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    Home > Appetizers and Beverages > Smoked Salmon Platter

    Smoked Salmon Platter

    Published: Feb 21, 2022 · Modified: Sep 21, 2022 by Lea Ann Brown · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Smoked salmon platter with cheese and crackers.

    Impress party quests with this simple and easy smoked salmon platter using smoked salmon fillet. Easy with cheddar cheeses, crackers and complimented by horseradish cream sauce. A beautiful appetizer idea for your next wine tasting party.

    Easy smoked salmon platter with cheese and crackers

    This past Tuesday, we hosted our monthly wine tasting party with good friends.

    For my contribution I served my favorite smoked salmon platter for an appetizer.

    Grazing boards are such an easy way to entertain and one of my favorite things to throw together. Easy no-cook platters that are a breeze to make ahead and have ready when guests arrive.

    A simple idea that I took away from a appetizer ordered at dinner years ago at the renowned Colorado resort Grand Lake Lodge.

    A combination of buttery crackers, a chunk of Smoked Salmon, some Colby or Cheddar Cheeses served with a Horseradish Cream Sauce.

    A combination of flavors that compliment the palate.

    The horseradish cream sauce is simple and it goes with so many things, famously for Prime Rib Roast.

    Ingredients You’ll Need, What to Serve with Smoked Salmon

    • Cheddar Cheese: Medium cheddar or sharp cheddar will both work well.
    • Smoked Salmon: Choose a smoked salmon fillet product rather than a salt cured salmon which is a thinner sliced product and traditionally served on a bagel with capers. . The most popular and easy to find is the fillets from the Honey Smoked Fish Company sold at Costco and Safeway. And as we know, salmon has so many beneficial healthy benefits.
    • White Cheese: I chose an aged white cheddar cheese. Manchego is a bold Spanish cheese that would work well here. A nutty buttery Gouda would be wonderful. Or look for Parrano. A nutty flavor with a creamy texture. Parrano is also a wonderful cheese to serve with fruit. And as always, cream cheese is a popular choice for any smoked salmon plate.
    • Crackers: Choose a sturdy cracker with a mild flavor. A buttery cracker like Ritz or Townhouse Crackers. I also like to add some very mild flavored crackers like Carr Water Crackers or Pita Crackers work well.
    • Horseradish Cream Sauce.
    • Garnish: Fresh chives or fronds of fresh dill.

    The ingredients above are suggestions to make a simple smoked salmon platter. And this is how the appetizer was served at the lodge. If you’re want to make a more generous smoked salmon plate, here are some suggestions of how to serve smoked salmon.

    • Grapes: Place grapes in-between items on the platter. Red, green or black grapes will work beautifully.
    • Cornichons are a wonderful addition. Cornichons are tiny little dill pickles and their tart flavor makes them an ideal garnish for any charcuterie board.
    • Nuts: Add a sprinkling of nuts here and there on the platter. Raw almonds, roasted shelled pistachios and lightly salted cashews are all good choices.
    • Olives: A little bowl of olives would be lovely. Choosing olives from an olive bar, rather than jarred will bring more flavor.
    • Fruit: A little bowl of raspberries would bring a nice pop of color.
    • Boiled Eggs: Sliced of halved is always a welcome spot of color.
    Do You Need To Cook Smoked Salmon Fillets?

    Smoked Salmon is fully cooked and needs no further preparation. Just remove the fillet from the package, place in the center of your serving platter and build that appetizer.

    How Do You Eat Cold Smoked Salmon?

    The salmon fillet meat is so tender it easily flakes apart. Using a fork will easily break a bite sized piece of the meat to build your cracker appetizer.

    How to Store Smoked Salmon?

    Once it’s out of the package, wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap or place in a zip lock back. Store in the refrigerator for a week to 10 days. You can also freeze smoked salmon for up to six months.

    Cracker topped with smoked salmon, horseradish cream sauce with cheese, cornichons and grapes

    How To Serve Smoked Salmon

    To serve, place a piece of smoked salmon on a cracker, top with a dollop of the horseradish cream sauce and top with a slice of cheese = delicious combo of flavors.

    Smoked Salmon Platter

    So if you’re looking for Smoked Salmon Platter ideas, I hope you give this a try. I took it to so many gatherings during the month of December.

    And if you have a favorite Smoked Salmon Appetizer recipe, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.

    Smoked salmon recipes are always a hit. Here are some more ideas:

    And if you’re looking for way to use Smoked Salmon Fillet in a main course, take a look at this recipe for Smoked Salmon Pasta With Dill. An easy dinner idea.

    And don’t miss my Appetizer Category, you’ll find lots of fun party food ideas including the most popular on my site for BBQ Meatballs.

    Related Recipes

    • Recipe For Salmon Spread
    • Savory Scones Appetizer with Smoked Trout
    • Dubliner Cheese Spread With Cream Cheese
    • Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese
    Easy smoked salmon platter with cheese and crackers

    Smoked Salmon Platter

    Smoked Salmon Appetizer platter with Cheese and Crackers and Horseradish Cream. A great appetizer idea for your next wine tasting party.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer Recipes
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 147kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 pound Smoked Salmon fillet not a lox product
    • 4 ounces Cheddar Cheese sliced, served at room temperature
    • 4 ounces White Cheddar or complimentary cheese of your choice
    • 1 recipe Horseradish Cream Sauce
    • Assorted crackers Sturdy and buttery
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • On a platter or plate, place the smoked salmon. Arrange the cheese and crackers around the salmon.
    • Place the Horseradish Cream Sauce in a bowl. Provide serving knives for building those appetizers.
    • To eat; place a small piece of salmon on a cracker, add a slice of cheese smear with Horseradish Cream Sauce and enjoy.

    Notes

    Smoked Salmon: Choose a smoked salmon fillet product rather than a salt cured salmon which is a thinner sliced product and traditionally served on a bagel with capers. . The most popular and easy to find is the fillets from the Honey Smoked Fish Company sold at Costco and Safeway.
    More Serving Ideas: 
    • Grapes: Place grapes in-between items on the platter. Red, green or black grapes will work beautifully.
    • Cornichons are a wonderful addition. Cornichons are tiny little dill pickles and their tart flavor makes them an ideal garnish for any charcuterie board.
    • Nuts: Add a sprinkling of nuts here and there on the platter. Raw almonds, roasted shelled pistachios and lightly salted cashews are all good choices.
    • Olives: A little bowl of olives would be lovely. Choosing olives from an olive bar, rather than jarred will bring more flavor.
    • Fruit: A little bowl of raspberries would bring a nice pop of color.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 398mg | Potassium: 77mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 309IU | Calcium: 208mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lannisam or tag #CookingOnTheRanch!

    Smoked Salmon Platter …It’s What’s for an appetizer.

    And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.

    If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below. And write a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback.

    This recipe was originally posted September of 2013, and republished with better photos and instructions.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. John / Kitchen Riffs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:41 am

      Love smoked salmon! And this is such a terrific way to serve it — such an attractive (and tasty!) looking platter of food. Neat dish — thanks.

      Reply
    2. Simply Sweet Justice says

      September 22, 2013 at 6:43 pm

      This looks like such fun! I will have to try out the salmon at Tony’s Market now. 🙂

      Reply
    3. Chris says

      September 21, 2013 at 8:41 am

      Excellent idea, I usually only see “main course” when I look at salmon, you just opened my eyes to other possibilities, LA, thanks!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        September 21, 2013 at 9:04 am

        It’s been one of my favorite appetizer platters to serve for years. With cheese and horseradish, you can’t go wrong.

        Reply
    4. Vickie says

      September 20, 2013 at 8:36 am

      As usual these days, I am LATE TO THE PARTY! It looks like a delicious spread and I’ll keep my eye out for that wine. LOVE the shot of the prayshus pups. 🙂

      Reply
    5. Lea Ann says

      September 17, 2013 at 5:46 am

      Sure missed seeing you on Sunday Ansh.

      Reply
    6. Mick says

      September 16, 2013 at 6:02 am

      Nice apps, perfect with wine!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        September 17, 2013 at 5:51 am

        Thanks Chef Mick. And thanks for the Salmon, I’ll never buy it anywhere else again. Great flavor.

        Reply
    7. Carole says

      September 15, 2013 at 6:57 pm

      Horseradish sauce – yum! Occasionally I am able to buy fresh horseradish which is just wonderful – in a different league from the prepared stuff. Although when you are grating it, it can almost hurt your nose it is so pungent – like sniffing wasabi. Cheers

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        September 17, 2013 at 5:53 am

        I’m such a horseradish fan Carole. And I have grown it and made my own grated horseradish. I hear ya!

        Reply
    8. Abbe@This is How I Cook says

      September 15, 2013 at 2:44 pm

      Thanks so much for visiting my blog! And reaching out. Would love to meet you-I don’t get the opportunity to meet many bloggers and after a party like the one above – well, looks like we could have a lot of fun!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        September 17, 2013 at 5:54 am

        Abbe, thanks for stopping by. We’ll have to meet soon.

        Reply
    9. Larry says

      September 15, 2013 at 8:57 am

      Looks like a great spread for a fun time. Your salmon dish dish looks delicious – I never thought of horseradish sauce with it. Maybe you can post the mushroom-bleu cheese dip recipe if you get it.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        September 17, 2013 at 5:54 am

        Thanks for the reminder Larry. I need to email her right now for that recipe.

        Reply
    10. Jaime, the German granddaughter says

      September 15, 2013 at 7:12 am

      Also like the Cheetos pic. I can tell you and your friends might be wino’s but you’re not snobs. 🙂

      Reply
    11. Jaime, the German granddaughter says

      September 15, 2013 at 7:10 am

      Hi lea ann! Mmm there are so many yummy things about this post!! I have to say tho- my fav pic is your cute little doggies with the boot wine charm. After all the flooding here at my house and in longmont, it’s nice to read your blog.

      Reply
    12. Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says

      September 15, 2013 at 4:29 am

      I love the wine get-togethers with your friends. Lots of great food to munch on. I bet the blue cheese & mushroom spread really went over well with the guys.
      Sam

      Reply
    13. adam @unorthodoxepicure says

      September 14, 2013 at 2:31 pm

      Your friends have very good taste. 😉

      Reply

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    I'm Lea Ann, A Culinary School Grad bringing you Wild West Colorado inspired recipes. You'll find lots of Southwestern, and Mexican food recipes, and some favorites from Culinary School along with pro cooking tips. If you're an adventurous home cook looking to spice up your meal plans, you'll find plenty of inspiration and reliable, approachable, easy to follow recipes.

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