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The good old chips and dip are just so boring; why not liven up your next party with appetizers made with succulent Alaskan smoked salmon? Not only will your guests marvel at the deliciousness of your hors d'oeuvres, they will also be eating a food rich with vitamins and minerals. The ways to serve smoked salmon as appetizers are as varied as the rainbow, which is another reason why Alaskan smoked salmon is such a tasty and versatile ingredient. Below are a few serving suggestions which are sure to ‘wow' your guests. Feel free to spice things up and make each smoked salmon recipe your own.
Alaskan Smoked Salmon Dip
Smoked salmon dip, paired with a piece of fresh sourdough bread or garlic bread, is enough to make your mouth water. There are many variations of the dip, but here is a good base to experiment with. First, blend the Alaskan smoked salmon (about 1/2 pound) with a half a cup each of cream cheese and sour cream. You can adjust the thickness of your dip to your liking by playing with the amounts of cream cheese and sour cream you use. I like to add pepper, garlic, and chopped onion to my dip. A dash of hot pepper sauce also gives it a little zip; not so much that you overpower your dip. You can also experiment with dill, ranch dressing mix, bacon bits, capers, or chopped jalapenos. Flavorful additions to your smoked salmon dip are limited only by your imagination.
Alaskan Smoked Salmon Appetizers
No herb pairs better with salmon than dill does, whether the salmon is cooked or smoked. Cream cheese also provides a rich complement to smoked salmon. When piled on top of a gourmet whole grain cracker, the result is instant appetizer heaven. This smoked salmon recipe is easy to make before a party. Simply spread a tablespoon of cream cheese on a large cracker, top with a thin slice of Alaskan smoked salmon, and sprinkle with dill. These treats can also help make your smoked salmon go farther, so you don't have to buy massive quantities.
Cucumber and Alaskan Smoked Salmon Rounds
Perhaps some of your guests are part of the low-carb bandwagon. If so, here is a smoked salmon recipe that will thrill them as well as the rest of your other guests. First you must create a mousse using one 8 oz package of cream cheese, 2 oz of Alaskan smoked salmon, and three tablespoons of heavy cream. Also add a few drops of lemon juice and a pinch of pepper for flavoring. Mix these ingredients by hand or in a food processor until well blended. Refrigerate in a bag to keep cool. Then, take a long, English garden cucumber, peel it, and slice it in rounds of about 1/4-inch. Less than an hour before the party, use a pastry bag to spread the salmon mousse on the cucumbers. Top with dill and they're ready to go!
Hearty Alaskan Smoked Salmon Rolls
I saved the best for last! For a hearty appetizer that will knock your socks off, try a bacon, cheese, and smoked salmon roll! All you need are 7 pieces of white bread (with no crust), 7 slices of bacon, 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese, and 14 chunks of Alaskan smoked salmon about 1/2-inch wide and 1/8-inch thick. First, cut the bread and bacon in half. Then, place salmon at one end of the bread, sprinkle with cheese, and roll up. Wrap a piece of bacon around the roll, and pin in place with a toothpick. When ready, bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet. The appetizer is ready when the bacon is fully cooked.
Whether it's Super Bowl Sunday or a tea party with your lady friends, Alaskan smoked salmon is always a guest favorite at any party. Skip the fattening chips and serve something that will really make your party something worth remembering, Alaskan smoked salmon.