Herby Smoked Salmon Caviar Bites

These Herby Smoked Salmon Caviar Bites are what I put out for girls night when I want something a little special. Crunchy gluten-free crackers get a swipe of lemony herb yogurt spread, then a fold of smoked salmon, a spoonful of caviar, fresh dill, and a drizzle of olive oil. They look like something you’d order at a wine bar, but they’re super quick and easy. You can have the whole platter assembled before the first person walks through the door.

A red plate holds crackers topped with creamy spread, smoked salmon, black caviar, and fresh dill. Glasses of white wine, a jar of caviar, herbs, and stacked plates surround the platter on a pink surface.

Friends, I have strong opinions about appetizers, and the biggest one is this: the perfect bite needs a few things happening at once. For me, that will always mean a crunchy cracker and caviar. Salty, creamy, crunchy, and briny all in one mouthful is the kind of thing I’ll stand next to the platter for all night, which is exactly what happened at girls night.

I know caviar has a reputation for being fussy (and expensive), but you don’t need much of it here. A small scoop on top of each bite goes a long way, and everything else is stuff you can grab at any grocery store: a tub of Greek yogurt, a package of smoked salmon, fresh herbs, a shallot, and a lemon. That’s it!

I used sea salt crackers as the base because they let the toppings take the lead, but multigrain or everything crackers would be delicious here too. Use whichever one you’re craving. As long as it’s sturdy enough to hold the spread without snapping, you’re good.

The herby yogurt spread is what ties everything together. Instead of reaching for cream cheese or crème fraîche, I use non-fat Greek yogurt, which gives you that cool, tangy creaminess plus a little protein, and keeps these light enough that you can go back for a third (or fourth) without feeling weighed down. Loads of fresh dill and chives, a finely diced shallot, and lemon zest turn plain yogurt into something you’ll want to put on everything.

I love a kaluga hybrid caviar for these because the pearls are on the larger side and have a buttery, mellow flavor that isn’t overly fishy. If you’re new to caviar or want to keep costs down, salmon roe or trout roe are great options. They’re bigger, brighter, and give you those same salty little pops.

Crispy crackers, smoked salmon, lemon, fresh dill, chopped shallots, black caviar, sour cream, chives, and olive oil are arranged on pink marble. Ingredients are in bowls and plates, viewed from above. — *To make this, you’ll need non-fat Greek yogurt, fresh dill, chives, shallot, lemon, smoked salmon, caviar, gluten-free crackers, EVOO, and salt.*

A hand stirs a bowl of creamy dip topped with chopped chives. Surrounding the bowl are crackers, herbs, caviar, lemon, and a dollop of sour cream on a pink surface. — *To make this, you’ll need non-fat Greek yogurt, fresh dill, chives, shallot, lemon, smoked salmon, caviar, gluten-free crackers, EVOO, and salt.*

What You Need to Make These Smoked Salmon Caviar Bites

Non-Fat Greek Yogurt: It’s thick, tangy, and adds a little protein to every bite. Make sure you use plain, unsweetened yogurt so the spread stays savory.
Fresh Dill: Dill and smoked salmon are a classic pairing for a reason.
Chives: Chop them finely so they blend right in and don’t overpower the yogurt.
Shallot: Dice it as finely as you can so you get flavor in every scoop, not big crunchy chunks.
Lemon: Lemon zest brightens up the whole spread and cuts through the richness of the salmon.
Smoked Salmon: Tear or slice it into small pieces that fit neatly on each cracker.
Caviar: Use whatever caviar you love. I used a kaluga hybrid caviar, but salmon roe or trout roe are delicious, more budget-friendly swaps.
Gluten-Free Crackers: Sea salt crackers make a great neutral base, but multigrain or everything crackers work too. Look for a sturdy cracker that won’t crumble under the spread.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A light drizzle over the top adds richness and makes the bites look so pretty on the platter. Use a good-quality olive oil here since you’ll taste it.
Salt: A pinch of salt in the spread is optional. Taste it first, since the smoked salmon and caviar are already pretty salty.

A red plate holds crisp crackers topped with a creamy herb spread. Nearby are bowls of chopped chives, black caviar, and a honey dipper, suggesting options for garnishing the appetizers. — *Next, lay the crackers out in a single layer on a large plate or serving platter. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of the herby spread onto each cracker.*

How to Make These Easy & Delicious Caviar Bites

Start by making the herby yogurt spread. Add the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, chopped chives, diced shallot, and lemon zest to a bowl and mix well. Give it a taste and add a pinch of salt if you think it needs it.

Next, lay the crackers out in a single layer on a large plate or serving platter. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of the herby spread onto each cracker.

Top each cracker with a piece of smoked salmon, followed by a small scoop of caviar. Finish with a sprig of fresh dill and a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve right away and enjoy!

A red plate holds crackers topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Surrounding dishes contain chives, caviar, more crackers, and smoked salmon slices. — *Top each cracker with* smoked salmon.

A red plate with crackers topped with creamy spread, smoked salmon, and a dollop of black caviar. A small jar of caviar and chopped herbs are nearby. — *Top each cracker with* smoked salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep almost everything ahead. Make the herby yogurt spread up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge (the shallot mellows out a bit overnight, which I love). You can also tear the smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces and chop your garnish dill ahead of time. Just wait to assemble the bites until right before serving.

How far in advance can I assemble them?

I’d assemble them no more than 30 minutes before guests arrive. The yogurt will start to soften the crackers if they sit too long, and the crunch is half the fun. Keep the caviar in the fridge until the very last minute.

Can I use a different yogurt?

Full-fat Greek yogurt or labneh would both work and will make the spread a little richer. For a dairy-free version, use a thick, plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt.

What if I don’t like caviar?

Leave it off! The crackers with the herby spread and smoked salmon are still delicious on their own. You could also add a few capers on top for a similar salty, briny pop.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover spread and smoked salmon separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days. Assembled bites don’t keep well, since the crackers get soft.

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new!