{"id":6310,"date":"2026-03-18T22:55:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T22:55:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/havewinewillpair.com\/staging\/4627\/?p=6310"},"modified":"2026-03-19T20:28:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T20:28:04","slug":"salmon-mousse-crunch-blini","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/havewinewillpair.com\/staging\/4627\/salmon-mousse-crunch-blini\/","title":{"rendered":"Salmon Mousse Crunch Blini"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This layered appetizer of blini, salmon mousse and crunchy toppings pairs very well Champaign and looks lovely on a tray presentation. It is also easily versioned, so you can build a tray of various flavors with the same base Blini.<\/p>\n\n\nJump to Recipe<\/a>\n\n\n

Blingtastic Blini Appetizer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A salmon mousse blini canape gives an impressive first bite to go with the REAL champagne we were serving \u2013 ooh la la! Though often seen with caviar, I went in a different direction. Blinis offer a different experience than crackers or bread. It has a softer texture but sturdy enough to hold up toppings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wine Pairing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Original Pairing: Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvee Non-Vintage Sparkling W<\/a>ine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Pairing: Dry champagne, Prosecco, dry sparkling white wines, Reisling<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(see full menu)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specialty Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Buckwheat flour<\/strong>\u2013 you can find in specialty flours. Although it has \u201cflour\u201d in the name, it is considered gluten free. However, if its a real issue, check the label to ensure it is so and not processed with chance of contamination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bobs Red Mill, Organic Buckwheat Flour, 22 Ounce<\/a>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Flat Griddle or Pan<\/strong>: I like to use my flat griddle pan for this. It is non-stick and heats evenly. Because there are no deep edges, it\u2019s easier to flip these little guys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cuisinart 630-20 Chef\u2019s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 11-Inch Square Griddle<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small No-scratch Spatula<\/strong>: if you are using a non-stick pan, do not be tempted to use an offset metal spatula (like the kind you use for cake frosting). Don\u2019t risk your pans! There\u2019s a good amount of spatulas out there. I like the fish ones because they are designed for delicate flipping. They tend to be more flexible and have holdes that help to release the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BANKKY Silicone Fish Spatula Set for Nonstick Cookware, 600\u00b0F Heat Resistant Kitchen Slotted Spatulas Turner for BBQ, Cooking Utensils Non-scratch Flipper, Ideal for Burger, Eggs, Baking<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plastic storage bags or pastry bags<\/strong>: I use plastic bags (usually ziplock) to both store and then easily dispense semi-solid creamy foods. With limited bandwidth, that is my hack. But, a more eco-friendly solution is a re-usable pastry bags. They are sturdier and you will have much better control, especially if you use a tip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ateco Wunderbag Decorating Bag, 24-Inch, Reusable, Professional Grade & Heavy Duty Construction<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microplane for zesting<\/strong>: I have a couple different zesting tools based on what I\u2019m using it for. For this recipe, you want a really fine zest from a Microplane. I use this tool for zesting and finely grating ginger, garlic and even cheese. I am always grabbing this for something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lemon
Finely grated lemon zest by microplane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Microplane Classic Zester\/Grater, Black<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning the dish<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Three key recipes make this salmon blini appetizer: lemon blini, smoked salmon mousse, and marinated cucumber sticks. Once you have premade those elements, it\u2019s mostly about assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Salmon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Timing the Elements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Week Ahead<\/strong>: Make the blinis first and freeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Days Ahead<\/strong>: Make the Salmon Mousse 1-2 days ahead. The flavors need to marry, but you don\u2019t want fish to sit too long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early Day Serving<\/strong>: Marinate the cucumbers 2-4 hours prior to use. You a bit of bite to them, not soggy. You can also use fresh cukes with a little salt. Prep the lemon zest and potato crumb garnishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serving Time<\/strong>: Don\u2019t fully assemble until your are close to serving if you want the potato chips topping to stay crunchy. You can also skip the potato chips \ud83d\ude41 or serve them on the side. Seriously try them though, the are an amazing \u201cjunk food\u201d pairing with a dry champagne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plating Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For a large party, I make the blinis small to have a one-bite experience. About the size of a silver dollar. This works really well when you have a tray of them. Just leave enough room for people to be able to grab them without touching the one next to it. If it is a smaller crowd, you can use small plates with larger blinis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pairing Alterations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depth of Salmon
<\/strong>Increase or decrease tbe amount of smoked salmon you are using. A dryer white wine may need a bit more smoked fish flavor. You can also try other smoked fish like trout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herb Mix
<\/strong>You can add different fresh herbs as a garnish that pairs well with your wine. Its an extra elements of freshness and burst of flavor. Try basil, chives or even tarragon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make-Ahead Toppings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This page includes recipes for the lemon blinis and assembly of everything topping it. These are the additional items you will need to make ahead (click on the link to the recipe):<\/p>\n\n\n\n