Description
This Christmas Smoked Salmon Bruschetta Wreath is a festive and visually stunning holiday appetizer that combines smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors perfectly. Toasted baguette slices are topped with a delicious cream cheese, garlic, and dill spread, then layered with savory smoked salmon and garnished with bright lemon zest and pomegranate arils for a burst of color and flavor. This easy, make-ahead dish is ideal for entertaining and adds a sophisticated touch to your holiday table.
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
- Toast the Baguette Slices: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer, then bake for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crisp. This creates the perfect crunchy base for the bruschetta.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with minced garlic and chopped fresh dill. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors together. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Arrange the Wreath: On a serving platter, lay out the toasted baguette slices in a circular wreath shape to create a festive presentation that will wow your guests.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each toasted baguette round. Top each with a slice of smoked salmon, ensuring even coverage and flavor in every bite.
- Add Garnishes and Serve: Sprinkle lemon zest and pomegranate arils over the assembled bruschetta for a burst of brightness and color. For an extra festive touch, decorate the platter with rosemary sprigs or small holiday ornaments. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- To save time on the day of your event, toast the baguette slices and prepare the cream cheese mixture ahead of time.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread slices.
- Optional add-ons like capers, chives, or avocado slices can be included to enhance flavor complexity.
- Serve the bruschetta fresh to maintain the best texture and flavor balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bruschetta piece
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
