Delectable Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches Recipe

Delightful Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches Ready in 30 Minutes

Delicate mini quiches featuring succulent smoked salmon are a gourmet appetizer that elevates any gathering.

These petite pastry delights combine rich, creamy textures with elegant seafood flavors.

Perfectly sized for entertaining, these miniature quiches make an impressive addition to brunch tables, cocktail parties, and special celebrations.

The delicate pastry shells cradle a luxurious filling that balances tangy cream cheese with the smoky richness of salmon.

Elegant yet approachable, these bite-sized treats appeal to both sophisticated palates and casual food lovers.

Home cooks and professional chefs alike appreciate the versatility and visual appeal of these compact culinary treasures.

Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches And Why They’re Special

  • Quick Weekend Party Pleaser: Perfect bite-sized appetizer that impresses guests without complex cooking skills.
  • Speedy Preparation Magic: Whips up in under 30 minutes, allowing minimal kitchen time while delivering gourmet-style results.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe suitable for brunches, cocktail parties, potlucks, and family gatherings with elegant, compact presentation.
  • Nutritious Protein Boost: Combines protein-rich salmon and eggs, delivering sophisticated flavor and healthy nutrients in a single delightful mini quiche.

What You’ll Need For Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches

Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for the delicate pastry shell, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the richness of the butter.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates flaky, tender crust with rich flavor, use cold butter for best results.
  • Ice-Cold Water: Helps bind the dough and create a smooth texture.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Main protein base that gives structure to the quiche, fresh eggs work best.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creamy texture to the filling.
  • Salt and Pepper: Seasons the filling and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Smoked Salmon: Provides a delicate, smoky flavor and protein, choose high-quality wild-caught salmon if possible.
  • Cheese: Adds depth and creaminess, use a mild cheese that complements the salmon.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Fresh Dill: Brings a bright, fresh herb note to the finished quiches, use freshly chopped for maximum flavor.

How To Cook Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches Fast

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Tin

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Coat a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter, then dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flaky Pastry Dough

Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Add cold butter and work it into the dry ingredients using fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Slowly introduce ice water, mixing gently until the dough holds together.

Step 3: Shape Tiny Pastry Shells

Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Cut small circles that perfectly fit mini muffin cups. Carefully press dough circles into each cup, forming delicate shells. Use a fork to poke tiny holes in the bottom to prevent rising.

Step 4: Chill Pastry Shells

Place the muffin tin with pastry shells in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Egg Mixture

Whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 6: Assemble Mini Quiches

Sprinkle into each pastry shell:
  • Smoked salmon pieces
  • Grated cheese

Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients, filling each shell nearly to the top.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the quiches are set and display a beautiful golden color on top.

Step 8: Cool And Garnish

Allow quiches to rest for a few minutes. Gently remove from the tin. Scatter fresh dill on top for a burst of flavor and elegant presentation.

Tips That Help Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches Shine

  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the pastry dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn't shrink during baking.
  • Balance Salmon Portions: Use small, even pieces of smoked salmon to guarantee consistent flavor and texture in each mini quiche bite.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Prick the crust bottoms with a fork and pre-bake for 5 minutes to create a crisp base that resists moisture from the eggs.
  • Customize Cheese Options: Swap out cheese varieties like gruyère or goat cheese to match your taste preferences or dietary needs without compromising the recipe's structure.
  • Control Egg Filling: Fill egg mixture just below the crust rim to prevent overflow and ensure neat, professional-looking mini quiches during baking.

Storing Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches Easily

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled quiches in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual quiches tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 weeks.
  • Reheat Oven Method: Warm quiches at 325°F for 10-12 minutes, restoring their crispy crust and warm, creamy texture.
  • Microwave Option: Heat quiches for 30-45 seconds on medium power, checking to prevent overcooking and maintain their delicate flavor.

Best Pairings For Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or dry Pinot Grigio that complements the delicate salmon flavor and cuts through the richness of the creamy quiche.
  • Recommend Fresh Herbal Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with dill, arugula, and lemon vinaigrette that echoes the quiche's herb notes and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery pastry.
  • Match with Sparkling Brunch Cocktail: Prepare a classic mimosa or light Bloody Mary that adds a citrusy, bright element to balance the quiche's creamy texture and enhance the overall brunch experience.
  • Serve with Cucumber Garnish: Offer thinly sliced cucumber rounds as a side garnish to provide a cool, crisp texture that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, savory mini quiches.

Fresh Variations Of Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches

  • Gluten-Free Quiche Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Use dairy-free butter alternative for a completely gluten-free crust.
  • Vegetarian Salmon Substitute: Swap smoked salmon with roasted bell peppers or sautéed spinach. Use crumbled feta or goat cheese for added protein and flavor complexity.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace traditional flour crust with a cheese-based crust or use small strips of zucchini as base. Increase cream content and use full-fat cheese for ketogenic macronutrient balance.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to maintain creamy texture and add nutritional value.

Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches Q&A Guide

  • Can I use a different type of fish instead of salmon?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other smoked fish like trout or mackerel for a similar flavor profile.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these mini quiches?

A mini muffin tin is essential, but most home kitchens already have this basic baking tool.

  • Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry dough up to 2 days in advance and store it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator.

  • Are these mini quiches good for meal prep?

These quiches are perfect for make-ahead meals and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making them great for quick breakfasts or appetizers.

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Delectable Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches Recipe

Delectable Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delicate Mini Smoked Salmon Quiches offer a luxurious French-inspired appetizer packed with rich, creamy flavors. Elegant pastry shells cradle delicate salmon and silky eggs, promising a gourmet experience that delights sophisticated palates.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 medium eggs
  • ½ cup (113 grams) smoked salmon, chopped
  • ½ cup (56 grams) grated cheddar or Gruyere cheese

Pastry Base:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 23 tablespoons (340 milliliters) ice-cold water
  • 1 pinch of salt

Liquid and Seasonings:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh dill, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Meticulously prepare workspace by preheating oven to 350°F and lightly coating mini muffin tin with grease and flour.
  2. Create pastry dough by combining flour and salt, then incorporate cold butter using fingertips until mixture resembles rough pebbles.
  3. Introduce ice water gradually, kneading gently until dough coheres without becoming overworked.
  4. Roll pastry on floured surface and cut precise circles matching mini muffin tin dimensions.
  5. Delicately press dough circles into tin cavities, forming gentle crimped edges and perforating base with fork to prevent rising.
  6. Refrigerate prepared crusts while assembling filling ingredients.
  7. Whisk eggs, cream, seasoning until silky and uniform in texture.
  8. Distribute finely chopped salmon and grated cheese evenly across chilled pastry bases.
  9. Carefully ladle egg mixture into each crust, filling approximately three-quarters full to prevent overflow.
  10. Transfer tin to preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until quiches develop golden surfaces and appear gently set.
  11. Allow mini quiches to rest momentarily after removing from oven, then extract carefully using small offset spatula.
  12. Garnish with fragrant fresh dill sprigs and serve warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn’t shrink during baking.
  • Use cold butter and handle the dough minimally to prevent tough pastry and maintain a delicate texture.
  • Opt for high-quality smoked salmon and freshly grated cheese to elevate the flavor profile of these mini quiches.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap wheat
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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