I have a serious thing for little handheld appetizers. I mean, they’re just so damn cute! I really can’t help it but seeing a plate full pretty little tasty bites just makes me so happy. I think I might have a problem. 
These little guys are super flavourful with a tiny bite from the horseradish. Crispy filo cracker + creamy smoked salmon mousse + a playful pop of flying fish roe = the perfect appetizer. 
Recipe inspired by A Food Centric Life
- 3 sheets filo pastry and a few tablespoons of melted butter
- ½ cup smoked salmon
- ¼ cup cottage cheese cottage cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons horseradish, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, or more to taste
- Optional garnishes: flying fish roe (my fav), dill, lemon zest, capers, finely minced red onion, tiny slice of lemon, freshly grated horseradish, anything else your mind can dream up
- Carefully lay one sheet of filo pastry on your counter and brush lightly with melted butter. Lay a second sheet over the first and again brush with butter. Finally place the third sheet on top of the other two and press together gently. Using a cookie cutter, carefully cut out small round shapes. Place cut filo on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake according to package directions. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, combine smoked salmon, cottage cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, dill, horseradish and salt and stir to evenly combine. Place in a pastry piping bag and set aside in your fridge.
- Just before serving, pipe a small amount of mousse onto each filo cracker and top with a garnish of your choice.
Looking for more pretty little tasty bites to eat? Check out these:
Mini Beet and Goat Cheese Salads on Homemade Beet Chips
Oven Baked Sharp Cheese Bread Bites
Bacon Deviled Eggs with Caramelized Onion and Cheddar Cheese
Chickpea and Pumpkin Fritters with Preserved Lemon Aioli
Oven Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Garlic
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I know exactly what you mean about the appetizers–these look downright addicting! I don’t usually have the patience to work with filo pastry, but these might be worth it (or a box of crackers will do until I get my lazy bum out to the store). Thank you for sharing these gems!
Hey Ala,
I usually find filo pretty fussy too, but these are actually quite easy. Crackers would be great with this too though!!
Looks Yummy!
Thanks, Inessa!
I totally get why you love bite sized apps… how could you not?! They’re So flippin cute!!! These look great. I’ve never worked with filo… always wanted to though! I might leave off the roe. That’s the one food I’ve never really cared to eat. I TRY to like it when I eat sushi, but just don’t like the texture. This will still be yummy anyway!
Definitely only add what you love on top of these little guys. Would be just as great with a couple capers or a pinch of lemon zest
I love how pretty these look!
Thanks, Kim!