The Graceful Dame Print

Smoked Salmon Phyllo Appetizers

Cold smoked Salmon appetizer bite with nova lox, dill cream cheese, capers, and fresh dill inside a crispy phyllo pastry shell. In the background, a charcuterie board with more nova lox appetizers can be seen.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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. 

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Fresh Dill Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz. Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 c. Sour Cream
  • 1 Tbsp. Fresh Dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Salt

Remaining Necessary Ingredients

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

Instructions

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 to garnish each mini cup. 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!)  [gallery type="rectangular" ids="1320,1321"]

Assembling the Smoked Salmon Phyllo Cups 

  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!  [gallery type="rectangular" ids="1322,1323"]

Just a note: These steps go faster when you do them "assembly line style" - I recommend, filling all the cups with cream cheese in one go, adding all the capers 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 or place them in an airtight container to try to keep the dill sprigs from wilting and the salmon from drying out.  Three lox bite-sized appetizers with cream cheese, dill, and capers in phyllo dough cups have been assembled on a plate.

Notes

Serving Suggestions for Smoked Salmon Phyllo Appetizers:

Your bite-sized smoked salmon phyllo cups 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 these 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 creamy 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 phyllo cups 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 the smoked salmon phyllo appetizers, 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 leftover 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 smoked salmon phyllo appetizers 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.