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Learn how to make Canapés with our simple guide featuring multiple topping ideas from classic smoked salmon and cream cheese to creative combinations like brie with fig jam and toasted walnuts. Canapés are versatile finger foods perfect for parties and entertaining guests, and can be assembled in minutes.
Canapés are little bites that make a big impression (and they're actually easy!)
Canapés are little bites that make a big impression (and they're actually easy!)What I love about Canapés (KAN-uh-pay” or “KAN-uh-peez” for plural) is you don't have to turn on the stove or do any cooking, really, but they're so beautiful and impressive looking and the cleanup is a dream. Plus, there's real joy in watching people's faces light up when they see a gorgeous spread of canapés! They look so impressive, but between you and me, they're one of the easiest things I make.
My biggest tip is to pick 3-5 of your favorites and prep all of the ingredients in advance. Then grab your spouse or one of your kids as a helper when it comes time to assemble–you can't mess these up!
You can serve canapes on crackers, cucumbers, or my favorite are homemade baguette slices! Try my other appetizer recipes, like crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, baked brie, and bacon wrapped dates.
How to make Canapés:
Choose Your Base: Use toasted baguette slices, crackers (Ritz, water crackers, or whole grain), or sliced cucumber rounds.
Prep Toppings: Get all your spreads, cheeses, meats, and garnishes ready. You can do this ahead of time and store everything separately.
Optional: Toast Bread (If Using Baguette): Cut baguette into ½-inch slices. Brush with olive oil and toast at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. This keeps them from getting soggy!
Balance Your Flavors: Mix creamy with crunchy, like soft cheese with nuts, or smooth avocado with crisp veggies. This is what makes them taste amazing!
Assemble Right Before Serving: Put everything together within an hour of your party to keep the bases crispy and the toppings fresh.
Make Them Pretty: Finish with fresh herbs, microgreens, a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze, or even just a sprinkle of sea salt. These little touches make them look professional.
Recipe
Easy Canapés Recipe
Ingredients
Base Options:
- 1 French baguette
- Ritz crackers , water crackers, or whole grain crackers
- Cucumber Rounds or bell pepper chunks
- Endive leaves
Topping Ideas (Choose Your Favorites):
- Chicken salad with dried cranberries, chopped pecans
- Mashed avocado with canned tuna, sesame seeds, lime juice
- Fresh mozzarella slices or ricotta with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic glaze
- Ricotta cheese with prosciutto, honey, chopped pistachios
- Cream cheese with smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers
- Brie cheese with fig jam, toasted walnuts
- Goat cheese with cucumber slices, fresh dill, lemon zezt
- Mascarpone with fresh berries, mint leaves
- Feta cheese with pomegranate arils
Instructions
- Toast Baguette slices (OPTIONAL): Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice baguette into ½-inch rounds and arrange on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and toast for 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the Canapés: Choose your topping combinations from the list above. Spread or place your base ingredient first (cream cheese, ricotta, mashed avocado, etc.). Add main topping (salmon, prosciutto, tomatoes, etc.). Finish with garnishes (herbs, drizzles, nuts, etc.).
- Serve: Arrange on serving platter and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.
Notes
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