Can I make the smoked salmon cucumber bites in advance?

You can! Once assembled, they're fine for a fair few hours in the fridge - just keep them lightly covered until you're ready to serve. I like to make them in the morning if I'm serving them later in the day. The individual elements can also all be prepared in advance: ➡️ Whipped Boursin: will keep for up to five days in the fridge. ➡️ Cucumber slices: can be cut two to three days ahead of time - just pat them dry again when you get them out of the fridge.

I can't find Boursin - can I use cream cheese instead?

Definitely. Cream cheese is perfect here. If you spot a garlic and herb flavored version, that's even better. It mimics Boursin beautifully. You could also mix regular plain cream cheese with a little crushed garlic and chopped herbs (thyme, parsley, oregano, and chives are great)

Is cold-smoked or hot-smoked salmon best?

You can use either! ➡️ Cold-smoked: this gives you the classic, silky smoked salmon vibe. ➡️ Hot-smoked: flakier, a little richer, and more substantial. Go for what you like best, or whatever is easiest for you to find.

How long can smoked salmon appetizers sit out at a party?

I recommend not leaving them out for longer than 3 hours - less if you're in a hot climate. If you want them out longer, or if it's hot, set out a smaller plate and keep the rest in the fridge. Then you can refill it when needed.

How many smoked salmon bites should I make per person?

If you're serving a lot of other snacks and appetizers, plan for 3 bites per person. If you only have a few options, I'd plan for 5 or 6 per person. These are very easy to eat and always crowd-pleasers, so I recommend making more than you think you'll need if you're a little unsure.

Make-Ahead Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites

Description

Freshen up your appetizer spread with these smoked salmon cucumber bites, loaded with whipped Boursin cheese, silky salmon, and colorful pickles. If you’re looking for an easy smoked salmon appetizer you can make ahead, this is for you.

If you can’t find Boursin cheese, regular cream cheese works brilliantly.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cucumber
5oz (150g) smoked salmon, sliced into small pieces
1 box (5.2oz) Boursin cheese
1/4 cup pickled red onions, chopped
A handful of fresh chives, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Nigella seeds, to garnish (or use black sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or nutty spiced dukkah)

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Instructions

Slice your cucumber. Cut your cucumber into slices, about ⅓ inch thick. You want to make sure they’re reasonably thick slices, as anything too thin won’t be able to support the topping. Lay the slices out and gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture – this helps the topping stay put.
Whip the Boursin. You can do this in a small food chopper or processor, or by hand in a bowl. Whipping the cheese aerates it and makes it smoother, so it’s easier to spread. Blitz the Boursin for a couple of minutes, until light and smooth (or mix and break up with a fork until smooth).
Assemble the bites. Spoon a heaped teaspoon of the Boursin onto each cucumber slice, then top with a little pile of smoked salmon. Divide the chopped pickled onions on top, then finish with the nigella seeds, chives, and the lemon zest.

Notes

PREP AHEAD: The assembled bites will keep well for a fair few hours in the fridge, perfect for prepping in the morning, then serving them later in the day. Just cover them lightly and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Or, you can slice the cucumber and whip the Boursin ahead of time (the cucumber will be fine for 3 days and the Boursin for at least 5), and then just assemble the bites when you’re ready.

INGREDIENT NOTES: Boursin is a soft, herby cream cheese. If you can’t find it, use regular cream cheese, or a garlic and herb-flavored version. I often use smoked salmon trimmings in this recipe. They’re cheaper and perfect for piling onto something small like these bites. Swap nigella seeds for sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or nutty spiced dukkah. You could use dill, basil, mint, thyme, or flat-leaf parsley instead of chives if you like.

Prep Time: 10
Category: party food
Method: no cook
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5 bites
Calories: 133
Sugar: 1.3g
Sodium: 413mg
Fat: 11.5g
Saturated Fat: 5.9g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0.2g
Protein: 4.7g
Cholesterol: 25mg