The Creamiest Smoked Salmon Blinis Recipe for Fancy Brunch

Light and delicate smoked salmon blinis offer a luxurious appetizer that redefines simple ingredients into an elegant culinary experience.

These miniature pancakes represent a sophisticated French-inspired delicacy perfect for sophisticated gatherings and intimate celebrations.

The soft, pillowy texture provides an exquisite canvas for rich, smoky salmon and creamy accompaniments.

Crafting these bite-sized treats requires precision and a gentle touch that elevates everyday cooking into an artful presentation.

blinis showcase remarkable versatility, allowing creative cooks to experiment with various toppings and flavor combinations.

Delicate yet impressive, these miniature pancakes promise to surprise and delight guests with their refined appearance and complex taste profile.

Master this recipe, and you’ll impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts.

What Makes Smoked Salmon Blinis a Party Favorite

• Create Gourmet Bites in Minutes: These smoked salmon blinis transform simple ingredients into elegant appetizers that look like they're from a fancy restaurant, but take less than 30 minutes to prepare.
• Luxurious Texture Explosion: Soft, fluffy blinis perfectly complement the silky smooth smoked salmon, while crispy capers and crunchy red onions add delightful contrasting textures that make each bite exciting.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for sophisticated cocktail parties, brunch gatherings, or as an impressive starter that will wow guests without requiring advanced culinary skills, making entertaining stress-free and delicious.

Must-Have Ingredients for Smoked Salmon Blinis

• Flour: Soft wheat flour with light texture, ideal for creating tender blinis.
• Baking Powder: Helps blinis rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the batter.

• Egg: Provides structure and richness to blini batter.
• Milk: Creates smooth consistency and adds moisture.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps with golden browning.

• Smoked Salmon: Premium, high-quality cold-smoked salmon with delicate texture.
• Crème Fraîche: Smooth, tangy French-style cream for creamy topping.
• Dill: Fresh herb with bright, aromatic flavor.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp vegetable for added zest.
• Capers: Briny, small pickled flower buds with intense flavor.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground for subtle heat and aroma.
• Lemon: Fresh citrus for bright, acidic finish.

Smoked Salmon Blinis Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Blini Batter

In a mixing bowl, blend the dry ingredients- flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the beaten egg and milk, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and silky. Gently fold in the melted butter, creating a light and airy batter.

Step 2: Cook the Blini Pancakes

Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter to coat the pan. Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter, creating small round pancakes. Cook each blini until golden bubbles form on the surface, about 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer cooked blinis to a towel-lined plate to keep warm and soft.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Dill Spread

In a small mixing bowl, blend crème fraîche with freshly chopped dill. Stir until the herbs are evenly distributed, creating a vibrant and fragrant spread.

Step 4: Assemble the Elegant Appetizers

Spread a delicate layer of the dill-infused crème fraîche on each blini. Drape a slice of silky smoked salmon on top. Sprinkle with additional chopped dill, finely diced red onion, and a scattering of briny capers. Finish with a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Arrange the blinis on an elegant serving platter. Accompany with wedges of bright, zesty lemon. Encourage guests to squeeze a touch of citrus over their appetizers for an extra burst of flavor. These bite-sized delights are perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.

Smart Cooking Tips for Smoked Salmon Blinis

• Master Batter Consistency: Whisk ingredients gradually to achieve a smooth, lump-free batter that ensures perfectly light and airy blinis.
• Control Pan Temperature: Use medium heat to prevent burning and achieve a beautiful golden-brown color on each blini, allowing even cooking.
• Prevent Sticking: Use a non-stick pan and a small amount of butter to ensure blinis release easily and maintain their delicate texture.
• Customize Toppings: Experiment with different herbs like chives or parsley instead of dill for a personalized flavor profile.
• Serve Immediately: Prepare blinis just before serving to maintain their warmth and prevent them from becoming soggy, ensuring a crisp and fresh appetizer.

How to Store and Reheat Your Smoked Salmon Blinis

• Refrigeration: Store leftover blinis in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Stack them with parchment paper between each blini to prevent sticking.
• Reheating: Warm blinis gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sogginess.
• Quality Check: Discard blinis if they develop an off smell or show signs of mold. Smoked salmon should be consumed within 2 days of preparation for the best flavor and food safety.

Best Pairings for Smoked Salmon Blinis

• Craft Crisp Wine Companions: Elevate your smoked salmon blinis with a chilled glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Champagne. These light, acidic wines beautifully cut through the rich salmon and complement the delicate blini texture.
• Create Refreshing Cocktail Matches: Pair these elegant bites with a classic vodka martini or a cucumber gin spritzer. The herbal and botanical notes will enhance the dill and capers, while the drink's crispness balances the creamy crème fraîche.
• Design Sparkling Beverage Harmony: Non-alcoholic options like sparkling elderflower water or a zesty kombucha work wonderfully. These effervescent drinks provide a light, tangy counterpoint to the smoky salmon and buttery blinis.
• Build Unexpected Herbal Pairings: Consider a light Russian-style tea with lemon, which traditionally accompanies similar appetizers. The subtle tannins and citrus notes will cleanse the palate and highlight the delicate flavors of the smoked salmon.

Unique Twists on Smoked Salmon Blinis You’ll Crave

• Herbed Cream Cheese Swap: Replace crème fraîche with herbed cream cheese for a tangy, spreadable alternative that adds extra flavor to the blinis.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to make the blinis suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Seafood Version: Top blinis with hot-smoked salmon and add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes for a spicy kick that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap smoked salmon with roasted beetroot slices or marinated artichoke hearts for a completely plant-based approach that maintains the elegant appetizer feel.

Smoked Salmon Blinis Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delicate Russian blinis showcase luxurious smoked salmon in a petite, elegant appetizer. Silky salmon nestles atop miniature pancakes, creating a sophisticated bite that promises rich flavors and refined European charm for discerning palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

main ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) smoked salmon
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) crème fraîche
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh dill

supplementary ingredients:

• 1 small red onion

garnish and seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) capers
• 1 lemon
• ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a silky batter by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate beaten egg and milk, stirring until the mixture becomes perfectly smooth. Fold in melted butter to create a consistent texture.
2. Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat, lightly greasing with butter. Gently drop small spoonfuls of batter, maintaining ample spacing between each blini. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges turn golden, approximately 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer cooked blinis to a towel-lined plate to preserve warmth.
3. Prepare a delicate topping by blending crème fraîche with half of the fresh dill, creating a herbaceous spread with subtle complexity.
4. Assemble each blini by spreading a thin layer of the herbed crème fraîche mixture. Carefully drape a slice of smoked salmon atop the creamy base. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling remaining dill, finely minced red onion, and briny capers. Finish with a delicate crack of black pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
5. Arrange the completed blinis on an elegant serving platter, accompanied by lemon wedges. Invite guests to personalize their bite-sized delicacies with a gentle squeeze of citrus, adding a bright, zesty dimension to the appetizer.

Notes

• Batter Perfection: Mix dry ingredients first for lump-free, silky-smooth blinis that create a delicate, light texture.
• Cooking Technique: Use medium heat and a non-stick pan to achieve golden-brown edges without burning the delicate pancakes.
• Flavor Layering: Dill-infused crème fraîche adds a creamy, herbaceous base that complements the rich, smoky salmon.
• Elegant Garnishing: Capers and red onions provide sharp, briny contrast to the buttery salmon and soft blinis.
• Serving Suggestion: Squeeze fresh lemon just before eating to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Blinis can be prepared in advance and gently reheated, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg