There’s an undeniable charm to dishes that exude luxury while staying wonderfully approachable, and gougères with smoked salmon, caviar, and prosciutto embody that balance.
These golden puffs of cheesy choux pastry are crisp on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and serve as a sophisticated yet fun base for indulgent toppings.
Each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a show-stopping addition to any holiday spread or intimate gathering.
What sets this recipe apart is its adaptability. Smoked salmon adds a rich, silky touch, caviar offers bursts of briny decadence, and prosciutto delivers a savory punch.
Whether you’re elevating a cocktail party or adding flair to a family celebration, these bite-sized delights are guaranteed to impress. They’re the kind of hors d’oeuvres that spark conversation—and keep everyone coming back for more.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Effortless Elegance: These gougères instantly elevate any occasion, but they’re deceptively easy to make, which is always a win in my book.
- Customizable Toppings: I’ve experimented with everything from smoked trout to crème fraîche, and the combinations are endless—perfect for readers who love a bit of creativity.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The pastry can be baked ahead and refreshed in the oven, making entertaining stress-free.
- A Crowd Pleaser: Every time I serve these, there’s always a chorus of “What’s in these?”—a testament to their universal appeal.
- Light Yet Satisfying: With airy pastry and perfectly balanced toppings, they’re indulgent without being overly heavy, making them ideal for long evenings of grazing.
Gougères with Smoked Salmon, Caviar, and Prosciutto
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Medium Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Pastry bag
- Knife
Ingredients
- 12 slices of baguette about 1/2-inch thick
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 4 oz smoked salmon thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsbp fresh dill finely chopped
- 2-3 tbsp caviar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil on one side.
- Toast in the oven for about 10 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Allow to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread the dill cream cheese mixture generously onto the toasted side of each crostini.
- Top with a piece of smoked salmon, a dollop of caviar, and garnish with dill.
- Arrange the crostini on a platter and serve immediately. Enjoy!
