Smoked Salmon And Cream Cheese Sandwich Recipe
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This smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich recipe is the ultimate blend of creamy, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or an elegant appetizer, this no-cook recipe takes just minutes to make and is loaded with gourmet appeal. With fresh bread, velvety cream cheese, and premium smoked salmon, this sandwich is both simple and satisfying.
Smoked salmon and cream cheese is a very popular combination. There are lots of popular recipes that involve smoked salmon (a.k.a lox) and cream cheese – smoked salmon and cream cheese appetizer rolls, bagels with lox and cream cheese, and this one is the sandwich with salmon and cream cheese.
Why You’ll Love Smoked Salmon And Cream Cheese Sandwich
- Quick and Easy: This sandwich takes just five minutes to make, perfect for busy mornings or a last-minute appetizer that doesn’t require cooking.
- Elegant and Delicious: The creamy richness of the cream cheese balances beautifully with the smoky flavor of the salmon, creating a gourmet taste that feels luxurious.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a light lunch, or as mini sandwiches on a platter for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings.
- Nutritious: With healthy fats from the salmon and protein-packed cream cheese, this sandwich is both tasty and nourishing.
- Customizable: Use your favorite type of bread or add fresh toppings like capers, dill, or thinly sliced cucumber for extra flavor.
Salmon and cream cheese go so well together! To make this yummy sandwich, spread a slice of bread with cream cheese and put slices of smoked salmon on top. You can make it an open-face sandwich by using just one slice of bread, or make it a traditional sandwich by topping it with the second slice of bread (also spread with cream cheese).
Like all sandwiches, this lox sandwich is as good as the ingredients that go into it. For the best smoked salmon sandwich, use the best smoked salmon, best cream cheese and best bread! I always buy Costco smoked salmon – Costco has great quality smoked wild salmon for a great price – cheaper than I’ve ever seen in other grocery stores. For cream cheese, I always stick with Philadelphia cream cheese brand, and for the bread, fresh bakery bread, of course, tastes best!
Cream cheese sandwiches make an excellent party appetizer. To make the appetizer sandwiches, use a thin long french baguette and slice it into slices with serrated knife. The fresh baguette makes perfectly sized small round bread slices that are so soft and tasty – a perfect appetizer portion! Spread each round bread slice with cream cheese and top with smoke salmon. Arrage those pretty small sandwiches on a large platter and you’ve got a perfect party starter – without any cooking! It’s a perfect easy appetizer recipe – just what a busy host needs. Another great thing is that most people love smoked salmon and cream cheese, and they will eat them those yummy little sandwiches in no time!
Smoked Salmon And Cream Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 slice of bread – Choose fresh bakery bread for the best texture and flavor, whether it’s a baguette, sourdough, or your favorite type.
- 1 tbsp cream cheese – Smooth and creamy, this is the base for our sandwich; Philadelphia brand works well for a rich texture.
- 2 slices smoked salmon (lox) – Adds a wonderful smoky flavor; opt for high-quality smoked salmon for the best taste.
For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Smoked Salmon And Cream Cheese Sandwich
- Knife – For slicing the bread if needed and spreading the cream cheese.
- Measuring Spoon – To measure out the cream cheese precisely.
Instructions
- Spread the bread with cream cheese.
- Put the smoked salmon slices on top of the cream cheese.
Enjoy this yummy smoked salmon lox sandwich! This recipe is so simple, yet so elegant and tasty!
Serving Suggestions
- For an elegant party treat, use small baguette slices to make mini open-faced sandwiches. Arrange them on a platter for an easy-to-grab appetizer.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a kani salad for a balanced and refreshing breakfast or brunch.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh dill, capers, or thinly sliced red onions for extra flavor and a pop of color.
- Pair with a bowl of creamy tomato or butternut squash soup for a comforting meal.
Tips For Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the smoked salmon, cream cheese, and bread make a big difference in this simple recipe. Look for fresh bakery bread, high-quality smoked salmon, and a reputable brand of cream cheese like Philadelphia for the best flavor.
- Spread the Cream Cheese Generously: Make sure to cover the bread evenly with cream cheese. This layer not only adds creaminess but also helps the smoked salmon stay in place.
- Choose the Right Bread: A sturdy bread like sourdough, rye, or a baguette holds up well and complements the flavors of salmon and cream cheese. Soft bread may get soggy quickly, especially if the sandwich sits for a while.
- Experiment with Toppings: Add thinly sliced cucumbers, capers, or fresh dill to elevate the flavor. These extras add a refreshing contrast to the rich salmon and cream cheese.
- Serve Fresh: This sandwich tastes best when enjoyed fresh, as the bread may lose its texture if it sits for too long. If preparing for a party, assemble just before serving or keep the ingredients ready and assemble at the last minute.
Variations And Substitutions
- Bagel Option: Swap the bread for a bagel to create a classic smoked salmon bagel sandwich. This works particularly well with a toasted everything or sesame bagel, adding extra crunch and flavor.
- Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb alternative, use cucumber rounds as the base instead of bread. Spread cream cheese on each cucumber slice, top with smoked salmon, and garnish with fresh dill or capers.
- Herbed Cream Cheese: Mix fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley into the cream cheese for a flavorful twist. You can also add a dash of garlic powder or lemon zest to brighten the taste.
- Avocado Addition: Add a few slices of avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats. The mild flavor of avocado complements the smoky salmon and creamy cheese beautifully.
- Vegan Variation: Replace smoked salmon with carrot “lox” (thinly sliced, smoked carrots) and use dairy-free cream cheese to make a vegan-friendly version of this sandwich.
- Add Some Spice: For a touch of heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top or add thinly sliced jalapeños. This adds a spicy kick that contrasts with the creaminess of the sandwich.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. For the freshest taste, try to store the smoked salmon and cream cheese separately from the bread to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Reheating: Reheating isn’t recommended as the smoked salmon and cream cheese are best served cold. However, if you like warm bread, toast the bread separately before assembling the sandwich.
- Meal Prep Tip: If you want to prepare this ahead of time, you can assemble the components without adding them to the bread. Just spread the cream cheese and layer the salmon on the bread when you’re ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flavored cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes! Flavored cream cheese, like chive or garlic and herb, can add extra depth to the sandwich. Just be mindful that the additional flavors don’t overpower the delicate taste of smoked salmon.
What type of smoked salmon works best for this sandwich?
Both cold-smoked (lox) and hot-smoked salmon work well. Cold-smoked salmon has a smooth, delicate texture, while hot-smoked salmon is firmer and flakier, providing a slightly different but equally delicious experience.
Can I make this sandwich in advance for a party?
To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, it’s best to assemble the sandwiches shortly before serving. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, keeping the cream cheese and salmon separate from the bread until you’re ready to serve.
What other toppings can I add to this sandwich?
Popular additions include capers, thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and fresh dill. These toppings add freshness and enhance the flavor of the smoked salmon and cream cheese.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread, or use cucumber slices or gluten-free crackers as a base for a gluten-free version of this sandwich.
Other Easy Smoked Salmon Recipes
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Crackers Appetizer: This elegant appetizer features smoked salmon atop creamy cheese on crispy crackers, perfect for any gathering.
Cucumber Bites with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese: Fresh cucumber rounds topped with smooth cream cheese and smoked salmon make for a refreshing, bite-sized snack.
Creamy Smoked Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese: This creamy, flavorful dip combines smoked salmon and cream cheese for a delicious spread that pairs well with crackers or veggies.
Green Salad with Smoked Salmon and Parmesan Dressing: A fresh salad with smoked salmon, crisp greens, and a tangy Parmesan dressing for a light yet satisfying meal.
Other Easy Cream Cheese Recipes
Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Appetizer: Sweet mini peppers filled with creamy cheese offer a colorful, tasty appetizer option that’s easy to make.
Dates Filled with Cream Cheese and Nuts: Naturally sweet dates are stuffed with smooth cream cheese and crunchy nuts for an easy, delicious snack or dessert.
Cheesy Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese: These savory sausage balls are packed with creamy cheese, making them a perfect party appetizer or snack.
Smoked Salmon And Cream Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 slice bread
- 1 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 slices smoked salmon lox
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Measuring spoon
Instructions
- Spread the slice of bread with cream cheese.
- Lay the smoked salmon slices on top of the cream cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich!
Notes
- For an open-face sandwich, use one slice of bread, or make a traditional sandwich by adding a second slice on top.
