If you are looking for an appetizer that looks incredibly elegant but actually takes almost zero effort to throw together, you are going to fall in love with these Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Bites. I’m always on the hunt for recipes that are light, fresh, and packed with flavor without weighing me down, and these little gems deliver on every front. The combination of creamy, herb-infused cheese and smoky salmon nestled in a crisp radicchio leaf is absolute perfection for your next dinner party or just a fancy weekday snack!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (227g) goat cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp. fresh oregano
- 1 tbsp. fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp. fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 oz (170g) radicchio
- 4 oz (113g) smoked salmon
Directions:
- Finely mince the 1 tbsp. fresh oregano, 1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, and 1 tbsp. fresh basil, and finely grate the 2 cloves of garlic.
- Add the 8 oz (227g) softened goat cheese, minced herbs, grated garlic, and salt and pepper to taste into a mixing bowl, then combine the mixture well and set it aside.
- Cut the stem off the bottom of the 6 oz (170g) radicchio and carefully peel apart the leaves until you have 16 individual leaves for serving; wash the leaves and dry them thoroughly.
- On each radicchio leaf, lay a piece of the 4 oz (113g) smoked salmon, then top it with approximately 0.5 oz (14g) of the herbed goat cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper across the top of the assembled bites and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 46.2 kcal
- Total Fat: 3.3g
- Total Carbohydrates: 0.6g
- Protein: 3.4g
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Soften the Cheese Properly: To ensure your herb mixture incorporates evenly without lumps, leave the goat cheese on the counter for at least 30 minutes before starting. If you are in a rush, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
- Tame the Radicchio: Radicchio has a naturally bitter profile that pairs beautifully with the rich goat cheese, but if you find it too strong, soak the leaves in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes before drying them. This crisps up the leaves and mellows out the bitterness.
- Pipe for Perfection: For a truly professional “catered” look, instead of spooning the goat cheese mixture onto the salmon, transfer the mixture to a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off) and pipe a neat swirl onto each bite.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Since this recipe relies heavily on aromatics, avoid using dried herbs. Fresh basil, rosemary, and oregano provide a brightness and texture that dried spices simply cannot replicate in a raw preparation like this.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these Smoked Salmon Bites ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the herbed goat cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it is best to assemble the actual bites on the radicchio leaves no more than 1 hour before serving to ensure the leaves stay crisp and do not get soggy.
What can I use instead of radicchio? If you cannot find radicchio or prefer a milder flavor, Belgian endive is the best substitute as it has a similar sturdy boat shape. For a completely different base, you can use thick slices of cucumber or even gluten-free crackers, though this will change the nutritional count slightly.
Is this recipe Keto and Low-Carb friendly? Yes, absolutely. These bites are naturally high in healthy fats and protein while being extremely low in carbohydrates. With approximately 0.6g of net carbs per serving, they fit perfectly into a Keto, Paleo, or low-carb diet plan.
Can I use cream cheese instead of goat cheese? Yes, if you aren’t a fan of the tanginess of goat cheese, full-fat cream cheese is a great alternative. It will provide a smoother, milder flavor that still works very well with the smoked salmon and fresh herbs.
I really hope you give these Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Bites a try! They are the ultimate proof that eating healthy, whole foods doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a chic appetizer for your next gathering or just enjoying a quiet, savory snack at home, this combination is sure to impress. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out for you!
