other ingredients to a medium sized bowl and mix well.
3. After the phyllo cups have crisped up, remove them from the oven to cool a bit. Use this time to pick small sprigs of dill off their main stems. Then, drain the capers and slice the smoked salmon. Now, you can choose to cut the salmon into small squares to just set on top of each bite as is, or you can cut it into small rectangles and roll into small rosettes. (Keep in mind, you'll want 30 pieces for the 30 individual bites. The salmon is typically several layers thick - you'll just need to gently separate them!)

Assembling the Smoked Salmon Phyllo Appetizers

1. Begin to assemble the cups: First, add about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture to each cup.
2. Next, add a few capers on top of the cream cheese.
3. Follow this up with the smoked salmon (squares or rosettes), then lay the sprig of dill across the salmon. And that's it, they are ready to serve! Place them on a beautiful tray or charcuterie board and enjoy!

Just a note: These steps go faster doing them "assembly line style" - I recommend, filling all the cups with cream cheese in one go, adding the capers to all the cups next, then all the salmon, and so forth. Another tip to speeding this up is, if you are doing an extra-large batch of these (say for a wedding, gala, etc.), put the cream cheese mixture into an icing bag with a wide decorating tip on the end and simply pipe the cream cheese into each cup.

Extra Tips: These appetizer bites are best served at room temperature, as soon as possible - within an hour of making them. If they aren't going to be served immediately, cover them gently with plastic wrap to try to keep the dill sprigs from wilting and the salmon from drying out.

Serving Suggestions for Smoked Salmon Phyllo Appetizers:

Your bite-sized smoked salmon phyllo appetizers are a symphony of flavors and textures, making them a delightful addition to any gathering. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or a casual get-together, here are some serving suggestions to ensure these delectable bites steal the spotlight:

• Create a Stunning Display: Arrange your smoked salmon phyllo appetizers on a stylish serving tray or charcuterie board. The vibrant colors of the salmon, the creamy filling, and the fresh dill create an eye-catching presentation that sets the tone for a memorable culinary experience.
• Pair with Sparkling Beverages: Elevate the indulgence by serving these appetizers with a chilled glass of sparkling wine, champagne, or a deliciously fizzy non-alcoholic party punch. The effervescence and acidity of the bubbly beverages complement the richness of the smoked salmon and cream filling.
• Alternative Toppings: As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life! You can always create different topping combinations. Other suggestions that go well with this flavor combination are cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
• Decorate with Edible Flowers: For a whimsical and artistic touch, sprinkle a few edible flowers on the serving tray. Not only do they add visual appeal, but they also introduce a subtle floral note to the palate.

Whether at a cocktail party, bridal shower, or holiday gathering, these suggestions will help you present these delightful bites in a way that enhances the overall dining experience. Enjoy the compliments as your guests savor the exquisite combination of flavors!

Storage Suggestions for Smoked Salmon Phyllo Appetizers:

Preserving the quality of your smoked salmon appetizers is essential to ensure they maintain their exquisite taste and presentation. Whether you're preparing them in advance or dealing with leftovers, follow these storage suggestions to keep the flavors and textures intact:

• Refrigerate Promptly: After serving these smoked salmon phyllo cups, refrigerate any leftovers promptly. Place them in an airtight container or cover the tray with plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air.
• Consume Leftovers Within 1-2 days: For the best experience, aim to consume the smoked salmon appetizers within 2 days of assembly. The freshness of the ingredients, especially the dill and smoked salmon, is key to the overall enjoyment of the bites.
• Avoid Freezing: Due to the delicate nature of the ingredients, freezing is not recommended. Freezing can alter the texture of the smoked salmon, and the thawing process may result in a less appealing consistency.

By following these storage suggestions, you can extend the enjoyment of your appetizer bites even after the party is over. Thoughtful storage ensures you’ll be able to savor the exquisite combination of flavors and textures over the next couple of days.

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