– 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
– 8 ounces smoked salmon
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 small bulb of fennel, thinly sliced (reserve some fronds for garnish)
– Capers, for garnish (optional)
– Olive oil, for drizzling
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Making Smoked Salmon Crostini with Fennel involves simple steps:
1. Prepare the Crostini: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dill, and lemon juice. Mix until well blended and creamy.
3. Assemble the Crostini: Once the crostini are baked and cooled slightly, spread a generous layer of cream cheese mixture on top of each slice.
4. Add the Salmon: Layer the smoked salmon over the cream cheese, folding the slices neatly for an appealing presentation.
5. Top with Fennel: Place a few thin slices of fennel on top of the salmon for flavor and crunch.
6. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle capers over the top and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
7. Add Final Touches: Garnish with reserved fennel fronds for extra color and freshness.
8. Serve Immediately: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and enjoy while the crostini are still warm and crispy.