Cream Cheese with Smoked Salmon

A refined and easy-to-prepare appetizer, cream cheese with smoked salmon is perfect for a relaxing morning or festive meals. The delicate taste of the cheese harmoniously combines with the aroma of the smoked salmon, creating a delicious contrast. Served with slices of fresh baguette, this recipe is a true delight for the taste buds.

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• 500 g creamy cottage cheese (sweet, without whey)
• 100 ml heavy cream
• Dill (dried or fresh), to taste
• 3–4 slices of smoked salmon
• Salt, to taste
• 1 fresh baguette (for serving)

Preparation Method:

Preparing the cream cheese:

1. Let the cottage cheese come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step helps achieve a smoother consistency and eliminates any lumps.
2. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the heavy cream until you obtain a creamy texture.
3. Stir in the chopped dill (dried or fresh, according to preference) and salt, to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cream for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Assembling the appetizer:

1. Slice the baguette into thin rounds, about 1 cm thick.
2. Use a piping bag, pastry syringe, or spoon to place a generous dollop of cream cheese on each slice of bread.
3. Cut the smoked salmon into small pieces and arrange them elegantly on top of the cream cheese.

Serving:

• Arrange the baguette rounds with cream cheese and salmon on a decorative platter.
• Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh dill or a slice of lemon for a fresh, attractive presentation.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a few drops of lemon juice over the smoked salmon.
• Serve the appetizers alongside a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade for the perfect pairing.

This simple yet sophisticated appetizer is ideal for weekend meals or to impress guests on special occasions. Its refined taste and attractive appearance make it a winning choice every time!

What is the secret to achieving a perfect texture in the cream cheese?
Answer: The perfect texture is achieved by letting the cottage cheese rest at room temperature before preparation, making it easier to blend. The heavy cream also contributes to the desired creamy consistency. Using a blender helps eliminate any remaining lumps.

How do you choose the right cheese for this recipe?
Answer: Select a creamy cottage cheese without whey to avoid a watery result. A sweet cheese with moderate fat content (around 5–10 %) is ideal to balance the flavors of the smoked salmon and cream.

How can this recipe be customized?
Answer: You can personalize the recipe by adding lemon zest, a splash of lime juice, or a few capers for extra flavor. You may also substitute dill with chives or cilantro for a different aroma.

What type of bread pairs best for serving?
Answer: A fresh baguette is the classic choice, but you can also use whole-grain bread, crunchy crackers, or toasted bread slices. For added elegance, try seed-encrusted or rosemary-flavored bread.

How can you intensify the flavor of the smoked salmon?
Answer: Enhance the smoked salmon’s flavor by drizzling a few drops of lemon or lime juice and sprinkling freshly ground black pepper. These additions perfectly complement the salmon and cream cheese.

How can you keep the cream cheese fresh longer?
Answer: Store the cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2–3 days. Placing a thin layer of cling film directly on the cream’s surface helps prevent drying out.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream, or can it be substituted?
Answer: Heavy cream provides the rich, creamy consistency characteristic of this recipe. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt, which adds a tangy flavor and similar texture.

Which drinks complement this appetizer best?
Answer: A dry or semi-dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, is ideal to complement the delicate taste of the salmon. Fresh lemonade or a gin and tonic cocktail also pair perfectly with this appetizer.

How can this dish be made gluten-free?
Answer: Replace the baguette with gluten-free crackers, gluten-free bread, or fresh vegetables such as cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips, which can serve as a base for the cream cheese.

Is this recipe suitable for festive occasions?
Answer: Yes, cream cheese with smoked salmon is an excellent choice for festive meals due to its refined taste and elegant presentation. Arranged on a decorative platter, with salmon artfully placed and fresh garnishes, it will captivate all eyes and impress your guests.