Description
This Christmas Smoked Salmon Bruschetta Wreath is a festive and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring toasted baguette rounds topped with a creamy garlic dill spread and delicate smoked salmon, garnished with bright lemon zest and juicy pomegranate arils, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Easy to assemble and sure to impress guests with its vibrant presentation and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Bruschetta Base
- 1 baguette, sliced into bite-sized rounds
Topping
- 4 oz smoked salmon, sliced
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Lemon zest (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp pomegranate arils (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the sliced baguette rounds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they become golden brown and crisp to provide a sturdy base for the toppings.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste, balancing the flavors for a creamy and flavorful spread.
- Assemble the Wreath: On a large serving platter, arrange the toasted baguette slices in a circular wreath shape, ensuring they are close enough to form a cohesive display. This arrangement enhances the festive appeal of the appetizer.
- Top Each Slice: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over each toasted baguette round. Then, top each with a piece of sliced smoked salmon, spreading the flavor evenly across the wreath.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle lemon zest and pomegranate arils over the assembled wreath to add bursts of flavor and color. Optionally, decorate around the platter with rosemary sprigs or small holiday ornaments for a festive touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the bread’s crisp texture and fresh toppings.
Notes
- To save time, toast the bread and prepare the cream cheese mixture ahead of your event.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread rounds.
- Optional add-ons that complement this dish include capers, fresh chives, or thin avocado slices for added depth of flavor.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispiness of the bread and freshness of the salmon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
