Zesty Homemade Smoked Salmon Blinis Recipe for Brunch Joy

Delicate blinis dance with luxurious smoked salmon in a recipe that whispers elegance at first bite.

These miniature pancakes, perfectly crafted with classic French technique, promise a gourmet experience that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Silky, thin blinis become the ideal canvas for rich, smoky salmon slices that melt on your tongue.

Each bite combines soft, pillowy texture with the deep, complex flavors of cured fish.

Cream cheese and fresh dill add brightness and depth to this refined appetizer.

A sprinkle of capers provides a tangy counterpoint that makes these blinis irresistible.

Serve these stunning bites at your next gathering and watch as guests marvel at your culinary prowess.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 30min

Total Time: 45min

Calories: 136 kcal

Servings: 13

Smoked Salmon Blini Ingredient List

• Flour: Creates light, tender foundation with delicate texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps blinis rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides richness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and smoothness to batter.
• Butter: Delivers rich, golden taste and prevents sticking.

• Smoked Salmon: Luxurious protein with delicate, smoky flavor.
• Crème Fraîche: Creamy, tangy base that complements fish.
• Dill: Fresh herb bringing bright, aromatic notes.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, crisp texture and pungent kick.
• Capers: Briny, salty element providing unexpected punch.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and depth.
• Lemon: Bright, zesty accent that cuts through richness.

• Butter (for cooking): Ensures golden, crisp blini edges.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides optional citrusy brightness.

Tools for Building Elegant Blinis

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and creating smooth batter.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients without lumps and achieving a silky texture.
• Non-stick frying pan: Crucial for cooking blinis evenly without sticking.
• Spatula: Helps flip blinis and transfer them from pan to plate.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing crème fraîche and dill.
• Tablespoon: Used for measuring and dropping batter into the pan.
• Kitchen towel: Keeps blinis warm and soft after cooking.
• Serving platter: Presents blinis beautifully for guests.

How to Assemble Salmon Blinis with Toppings

• Batter Preparation

Create a smooth, silky mixture by blending flour with baking powder and a hint of salt. Introduce beaten egg and milk, stirring gently until the texture becomes velvety. Incorporate melted butter for richness.

• Blini Cooking

Warm a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour small dollops of batter, allowing each to transform into golden, fluffy discs. Cook until edges turn crispy and centers bubble slightly. Transfer warm blinis to a soft towel-covered plate.

• Creamy Dill Spread

Mix crème fraîche with fragrant dill, creating a luxurious, herbal topping that will elevate the entire appetizer.

• Salmon Assembly

Delicately spread the herbed crème fraîche across each blini. Drape a silky slice of smoked salmon on top. Sprinkle with additional dill, finely chopped red onion, and briny capers. Finish with a whisper of black pepper.

• Serving Presentation

Arrange blinis on an elegant platter. Accompany with fresh lemon wedges, inviting guests to add a zesty splash that brightens the entire flavor profile.

Tips for Salmon, Dill, and Cream Pairings

• Replace smoked salmon with other delicate proteins like thinly sliced prosciutto, seared rare tuna, or herbed goat cheese for vegetarian options that deliver rich flavor profiles.
• Let batter rest for 15-30 minutes before cooking to allow flour to absorb liquid, creating lighter, more tender blinis with a smoother texture and improved consistency.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or griddle for even heat distribution, ensuring golden-brown blinis without burnt edges. Keep pan temperature consistent at medium-low for delicate pancake results.
• Prepare blini batter up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Cook blinis fresh before serving, or make them earlier and reheat gently in a warm oven just before guests arrive for maximum convenience and minimal day-of stress.

Serving Blinis for Brunch or Parties

• Elegant Cocktail Party Starter: Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer during holiday gatherings or upscale wine evenings, these blinis create an impressive conversation piece that looks professionally prepared.
• Brunch Centerpiece Delight: Showcase these delicate bite-sized treats on a beautiful wooden board alongside mimosas and fresh fruit for a stunning weekend brunch spread that will wow your guests.
• Picnic Gourmet Touch: Pack these portable salmon blinis in a chilled container for outdoor events, creating a luxurious portable snack that elevates standard picnic fare with minimal preparation effort.
• Healthy Protein Snack: Offering a protein-rich option with omega-3 from salmon, these blinis make an excellent light meal or nutritious afternoon bite that feels indulgent yet nutritionally balanced.

Chilling Blinis Without Losing Texture

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store prepared blinis in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Advance Preparation Technique: Create batter and crème fraîche mixture up to 24 hours before your event. Wrap tightly and refrigerate to save time during serving, ensuring fresh flavors remain intact.
• Salmon Handling Wisdom: Keep smoked salmon sealed in its original packaging or wrapped in plastic film. Place in the coldest section of your refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days of opening for optimal taste and quality.
• Party Prep Hack: Assemble blinis just before guests arrive. Prepare components separately and arrange quickly, maintaining crisp blini texture and vibrant salmon appearance. Room temperature ingredients blend better and enhance overall flavor profile.

Elegant Smoked Salmon Blinis

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45min
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Small, delicate smoked salmon blinis showcase Nordic culinary elegance with miniature pancakes topped by silky salmon. Creamy dill and lemon accents elevate these sophisticated hors d’oeuvres you will savor at elegant gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) smoked salmon
• 1 cup (240 ml) crème fraîche
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh dill
• 1 small red onion
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) capers
• 1 lemon
• ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Batter Preparation: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Blend beaten egg and milk until smooth, then fold in melted butter to create a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Blini Cooking: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium flame. Drop small batter portions, ensuring space between each. Cook until golden bubbles appear, flipping once to achieve a perfectly crisp exterior, roughly 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer to a towel-lined plate to maintain warmth.
3. Crème Fraîche Infusion: Combine crème fraîche with half the fresh dill, creating a fragrant, herbaceous spread that will complement the salmon’s rich flavor.
4. Elegant Assembly: Layer each blini with herbed crème fraîche, drape smoked salmon slice on top. Garnish with remaining dill, finely minced red onion, and capers. Crown with a whisper of freshly cracked black pepper to intensify the taste profile.
5. Serving Presentation: Artfully arrange blinis on a platter, accompanied by lemon wedges. Encourage guests to personalize their appetizers with a citrusy squeeze, adding a vibrant, zesty highlight to these delicate morsels.

Notes

• Master Batter Consistency: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth texture that guarantees perfectly light and airy blinis.
• Precise Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown edges without burning, creating delicate, tender mini pancakes with a beautiful color.
• Optimize Salmon Placement: Layer salmon gently to prevent tearing, allowing it to drape elegantly over the creamy crème fraîche base for a professional presentation.
• Garnish with Precision: Sprinkle capers and red onion sparingly to complement, not overpower, the delicate flavors of smoked salmon and herbed spread.

• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 30min
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 136
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 372 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 26 mg