Mary Berry Smoked Salmon Starters Recipe

Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon Starters are a sophisticated and effortless way to begin a formal dinner party or a festive family celebration. Ideally the smoked salmon should be of a high-quality, oak-smoked variety to provide a deep, savory foundation that balances the zest of the lemon and the richness of the cream base.

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Mary Berry Smoked Salmon Starters Recipe Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) smoked salmon, thinly sliced
• 150g (5 oz) full-fat cream cheese or crème fraîche
• 1 tbsp hot horseradish sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small loaf of rye bread or 20 blinis
• 1 small bunch of fresh dill, for garnish
• 1 lemon, cut into tiny wedges, for garnish

How To Make Mary Berry Smoked Salmon Starters Recipe

1. Prepare the Cream Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese (or crème fraîche), horseradish sauce, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Beat the mixture with a spoon until it is smooth and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Season: Add a generous grinding of black pepper. Avoid adding extra salt, as the smoked salmon usually provides enough saltiness for the entire dish.
3. Prep the Base: If using rye bread, use a small circular cutter to create 20 neat rounds of bread. If using blinis, arrange them on a large serving platter or individual starter plates.
4. The Salmon Layer: Cut the smoked salmon into small strips or ribbons that will fit neatly on top of your bread or blinis.
5. Assembly: Spread a teaspoon of the dill and horseradish cream onto each bread round or blini. Artfully fold a ribbon of smoked salmon on top of the cream, creating a little height for a professional look.
6. Final Touch: Garnish each starter with a tiny sprig of fresh dill and a small lemon wedge. Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes before your guests arrive.

Recipe Tips

• Horseradish Kick: Mary Berry often emphasizes that the horseradish should be “to taste.” If you prefer a milder starter, start with half a tablespoon and increase it until you reach your desired level of heat.
• Bread Choice: While rye bread is traditional and offers a lovely earthy contrast, you can also use toasted brioche or even thin slices of cucumber for a lighter, gluten-free alternative.
• Neat Edges: To get the most professional look, use a sharp pair of kitchen scissors to trim the smoked salmon into uniform strips before assembly.
• Cold Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and salmon are chilled right up until the moment of assembly to keep the starters looking fresh and perky.

What To Serve With Mary Berry Smoked Salmon Starters

Salmon starter accompaniments are delicate additions frequently served during Christmas lunch or elegant summer soirées. Ideally the garnish should be a small sprig of fresh dill and a tiny wedge of lemon to provide a vibrant visual contrast to the silky pink salmon.

• A chilled glass of dry white wine like Sancerre or Chablis
• A light cucumber salad with a white wine vinegar dressing
• Mary Berry Salmon and Prawn Filo Purses as part of a seafood-themed menu
• A small handful of wild rocket (arugula) leaves for a peppery finish

How To Store Mary Berry Smoked Salmon Starters

• Refrigerate: These starters are best assembled shortly before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. However, you can prepare the dill cream mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Assembly Time: Once assembled, these should be eaten within 1 to 2 hours for the best texture and flavor.
• Freeze: This recipe is not suitable for freezing, as the cream cheese base will change texture and the smoked salmon may lose its delicate oiliness.

Mary Berry Smoked Salmon Starters Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 85 kcal (per starter)
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g

Nutrition information is estimated per starter based on 20 servings.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Mary Berry Miso Salmon​ Recipe
• Mary Berry Salmon With Cream Cheese And Peppers​ Recipe
• Mary Berry Smoked Salmon And Avocado Parcels Recipe​