Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Blinis are the perfect bite-sized indulgence that feels fancy without the fuss. They combine the rich flavors of smoked salmon and cream cheese on a fluffy, homemade blini base, making them an elegant choice for any gathering or a special brunch.
Start by grabbing two bowls—one for the dry ingredients and the other for the wet. In the first bowl, whisk together **1 cup of flour**, **1 tablespoon of granulated sugar**, **1/2 teaspoon of baking soda**, and **1/4 teaspoon of salt**. In the second bowl, mix **1 cup of buttermilk**, **1 large egg**, and **2 tablespoons of melted butter** until smooth.
Now, gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Mix just until combined. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; over-mixing is a no-go if you want light, fluffy blinis.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it. A little butter or oil spray works well here. Drop tablespoons of batter onto the pan, spacing them out a bit. Cook each blini for 1-2 minutes on one side, watching for little bubbles to form before flipping. Cook for another minute until golden brown on both sides. Transfer them to a plate to cool slightly.
Once they’re cool enough to handle, spread a dollop of softened cream cheese on each blini. Top with a slice of smoked salmon, then garnish with a sprig of dill. Finish with a light sprinkle of lemon zest to add a fresh, zesty note.
These blinis make a delightful appetizer and pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of Prosecco or a crisp white wine. For a brunch spread, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette. They also complement a charcuterie board beautifully.
The base of these delicious bites is the blini, which starts with **all-purpose flour**. The flour gives the blini its structure. **Granulated sugar** adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory toppings. **Baking soda** helps the blini rise slightly, giving it a light texture. A pinch of **salt** enhances all the flavors. The **buttermilk** brings a slight tanginess and keeps the blinis moist. **Egg** adds richness and helps bind everything together, while **unsalted butter** gives a rich flavor and a tender crumb.
For the topping, **cream cheese** serves as a creamy base that pairs perfectly with the **smoked salmon**. It’s important to get good quality smoked salmon for that signature savory, slightly smoky taste. **Fresh dill sprigs** add a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note. Finally, **lemon zest** provides a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish.
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