Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Cups are easy, pretty, and full of fresh flavor. The crisp phyllo cups hold smooth cream cheese, salty smoked salmon, capers, dill, and a little lemon juice. They are great for parties, holidays, brunch, or a simple snack plate. If you enjoy creamy appetizers, you may also like this creamy baked cottage cheese dish for another easy option.
Why Make This Recipe
These little cups look special, but they take very little work. You only need a few ingredients, and there is no complicated cooking.
They are also easy to prepare before guests arrive. Fill the cups shortly before serving, then place them on a platter. The mix of crunchy pastry, creamy cheese, and smoky salmon makes every bite delicious.
How to Make Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Cups
First, warm the phyllo pastry cups if the package instructions say to bake them. Let them cool before adding the filling.
Spoon cream cheese into each cup. Add a small slice of smoked salmon on top. Finish each cup with capers, fresh dill, and a light drizzle of lemon juice.
Ingredients
- Smoked salmon
- Cream cheese
- Phyllo pastry cups
- Capers
- Dill
- Lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat the oven according to the phyllo pastry package instructions.
- Fill each phyllo pastry cup with a spoonful of cream cheese.
- Top with a slice of smoked salmon.
- Add a few capers on top and a sprinkle of dill.
- Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Cups
Serve these cups on a large plate or serving tray. Add extra dill and lemon wedges around the platter for a nice look.
They pair well with fresh vegetables, fruit, crackers, olives, and other small party foods. Serve them at brunch with eggs and a simple salad, or offer them as an appetizer before dinner.
How to Store Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Cups
For the best texture, store the ingredients separately before assembling. Keep the smoked salmon and cream cheese in sealed containers in the refrigerator.
If the cups are already filled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to one day. The phyllo cups may become soft over time, so they are best served soon after making them.
Tips to Make Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Cups
Use softened cream cheese so it is easy to spoon into the cups. You can also mix the cream cheese with a little chopped dill and lemon juice before filling the pastry cups.
Do not add too much lemon juice because it can make the cups wet. A small drizzle is enough.
Use small pieces of smoked salmon so each cup is easy to eat in one or two bites. Add the capers just before serving to keep their bright, salty flavor.
Variation
Try flavored cream cheese, such as chive or garlic herb cream cheese, for extra flavor.
You can replace dill with chives or parsley. For a little heat, add a tiny pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also add a thin cucumber slice under the salmon for a fresh crunch.
FAQs
Can I make these cups ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the filling ingredients ahead of time, but fill the phyllo cups close to serving time. This helps keep the cups crisp.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked salmon?
Yes, but cook the fresh salmon first and let it cool. Smoked salmon is easier and gives the cups their classic salty, smoky taste.
Do I need to bake the phyllo cups?
Follow the package instructions. Some phyllo cups need a short time in the oven to become crisp, while others are ready to fill.
Can I serve these cups cold?
Yes. They taste great chilled or at room temperature. Keep them cold if they will sit out for more than a short time.
How many cups should I make per person?
Plan for about two to four cups per person if serving them as a party appetizer.
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Cups
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 12 cups Phyllo pastry cups Follow package instructions for baking.
- 8 oz Cream cheese Use softened cream cheese for easy filling.
- 8 oz Smoked salmon Cut into small pieces for easy serving.
- 2 tbsp Capers Add just before serving to maintain flavor.
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill For garnish and flavor.
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice Use a light drizzle.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven according to the phyllo pastry package instructions.
- Fill each phyllo pastry cup with a spoonful of cream cheese.
- Top with a slice of smoked salmon.
- Add a few capers on top and a sprinkle of dill.
- Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.