16+ Holiday Salmon Appetizers Elegant Delicious Bites

Some of my fondest holiday memories start the same way: people crowding the kitchen, music playing, and trays of beautiful little bites disappearing as fast as they arrive. My friends always joke that I never let anyone starve before dinner—even if it’s just a holiday “small plates” theme on a regular Thursday. When it comes to making appetizers, I find myself leaning into salmon again and again. There’s just something so elegant about it, whether it’s smoked, roasted, or brightened up with citrus. If you love making savory foods that feel special but aren’t fussy, these 16+ holiday salmon appetizers elegant delicious bites might just become the stars of your party platters, too.

1. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rounds

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my go-to whenever someone texts, “What can I bring?” Super simple, but incredibly pretty on a plate, and no cooking required. It’s light yet satisfying, so guests keep coming back for more.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 large English cucumber, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 4 oz smoked salmon, sliced into ribbons
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Stir together cream cheese, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Lay cucumber rounds on a serving platter.
3. Spoon or pipe a small swirl of cream cheese onto each cucumber.
4. Top each with a ribbon of smoked salmon.
5. Garnish with a dill sprig.

Optional Enhancer:

Flavor Boost: Add a tiny pinch of lemon zest on top for extra brightness.

2. Salmon Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Why You’ll Love It:

Warm and flaky, these are absolutely irresistible straight from the oven. The salmon and cream cheese filling makes every bite creamy and rich, but without feeling heavy. Great for little hands and adult palates alike.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz smoked salmon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 tbsp capers, drained
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix cream cheese, dill, and capers in a bowl.
3. Roll out puff pastry and spread with cream cheese mixture.
4. Layer smoked salmon evenly over the top.
5. Roll pastry tightly into a log and slice into ½-inch rounds.
6. Brush with egg wash and bake 20 minutes, until golden.

Optional Enhancer:

Meal Prep Tip: These are freezer-friendly—just reheat in the oven until warm.

3. Salmon Tartare on Wonton Crisps

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a favorite for anyone who loves sushi flavors but wants the ease of finger food. The crisp wonton is the perfect vehicle for the fresh, tangy salmon topping.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 oz sushi-grade salmon, finely diced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sriracha
• 1 avocado, diced
• 12 wonton wrappers
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Microgreens for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Toss diced salmon with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha.
2. Heat oil in a skillet and fry wonton wrappers until golden; drain on paper towels.
3. Top each crisp with a spoonful of salmon mixture and avocado.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with microgreens. Serve immediately.

Optional Enhancer:

Swap This With That: Use tortilla chips instead of wonton crisps for a shortcut.

4. Gravlax Crostini with Mustard-Dill Sauce

Why You’ll Love It:

Crostini always feels like a party, especially when topped with buttery gravlax and a zippy homemade mustard sauce. This one’s a crowd pleaser at my annual “ugly sweater” gathering—gone in minutes.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 baguette, sliced into 16 rounds
• 8 oz gravlax or cured salmon, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Olive oil for brushing

How to Make It:

1. Preheat broiler. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and toast until golden.
2. Whisk together mustard, honey, dill, mayo, and lemon juice.
3. Layer gravlax on crostini and drizzle with mustard sauce.
4. Garnish with extra dill.

Optional Enhancer:

Serving Idea: Serve alongside pickled red onions for added zing.

5. Mini Potato Latkes with Salmon & Crème Fraîche

Why You’ll Love It:

These crisp, golden latkes topped with silky salmon and a cool dollop of crème fraîche walk the perfect line between holiday comfort and elegant entertaining. They vanish quickly every Hanukkah in my house.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and grated
• ½ small onion, grated
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 4 oz smoked salmon
• ½ cup crème fraîche
• 1 tbsp chopped chives

How to Make It:

1. Squeeze excess liquid from potatoes and onion.
2. Mix with eggs, flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil and fry spoonfuls into small latkes, 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Top each latke with pieces of smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and chives.

Optional Enhancer:

Flavor Boost: Add a hint of lemon zest to the crème fraîche for freshness.

6. Salmon Mousse Endive Boats

Why You’ll Love It:

I bring these to work holiday gatherings when I want something easy but pretty. Creamy salmon mousse pairs perfectly with the crisp endive, so you get richness and crunch together.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 5 oz canned salmon, drained
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper
• 2 heads Belgian endive, leaves separated
• Lemon zest, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Blend salmon, cream cheese, lemon juice, mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth.
2. Spoon mousse into endive leaves.
3. Garnish with lemon zest.

Optional Enhancer:

Meal Prep Tip: The mousse can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

7. Crispy Salmon Belly Bites with Teriyaki Glaze

Why You’ll Love It:

If you’ve never had salmon belly, you’re in for a treat—it’s ultra rich and crisped up beautifully in the oven. The sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze gives it holiday-level wow.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb salmon belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Whisk soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, ginger, and sesame oil.
3. Toss salmon belly with half the glaze; reserve rest.
4. Roast on a lined baking sheet for 12–15 minutes, brushing with reserved glaze halfway.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions before serving.

Optional Enhancer:

Best Pairings: Great with sticky rice balls, pickled cucumbers, or a bright cabbage slaw.

8. Hot Smoked Salmon Dip with Crackers

Why You’ll Love It:

Warm dips make any gathering cozier. This creamy, savory salmon dip is always a hit, scooped up with crackers or veggies—and leftovers work great for lunch the next day.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 oz hot-smoked salmon, flaked
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped chives, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, dill, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and pepper until smooth.
2. Fold in flaked salmon.
3. Spread into an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with chives and serve warm.

Optional Enhancer:

Personal Note: This dip vanishes at holiday brunch when served with bagel chips.

9. Crispy Rice Cakes with Salmon Sashimi

Why You’ll Love It:

These bite-sized crispy rice cakes topped with sashimi are pure sushi bar magic at home. Watching friends’ faces light up as they take the first crunchy, soft, and tangy bite never gets old.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups cooked sushi rice
• 8 oz sushi-grade salmon, sliced
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp sriracha
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp black sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Mix hot rice with vinegar; let cool and shape into 12 small rectangles.
2. Heat oil and fry rice cakes until crisp and golden.
3. Blend mayo and sriracha for spicy sauce.
4. Top each rice cake with salmon sashimi, a dab of spicy mayo, and sesame seeds.

Optional Enhancer:

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcrowd the pan when crisping rice—do it in batches so each piece browns evenly.

10. Maple-Glazed Salmon Skewers

Why You’ll Love It:

Savory-sweet salmon on a stick is always a favorite for both kids and adults. Maple syrup and Dijon glaze gives each bite a sticky, shiny finish that looks gorgeous at any holiday buffet.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb skinless salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Whisk maple syrup, Dijon, soy sauce, olive oil, and pepper to make glaze.
2. Thread salmon onto skewers; brush with glaze.
3. Bake or grill at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, glazing halfway.
4. Garnish with parsley.

Optional Enhancer:

Budget-Friendly Tip: Substitute honey for maple syrup if it’s more affordable.

11. Herbed Salmon Rillettes on Toasts

Why You’ll Love It:

Rillettes sound fancy, but they’re basically glorified salmon salad. You can make it the night before—perfect for stress-free entertaining—and spread it onto toasts throughout the night.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 oz poached or cooked salmon, flaked
• 2 oz smoked salmon, chopped
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp crème fraîche
• 1 tbsp minced shallot
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• 16 small toast rounds

How to Make It:

1. Blend both salmons, butter, crème fraîche, shallot, parsley, lemon, salt, and pepper until creamy.
2. Chill until firm (at least 1 hour for best flavor).
3. Spread onto toast rounds; add extra herbs and lemon as garnish.

Optional Enhancer:

Meal Prep Tip: The rillettes can be made 2 days ahead—just bring to room temp before serving.

12. Salmon Stuffed Deviled Eggs

Why You’ll Love It:

Deviled eggs are a nonnegotiable for family holidays at my house. Adding smoked salmon makes them extra rich and party-ready, and people always ask for the recipe.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 6 large eggs
• 3 oz smoked salmon, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• 1 tbsp capers, minced
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Boil eggs, cool, peel, and halve.
2. Mash yolks with mayo, mustard, salmon, dill, capers, salt, and pepper.
3. Pipe or spoon filling into whites.
4. Garnish with extra dill and capers.

Optional Enhancer:

Best Pairings: Serve with a crisp white wine or alongside pickled vegetables.

13. Mini Dill Blini with Salmon and Lemon Crème

Why You’ll Love It:

Blini are soft mini pancakes, perfect for topping with salmon and creamy lemon sauce. These little bites are always the prettiest addition to a New Year’s Eve bite board.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 8 oz smoked salmon
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest

How to Make It:

1. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt; add egg, milk, melted butter to make batter.
2. Stir in chopped dill.
3. Drop spoonfuls on a greased griddle; cook mini blini until golden, 1–2 minutes per side.
4. Mix sour cream, lemon juice, and zest for crème.
5. Top each blini with salmon, a dollop of lemon crème, and more dill.

Optional Enhancer:

Swap This With That: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for the topping.

14. Salmon & Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups

Why You’ll Love It:

Bite-sized phyllo cups are the MVP of make-ahead appetizers. Goat cheese adds tangy richness that pairs perfectly with salmon, and you can eat them warm or room temp.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 16 mini phyllo shells
• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 4 oz cooked or smoked salmon, flaked
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Mix goat cheese and cream cheese; season with salt and pepper.
2. Spoon a dollop into each phyllo shell.
3. Top with flaked salmon and chives.
4. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until warmed through.

Optional Enhancer:

Flavor Boost: Drizzle with a touch of honey before baking for contrast.

15. Everything Bagel Salmon Bites

Why You’ll Love It:

Inspired by bagel shops, these bites hit every flavor—salty, savory, tangy, and crunchy. They’re hand-held, so people just grab and mingle (no forks needed).

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 6 slices rye bread, cut into cubes
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 6 oz gravlax or smoked salmon, cut into squares
• 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
• 1 tbsp chopped scallion

How to Make It:

1. Spread cream cheese on bread cubes.
2. Top with salmon pieces.
3. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning and scallions.

Optional Enhancer:

Meal Prep Tip: Assemble up to 2 hours ahead, cover, and chill; sprinkle seasoning just before serving.

16. Holiday Salmon Roll-Ups with Horseradish Cream

Why You’ll Love It:

Roll-ups are classic party food because there’s no mess and every bite is uniform. Horseradish cream packs a punch, cutting through the rich salmon—perfect little parcels for a holiday buffet.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 oz smoked salmon, sliced
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Mix cream cheese, horseradish, dill, lemon, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread on smoked salmon slices.
3. Roll up tightly and slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
4. Arrange on a plate and garnish with extra dill.

Optional Enhancer:

Serving Idea: These fit perfectly into bento boxes for next-day lunches.

17. Salmon & Beet Stackers

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my sneaky way to get everyone to eat their veggies—layering thin beets with smoked salmon creates a jewel-bright bite that’s perfect for Instagram photos and actual eating.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 medium cooked beets, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 6 oz smoked salmon
• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• Salt and pepper
• Microgreens for topping

How to Make It:

1. Stir together goat cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
2. Alternate layers of beet, goat cheese, and smoked salmon on a platter.
3. Top stacks with microgreens.

Optional Enhancer:

Personal Note: My little niece calls these “pretty pink sandwiches.”

18. Salmon, Avocado & Citrus Spoons

Why You’ll Love It:

Just right for a modern cocktail party, these spoon bites combine salmon with creamy avocado and juicy citrus. No utensils required—just set them out and let guests sail by.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 oz sushi-grade salmon, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 orange, segmented and chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• ½ red chili or bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 tsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Gently combine all ingredients in a bowl, seasoning to taste.
2. Spoon mixture into individual appetizer spoons.

Optional Enhancer:

Best Pairings: Pair with a glass of champagne or sparkling water.

19. Scandinavian Salmon Toasts with Pickled Onion

Why You’ll Love It:

Inspired by open-faced Scandinavian sandwiches, these toasts look striking and taste even better. Tangy pickled onions and creamy cheese balance the rich salmon.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 slices rye or pumpernickel bread
• 6 oz cold-smoked salmon
• 4 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• Fresh dill for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Combine onion, vinegar, sugar, and salt; let sit 10 minutes.
2. Toast bread lightly and cut into triangles.
3. Spread with cream cheese, top with salmon, drained pickled onions, and dill.

Optional Enhancer:

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t leave pickled onion soaking too long—it gets too soft; 10–15 minutes is perfect.

FAQ

How do I make sure my salmon appetizers stay fresh at a party?

Keep cold appetizers (like salmon tartare or mousse) refrigerated until right before serving. For hot appetizers, arrange on a warm platter or cover with foil to keep them cozy. Always use fresh, high-quality salmon for best results.

Can I use canned salmon if I don’t have smoked or sushi-grade?

Absolutely. For recipes like rillettes, mousse, or even some dips, canned or cooked salmon is a great substitute. Choose boneless and skinless for the best texture.

What’s the best way to prep these appetizers ahead?

Many of these bites (like phyllo cups, mousse, dips, or anything rolled or stacked) can be assembled in advance and refrigerated. For anything fried or baked (like latkes or pinwheels), crisp them fresh, but you can put together the filling or dough ahead of time.

How can I serve these elegantly for a crowd?

Arrange appetizers on boards or platters, mixing shapes and colors for eye-catching variety. Garnish with dill, chives, or lemon slices, and include small forks or picks for easy serving.

Conclusion

Salmon brings a little bit of luxury to holiday appetizers without stressing the cook or breaking the bank. With these 16+ holiday salmon appetizers elegant delicious bites, you’ll have a gorgeous spread ready for every party, family gathering, or spontaneous celebration. The combination of rich, silky salmon with tangy, crunchy, and creamy flavors means there’s something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to play, swap ingredients, or add your personal touch—sometimes the best bites come from happy improvising in the kitchen. Here’s to sharing good food and calm, confident cooking this holiday season.