These Smoked Salmon Blini Bites are tiny, tasty treats that everyone will love! Silky smoked salmon sits atop fluffy blinis, creating a perfect mix of flavors.
They’re super easy to make and look fancy, so you can impress your friends without stress. I enjoy serving them at parties—everyone goes crazy for them! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the blinis. You can substitute with whole wheat flour if you prefer a nuttier flavor. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Baking Powder: This gives the blinis their light and fluffy texture. If you don’t have baking powder, you can use baking soda and a splash of vinegar as a substitute.
Smoked Salmon: While smoked salmon is traditional, you can use other types of fish like smoked trout or even canned salmon if you’re in a pinch.
Sour Cream/Crème Fraîche: Both add creaminess to each bite. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option or use dairy-free yogurt for a plant-based alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Make Fluffy Blinis?
Getting those blinis light and fluffy is all about properly whipping the egg whites. This step makes a huge difference in texture. Here’s how to master it:
- Start with cold eggs; they whip better. Separate the yolks from the whites in clean bowls—no yolk in the whites!
- Use a clean, dry whisk or mixer. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the peaks stay upright.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter using a spatula. Be careful; you want to keep that air in!
- Cook on medium heat, and don’t rush it. A nice golden color means they are cooked perfectly!
Smoked Salmon Blini Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blinis:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 2 tbsp melted butter (plus more for cooking)
For the Topping:
- 200g smoked salmon, sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
- Fresh dill sprigs for garnish
- Fresh microgreens or baby herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep and cooking time. It’s perfect for a quick appetizer before your meal or as a fancy snack at your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that everything is well combined and ready to create fluffy blinis.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the whole milk, egg yolks, and melted butter. Gradually add this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Whip Up Those Egg Whites:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites using a mixer until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the peaks stand up without flopping over. Gently fold the egg whites into your batter, being careful to keep the mixture airy and light.
4. Cook the Blinis:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter to coat the pan. Drop tablespoons of batter onto the skillet to create small, silver-dollar-sized blinis. Cook for about 1-2 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown. Remove them and keep warm while cooking the remaining batter.
5. Assemble the Bites:
Now it’s time to make them pretty! Place a slice of delicious smoked salmon on top of each blini. Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on top of the salmon.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Add a small sprig of fresh dill and a few microgreens or baby herbs if you like. Serve these bites immediately, and enjoy these elegant, mouthwatering treats!
Can I Make the Blinis Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the blinis in advance! Cook them and let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet before serving.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Smoked Salmon?
If smoked salmon isn’t your favorite, you can try using smoked trout or even cooked crab or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, consider using roasted red peppers or avocado slices.
How Should I Store Leftover Blini Bites?
Store any leftover blinis in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or the microwave before serving to refresh their texture.
Can I Freeze the Blinis?
Absolutely! Once cooled, place the blinis in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating.