Delia Smith canapés are classic British party bites that focus on simple ingredients, clean flavours, and careful preparation. These small nibbles are crisp, creamy, and well balanced, making them ideal for entertaining without stress. The recipe is straightforward and suitable for beginners, with plenty of scope to prepare parts in advance. Total time is around 45 minutes, including preparation and light baking.
Ingredients
For the canapé bases
- 12 slices white or wholemeal bread
- 40g unsalted butter, softened
For the filling
- 120g full-fat cream cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 100g smoked salmon, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
For the topping
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp crème fraîche
- 1 tsp English mustard
How to Make Delia Smith Canapés
- Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Place a shelf in the middle of the oven so the bread toasts evenly.
- Prepare the bases: Cut the bread into neat rounds or squares. Spread lightly with butter and place on a baking tray.
- Bake: Toast the bread for 8 to 10 minutes until pale golden and crisp. Remove and allow to cool completely.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add flavour: Fold in the smoked salmon and chopped dill gently.
- Assemble: Spoon or pipe the mixture onto the cooled bread bases.
- Finish: Top with cucumber slices and a small spoon of crème fraîche mixed with mustard.
Tips for Best Results
How do I stop the bases from going soggy?
Make sure the bread is fully cooled before adding the topping and assemble close to serving time.
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can prepare the bread bases and filling separately a day ahead, then assemble shortly before serving.
What other toppings work well?
Soft cheeses, pâté, or finely chopped herbs are all excellent alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with sparkling wine or champagne
- Arrange alongside olives and nuts for variety
- Pair with fresh vegetable crudités
Storage
Room temperature
Best served fresh and not recommended for long storage at room temperature.
Refrigerator
Assembled canapés can be chilled for up to 12 hours, covered loosely.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the topping will suffer.
Nutrition
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated fat: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary.
FAQs
Can I bake this as a loaf instead?
Yes, divide the mixture between two loaf tins and increase the baking time slightly. Check for doneness with a skewer.
What size tray bake tin works best?
A tin around 23 x 30cm gives the ideal depth and even baking.
Can I use wholemeal flour?
You can replace half the flour with wholemeal, but the cake will be slightly denser.
Is this cake suitable for children?
Yes, it is mildly spiced and naturally sweet, making it ideal for all ages.
Delia Smith Canapés
Course: AppetizerCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy24
pieces25
minutes15
minutes40
minutes95
kcal40
minutesA selection of elegant Delia Smith canapés made with crisp bases and classic British toppings. Perfect for parties, holidays, and special gatherings.
Ingredients
12 slices white or wholemeal bread
40g unsalted butter, softened
120g full-fat cream cheese
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
100g smoked salmon, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
2 tbsp crème fraîche
1 tsp English mustard
Butter, for greasing
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan and lightly grease a baking tray.
- Cut the bread into small rounds or squares and spread lightly with butter.
- Bake the bread for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Leave to cool completely.
- Mix the cream cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the smoked salmon and dill, mixing gently.
- Spoon or pipe the mixture onto the cooled bread bases.
- Top with cucumber slices and a small dot of crème fraîche mixed with mustard.
- Arrange on a serving plate and chill briefly before serving.
Notes
- Prepare bread bases in advance and store in an airtight container.
- Assemble shortly before serving for best texture.
- Adjust toppings to suit vegetarian guests.
