Canapés with Smoked Salmon

A few plates of smoked salmon canapes prepared with a dollop of wasabi cream, black sesame seeds, and chopped green onions.

What we love about these smoked salmon canapés

Smoked salmon canapés are a classic, vintage appetizer that look so elegant on a passed tray or in a h’orderves buffet. This modern sushi-like twist on the retro appetizer is smooth and smokey with a subtle horseradish kick. Served on a ritz cracker for a light crisp bite.

A hand taking a smoked salmon canapé from a platter.

Here’s what you will need to make them

Overhead shot of smoked salmon canapés on a plate.

How to make the wasabi cream sauce

This will make more than you need so feel free to cut it in half. I doubled what I had originally planned to allow it to fill the mixing bowl, so it could whip properly.

Whip together cream cheese, prepared wasabi, lemon juice, and salt. Put the wasabi cream sauce in piping bag, or use a ziplock with the corner trimmed off. Set it aside.

*You could whip some without wasabi if you are unsure everyone will enjoy the kick.

How to assemble a smoked salmon canapé

Layer as follows:

One ritz cracker (or whatever cracker you prefer). I was planning on possibly using bagel or rye chips, but loved the light crisp the ritz provided!

A piece of smoked salmon. I used pieces about as wide as the cracker and double it length, folding it over on itself.

Pipe a dollop of wasabi cream.

Sprinkle with black sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish.

A close up of smoked salmon canapés with wasabi cream sauce garnished in

FAQs and tips on making canapés with smoked salmon

Can you eat smoked salmon right from the package?

Yes you can. The smoking process eliminates the harmful bacteria found in raw food.

Does vacuum sealed smoked salmon need to be refrigerated?

Yes, even if you haven’t opened the seal, you should keep it cold until you are ready to eat it.

How long will open, smoked salmon last?

If it is stored properly in the refrigerator, smoked salmon should be edible for about 1 week. Unopened, it should last about 2 weeks.

What is the difference between cold smoked salmon and smoked salmon?

Cold smoking salmon allows it to keep the texture it has when it is raw. Cold smoked is what you want for this recipe. Hot smoked salmon will be more like a flakey cooked salmon fillet.