Smoked trout spread with crème fraîche is the perfect mixture of flavors and is so easy to make. Spread on crostini for a quick appetizer or elegant snack.
Smoked trout crostini is a bite that I see and order on restaurant menus all the time, and it is so easy to make in your own kitchen at home! This is one of those recipes that is ideal for entertaining because it hits the sweet spot of: looks stunning, sounds very sophisticated, but it’s actually so simple to throw together – my favorite! 
Plus, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a crisp and chilled glass of wine. The combination of smoked trout, crème fraîche, with lemon zest and juice is so fantastic together as a dip, but it’s even better spread onto a toasted baguette and topped with fresh chives. All together, this dish has a great balance of smokiness, acidity, tanginess, and overall savoriness that is truly addicting. During the summer I love to grill the bread for additional smokiness and flavor, and during cooler months I simply toast up a bunch of baguette slices in the oven at once. As a note, you can buy smoked trout at most grocery stores – it’s typically packed in oil, or tightly wrapped in plastic the way you would find smoked salmon or lox. If you have a local deli that sells smoked fish, like Gjusta in LA, I would highly recommend getting it there!
Smoked Trout Spread
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 crostini 1x
Description
This smoked trout spread with crème fraîche is a savory and tangy appetizer, perfect for spreading on crostini and serving with a chilled glass of wine.
Ingredients
- 12 baguette slices (each about 1/2 inch thick)
- 8 ounces smoked trout, flaked with a fork
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon crème fraîche (mascarpone works great as well!)
- 1.5 tablespoons shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until slightly golden and crispy.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flaked smoked trout, crème fraîche, chopped shallot, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the smoked trout mixture generously onto the toasted baguette slices.
- Top each slice with a sprinkle of fresh chives for garnish.
- Serve immediately, optionally with a chilled glass of white wine.
Notes
For additional smokiness, grill the bread instead of toasting. Smoked trout can be found at most grocery stores, typically packed in oil or wrapped in plastic. Mascarpone can be used as a substitute for crème fraîche. This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 30
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bread works best for the crostini?
A toasted baguette is ideal for the crostini, as it provides a nice crunch and complements the smoked trout spread well.
Can I use a different ingredient instead of crème fraîche?
You can substitute crème fraîche with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor, but the texture may vary slightly.
How do I enhance the smokiness of the spread?
You can grill the baguette slices instead of toasting them in the oven, which adds an additional layer of smokiness to the dish.
