Tasty Smoked Salmon Sandwich

This fancy smoked salmon sandwich turns basic items into a classy treat, just right for weekend get-togethers or a fancy lunch. The mix of smooth smoked salmon, herb-filled cream cheese, and crunchy veggies makes a perfect blend of tastes and feels that seems special but takes just minutes to put together.

I first threw these sandwiches together when friends popped by without warning. They were such a success that they've now become my go-to dish when hosting breakfast parties. The mix of smokey fish and bright herbs always gets compliments.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat bread or rye bread: Provides a sturdy base with rich taste that matches well with the salmon
• Whipped cream cheese: Gives a fluffier, easier-to-spread foundation than standard cream cheese for just the right feel
• Fresh chives: Add a light oniony taste that works with salmon without being too strong
• Fresh dill: The traditional herb that goes with salmon to bring freshness to every mouthful
• Lemon zest: Brings tangy hints that balance the richness of salmon and cream cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper and salt: Make all the flavors pop
• High quality smoked salmon: Really matters – try to find salmon with bright color and stay away from packs with too much water
• Red onion: Creates a tangy contrast to the rich fish and smooth cheese
• Watercress or baby arugula: Adds a spicy kick and fresh snap

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make your herbed cream cheese:

Mix together cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, pepper and salt in a small bowl. Stir it all up until the herbs are spread out evenly in the cream cheese. It should look dotted with herbs and be easy to spread. You can make this a day ahead and keep it cold for even better flavor.

Get your bread toasted:

Put bread slices in your toaster or under the broiler until they turn light golden. The bread needs to be crisp enough to hold everything but not so dark that it takes over the subtle tastes. Let the toast cool a bit so it won't melt your cream cheese too fast when you spread it.

Spread on the cream cheese:

With a butter knife or small spatula, put a thick layer of the herby cream cheese on each piece of toasted bread. Make sure it goes all the way to the edges, which helps keep everything together and stops fillings from dropping out.

Add salmon and veggies:

Put smoked salmon slices in an even layer on top of the cream cheese on two bread pieces. Let the salmon pieces slightly overlap for good flavor in every bite. Scatter thin red onion slices on the salmon, then add a bunch of watercress or arugula. Press the greens down lightly but don't squash them.

Put the sandwiches together:

Take the other bread slices and place them on top with the cream cheese facing down. Push down gently to help everything stick together. Push firm enough to make the sandwich a bit compact but gentle enough not to crush the fillings or push out the cream cheese.

Cut and serve:

With a sharp bread knife, carefully cut the crusts off for a nicer look. Then cut each sandwich either across to make two triangle halves or into three long finger sandwiches. Wipe the knife between cuts for the cleanest edges.

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The dill really changes this sandwich from basic to special. My grandma always had dill growing in her kitchen window just for salmon dishes. Whenever I make these, I think about how she showed me that sometimes the easiest ingredients make the most unforgettable tastes.

Making Ahead Tips

You can make the herby cream cheese up to three days early and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. This saves time and lets the flavors mix together nicely. When you're having people over, you can toast the bread and get all parts ready earlier in the day. Keep the toasted bread at room temp in a paper bag to stay crisp. Put the sandwiches together just before your guests show up to keep them from getting soggy.

Smart Substitutions

Though the main recipe is well-balanced, feel free to change it based on what you've got. Bagels work great instead of rye bread, especially for breakfast. If you can't find fresh dill, try using half as much dried dill. For a non-dairy option, go with a plant cream cheese mixed with the same herbs and lemon peel. You can swap capers for red onions to get a different but equally zingy taste.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches work best as part of a bigger spread. Serve them with a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar for a cool contrast to the rich salmon. For a full breakfast, add a plate of fresh fruit and maybe a light soup like cold cucumber or tomato. If serving as finger food, cut into tiny pieces and stick with fancy toothpicks. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or some light bubbly goes really well with this sandwich.

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This sandwich is easy to make yet looks really fancy—perfect for any time you want to wow people without stressing yourself out.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best bread to use for smoked salmon sandwiches?

Try rye bread or wheat bread since they don't fall apart easily and their flavor goes really well with salmon. Sourdough tastes amazing too. Just give your bread a light toast so it won't get mushy from the cream cheese and fish.

→ Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance?

You can mix up the herby cream cheese a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. But wait to build your sandwiches until right before eating them so everything stays fresh and the bread doesn't turn soggy.

→ What can I substitute for fresh dill?

No fresh dill? You can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill instead. Or try fresh fennel tops or tarragon as alternatives, but remember they'll each bring a slightly different taste to your sandwich.

→ What type of smoked salmon works best?

Cold-smoked salmon or lox is the way to go for this sandwich because it's super smooth and not too overpowering. Norwegian or Scottish types are usually milder, while Alaskan or Pacific salmon comes with a stronger kick. Just pick what matches your taste buds.

→ How can I make this sandwich dairy-free?

For folks avoiding dairy, swap out regular cream cheese for a plant version made from almonds or cashews. Plenty of brands make these now. Add the same herbs and lemon peel to get a similar yummy taste.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with smoked salmon sandwiches?

These sandwiches go great with simple cucumber slices, potato chips, pickled veggies, or a small bowl of cold soup like cucumber or tomato. For morning meals, add some fresh fruit or a basic green salad on the side.