Name: Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 French baguette, cut into 1/2 inch slices; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 8 ounces whipped chive cream cheese; 4 ounces Nova lox salmon; ¼ red onion, very thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon Everything But the Bagel seasoning; 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives or scallions

If you’re looking for a snack that’s both elegant and effortless, my Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe is just the ticket. This combo has all the flavors I adore from a classic bagel lox but is way easier to whip up for guests or a cozy night in. You’ll love how the creamy chive cream cheese balances the smoky richness of the salmon, while the Everything Bagel seasoning adds that signature pop of flavor and crunch.

I first made this recipe when friends dropped by unexpectedly, and it was an instant hit. It’s perfect for brunch, appetizer spreads, or even a light dinner paired with a crisp white wine. Trust me, once you try this Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to showstoppers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a crucial role, something I’ve learned the hard way over countless iterations. The freshness and quality truly make a difference, especially with the salmon and cream cheese, so I recommend picking the best you can find.

French baguette: Crisp and sturdy enough to hold toppings but tender inside – avoid stale bread for the best texture.
Extra virgin olive oil: For brushing the baguette slices before toasting and bringing a subtle fruity flavor.
Whipped chive cream cheese: I usually buy this ready-made or whip plain cream cheese with fresh chives for a vibrant, fresh taste.
Nova lox salmon: The star of the recipe – silky, smoky, and luscious, Nova lox brings authentic bagel-lunch vibes.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness that cuts through the richness and adds crunch.
Everything But the Bagel seasoning: Essential for that familiar seasoning mix of sesame, poppy, garlic, and onion – it ties everything together.
Finely chopped chives or scallions: Add a fresh, oniony burst to finish with color and aroma.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own, so I tweak it depending on the mood or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to personalize it too—this is one recipe that welcomes creativity and still tastes amazing.

Use smoked trout instead of salmon: I found this twist gives a slightly earthier flavor that’s just as satisfying when Nova lox isn’t available.
Swap chive cream cheese for goat cheese: For a tangier, creamier bite, goat cheese works beautifully if you want something less traditional.
Add capers or dill: For an extra briny kick and herbal freshness, I sometimes sprinkle capers on top or toss in chopped dill to the cream cheese.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free baguette or crackers to keep this recipe accessible to everyone at your table.

How to Make Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe

Step 1: Toasting the Baguette Slices Just Right

Start by slicing your baguette into ½-inch thick rounds. Brush each slice lightly with extra virgin olive oil on both sides — this helps them toast evenly and adds flavor. Pop the slices under your broiler or on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F. Keep a close eye and toast until golden and crisp, usually around 5-7 minutes. They should snap easily but not be burnt — this crunch is key to holding all those toppings.

Step 2: Spreading the Chive Cream Cheese

Once the crostinis are cool enough to handle, spread a generous layer of whipped chive cream cheese on each slice. I like to use a soft spreadable cream cheese, or you can soften regular cream cheese and fold in finely chopped fresh chives yourself. This creamy layer acts as a flavorful base and helps all the toppings stick. Don’t skimp here—you want a nice, even spread.

Step 3: Topping with Smoked Salmon and Onions

Top each crostini with a delicate, folded slice of Nova lox salmon. I find folding the salmon gives better texture and volume rather than laying it flat. Add a few paper-thin slices of red onion for the bite and subtle zing. Be careful not to overwhelm it; you want that perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and sharp flavors.

Step 4: Seasoning and Garnishing

Sprinkle the Everything But the Bagel seasoning generously over each crostini — this seasoning blend is the magic touch that brings the whole flavor profile together. Then scatter a few fresh chopped chives or scallions on top for color and that finishing fresh hit. The contrast of textures and flavors here is what makes this Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe feel truly special.

How to Serve Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe

The image shows seven slices of toasted bread arranged on a large white plate with a soft blue-gray gradient texture inside. Each slice has three layers: the bottom layer is golden brown toasted bread with a crunchy texture, the middle layer is white, creamy spread evenly spread over the toast, and the top layer is thin, smooth orange slices of smoked salmon folded delicately. On top of the salmon, there are thin purple-red onion rings, small green chives pieces scattered evenly, and tiny black and white sesame seeds sprinkled for texture. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with some scattered chives and sesame seeds around it. A small bowl with similar sesame seeds is partly visible on the top left corner, and a partial view of another white plate with a few more toast slices is on the lower right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing these crostinis with a little extra sparkle—a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of cracked black pepper, or a tiny sprig of dill. These simple garnishes brighten up the flavors without stealing the spotlight from the salmon and cream cheese combo.

Side Dishes

Pairing these crostinis with a crisp salad, like arugula with a lemon vinaigrette, really lightens things up. On a brunch table, I usually serve alongside fresh fruit, cucumber slices, and maybe some deviled eggs to round out the spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the crostinis on a slate board with edible flowers and greenery for a beautiful, rustic look. You can also serve them on mini cutting boards or tiered trays to impress your guests with a chic, layered appetizer display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the crostinis assembled in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge. The crostinis maintain best for a day or two before the bread starts to get soggy from the cream cheese and salmon moisture.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled crostinis because the textures suffer, especially the bread. However, you can freeze the cream cheese mixture separately, and use fresh baguette and salmon when ready to serve.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh and cold appetizer, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want your baguette slices warm, toast them just before assembling rather than reheating the finished crostinis, which can make the salmon rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped chive cream cheese?

Absolutely! If you don’t have whipped chive cream cheese handy, you can take plain cream cheese, soften it to room temperature, and mix in finely chopped fresh chives or scallions. Whipping it makes it lighter and easier to spread, but plain cream cheese works just fine for this recipe.
What’s the best type of salmon to use for this crostini?

Nova lox is my top pick here because of its silky texture and smoky flavor that perfectly replicates classic bagel toppings. If you can’t find Nova, other smoked salmon varieties or even smoked trout are good alternatives, just watch for saltiness and texture differences.
How far in advance can I prepare these crostinis?

For best taste and texture, I recommend assembling the crostinis no more than an hour before serving. You can toast the baguette slices and prepare the cream cheese earlier in the day, but adding the salmon and seasoning right before serving keeps everything fresh and crunchy.

Final Thoughts

Making my Smoked Salmon Crostini with Chive Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe always feels like a little treat, whether it’s an impromptu dinner or a special occasion. It’s got just the right balance of flavors without any fuss, and you can easily adapt it to your taste. I’m confident once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your recipe arsenal too—give it a shot, and let me know how yours turn out!