Smoked Salmon and Herbed Cream Cheese Bites

These smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese bites are perfect for brunch, as an appetizer, or even for a fancy luncheon.

I love making these because they look elegant, are easy to make, can be made ahead AND they’re super delicious. For another make ahead recipe, check out these egg and bacon muffins.

smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese bites brunch recipes

What you’ll need

  • pumpernickel bread
  • herbed cream cheese
  • cucumbers (sliced thin)
  • smoked salmon
  • fresh dill
  • cracked black pepper

I started by using a heart shaped cookie cutter, to cut shapes from the pumpernickel bread. In this case, I was making them for a Galentine’s Day Brunch, so the heart shape seemed fitting.

pumpernickel heart for salmon bites brunch recipes

Don’t worry if you don’t have a cookie cutter, use your knife to cut out squares or a jam jar lid can be used to create circles. The point is to make them bite sized and small enough to handle with ease.

Once the shapes were cut, I lightly toasted them in a 350 degree oven for 5 minutes. The point was to just dry the bread out slightly so that it could withstand the cream cheese without instantly going soggy.

Let them cool. Now they’re ready to assemble.

Start by spreading the cream cheese on each slice. Next, layer 1-2 slices of cucumber on top of cheese and top with the smoked salmon.

Sprinkle with fresh dill and cracked black pepper and your smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese bites are ready to serve!

brunch recipes smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese bites and avocado toasts for galentines day brunch

Joyful Hostess Tip: To help cut down on prep time, cut bread and cucumber slices the day before and store in separate airtight containers. Looking for another crowd pleasing, make ahead appetizer – check out this step by step recipe below: