These Smoked Salmon Blini Bites are little treats that look fancy but are super easy to whip up! With soft, fluffy blinis and rich smoked salmon, they’re perfect for any gathering.
Every time I serve these, people are amazed! I love how the creamy topping adds a tasty finish. Plus, they are fun to make—just assemble and watch them disappear! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your blinis, providing structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend.
Milk: Warm milk helps create a smoother batter. If you’re dairy-free, almond or oat milk work well, just make sure it’s unsweetened.
Egg: The egg binds everything together. If you’re avoiding eggs, you can substitute with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option.
Smoked Salmon: This is the star of the dish. If salmon isn’t your thing, try using smoked trout or even roasted peppers for a vegetarian twist.
Crème Fraîche: It provides a creamy finish. Sour cream is a good substitute. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can also work.
How Do I Make Fluffy Blinis Without Making Them Greasy?
Making perfect blinis requires some attention. The key is to control the heat and manage the batter well:
- Use medium heat for cooking; too high will burn the outside while keeping the inside raw.
- Add just enough butter or oil to coat the pan lightly; too much can make them greasy.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Stir until just combined; lumps are fine.
- Let them cook fully before flipping to get that nice golden brown color.
With these tips, your blinis will be soft and fluffy every time! Enjoy the process and get ready to impress your friends with these tasty bites!
Smoked Salmon Blini Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Blinis:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk, warm
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Butter or oil, for frying
- For the Topping:
- 100g smoked salmon slices
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche or additional sour cream
- Fresh dill sprigs for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper, optional
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Blini Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, beat the egg, then mix in the warm milk and sour cream until smooth. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—it’s okay if there are small lumps!
2. Cooking the Blinis:
Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the bottom. Using a spoon, drop small rounds of the batter (about 1-2 tablespoons each) onto the skillet to form mini pancakes (blinis). Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and keep warm by placing them on a plate covered with a kitchen towel.
3. Assembling the Bites:
To assemble your blini bites, take a slice or folded piece of smoked salmon and place it on top of each blini. Then, add a small dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream on top of the salmon. Finish off with a small sprig of fresh dill and a sprinkle of black pepper if you like!
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delightful Smoked Salmon Blini Bites immediately. You can add lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing if desired. Enjoy these as a fancy appetizer or a tasty party snack!
Happy Cooking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Blinis for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can definitely purchase ready-made blinis from the store. Just heat them according to the package instructions, then top them with smoked salmon and crème fraîche as you would with homemade blinis.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the unassembled blinis in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the smoked salmon and crème fraîche separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness. Reheat the blinis gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling.
What Can I Substitute for Smoked Salmon?
If you want to switch it up, smoked trout or even roasted red peppers make great alternatives to smoked salmon. For a vegetarian option, try adding some marinated artichoke hearts or avocado slices on top of the blinis.
Can I Make the Blinis Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the blinis in advance and store them in the fridge. Just warm them up before assembling with salmon and crème fraîche. This will save you time when you’re ready to serve your guests!