If you are hunting for a fresh, elegant appetizer that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate, the Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe will soon become your go-to crowd-pleaser. These delightful little bites combine the crisp, refreshing crunch of cucumber with a luxuriously creamy smoked salmon mousse, bursting with flavors of fresh dill, lemon, and garlic. Perfect for parties, brunches, or even a sophisticated snack, this recipe balances lightness and indulgence, making every mouthful a celebration. Let’s dive into making these irresistible canapés that promise to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, bringing texture, flavor, and color that together create a stunning appetizer without a complicated process.
- 150g smoked salmon: Choose high-quality smoked salmon for a rich and delicate flavor that’s key to the mousse.
- 150g cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds luscious creaminess which forms the mousse’s base.
- 2 tbsp sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and lightens the mousse’s texture beautifully.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Provides extra smoothness and helps bind the mousse ingredients perfectly.
- 1/3 cup fresh dill: Roughly chopped, dill imparts that classic herbaceous note treasured in salmon dishes (chives work as a mild substitute).
- 1 garlic clove: Minced garlic introduces a gentle, fragrant punch without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tsp lemon zest: Grated lemon zest brightens the mousse, adding a fresh citrus aroma.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice balances the creamy mousse with its zesty acidity.
- 1/4 tsp salt and pepper: Just enough seasoning to elevate every flavor element.
- 3 long cucumbers: Telegraph or English cucumbers are perfect for slicing—thin, crisp, and mild-flavored (use 6 standard cucumbers if preferred).
- Extra dill sprigs: For garnish, adding that delightful green pop and fresh aroma.
- Lemon slices: Serve alongside for an optional additional citrus accent and beautiful presentation.
How to Make Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Smoked Salmon Mousse
The heart of this recipe is the smoked salmon mousse, which is incredibly easy to whip up. Start by finely chopping your smoked salmon or pulse it briefly in a food processor to achieve a smooth yet slightly textured consistency. Then, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add the minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and fold everything together gently with the salmon. The key is to blend the flavors while keeping the mousse airy, creamy, and visually appealing.
Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers
Choose fresh, firm cucumbers and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. The slices should be substantial enough to hold the mousse without bending or breaking but still delicate for easy bite-sized enjoyment. If the cucumber slices release too much water, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid sogginess on your canapés.
Step 3: Assemble Your Canapés
Using a small spoon or a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip, dollop or pipe a generous amount of smoked salmon mousse onto each cucumber slice. Arrange them neatly on a serving platter. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each canapé with a tiny sprig of dill and a small twist or sliver of lemon zest. This not only improves the visual appeal but also enhances the fresh, zesty aroma that complements the smoked salmon beautifully.
How to Serve Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like sprigs of fresh dill or thin lemon slices elevate the presentation and reinforce the flavors in the mousse. You can also sprinkle a few cracked black peppercorns on top for a subtle kick, or add tiny edible flowers for an extra special occasion touch. These delicate details make serving these canapés feel like a celebration of flavor and style.
Side Dishes
While these cucumber canapés are fabulous on their own, they also harmonize wonderfully with light, crisp salads, crusty bread, or a colorful vegetable crudité platter. A chilled glass of sparkling wine or crisp white wine pairs beautifully, complementing the mousse’s creamy texture and the cucumber’s fresh crunch for an all-around delightful appetizer experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to add some flair, serve the canapés on a large wooden board or an elegant mirrored tray. Arrange them in neat rows or circles, maybe interspersed with small bowls of extra mousse or lemon wedges. Another creative approach is serving these as part of a layered appetizer cup or on individual mini plates, perfect for handing out at parties to impress guests with thoughtful presentation and easy portability.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can prepare the smoked salmon mousse a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to deepen. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The cucumber slices are best cut just before serving to keep their perfect crunch, so slice fresh when ready to assemble.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the mousse or assembled canapés as the texture of cream cheese and cucumbers typically does not withstand freezing well. The fresh vibrant flavors and the crisp cucumber texture will be compromised after thawing.
Reheating
Since this recipe is designed as a cold canapé, reheating is unnecessary and would alter the texture and taste negatively. Simply keep refrigerated until serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I make the smoked salmon mousse without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with extra sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though the texture may be less creamy and slightly tangier.
What type of cucumber works best for these canapés?
English or Telegraph cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, providing a nicer texture and presentation. Regular cucumbers can work if peeled and seeded to reduce bitterness and excess moisture.
Is it possible to prepare these canapés without cream cheese?
Cream cheese is essential for the mousse’s smooth, creamy texture, but you could experiment with ricotta or mascarpone if you want a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that this will alter the final taste and consistency.
How long do the canapés stay fresh after assembly?
It’s best to serve them within a few hours of assembly; cucumbers tend to release moisture over time, which can make the canapés soggy if left too long.
Can I add other toppings to the cucumber canapés?
Absolutely! Capers, finely chopped red onion, or a small dollop of caviar can make fantastic additions, creating interesting flavor contrasts and enhancing the sophistication of your appetizer.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably charming about the ease and elegance of the Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe. It’s a recipe that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen and turns simple, fresh ingredients into a memorable starter. I encourage you to try making these canapés soon — your guests will thank you, and you might just find yourself making them again and again for every gathering.
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Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 40 – 45 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These elegant Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse are a perfect appetizer for parties or gatherings. Delicately flavored with fresh dill, lemon zest, and creamy smoked salmon mousse, they offer a refreshing and sophisticated bite that’s both easy to prepare and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Smoked Salmon Mousse
- 150g / 5 oz smoked salmon
- 150g / 5 oz cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended)
- 2 tbsp / 30g sour cream
- 2 tbsp / 40g mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped (substitute with chives if desired)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt and freshly ground black pepper, each
Canapés
- 3 long cucumbers (Telegraph / English) or 6 standard cucumbers
- Extra dill sprigs for garnish
- Lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoked Salmon Mousse: Combine the smoked salmon, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Cut the cucumbers into 1/2 inch thick slices, ensuring they are uniform for presentation. If using standard cucumbers, peel if desired and slice accordingly.
- Assemble the Canapés: Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully spread or pipe the smoked salmon mousse onto each cucumber slice. Garnish with a small dill sprig and serve alongside lemon slices for extra zest.
Notes
- Note 1: Use good quality smoked salmon for the best flavor.
- Note 2: Softened cream cheese blends more easily for a smooth mousse.
- Note 3: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the smoked salmon adds saltiness.
- Note 4: English or Telegraph cucumbers are preferred as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, but regular cucumbers work as well.
- These can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for fresh serving.
