December is here, and Christmas celebrations are just around the corner! 🎅✨ As the holiday season fills the air with warmth and joy, it’s the perfect time to plan gatherings with friends and family. And what better way to kick off a festive evening than with a platter of delicious canapés?
Blinis—small, fluffy pancakes—are a classic base for bite-sized appetizers, and they’re perfect for Christmas parties. Today, I’m sharing a simple blini recipe along with three delightful toppings that are sure to impress your guests: vegetarian, pescatarian, and omnivorous. These festive flavors are easy to mix and match, allowing you to cater to a variety of tastes and diets with ease.
Making the Perfect Blinis
This recipe combines selection of three different options for blinis:
Vegetarian: Creamy Goat Cheese & Caramelized Onion – For a savory and sweet vegetarian option, top your blinis with creamy goat cheese and a spoonful of caramelized onions. It’s a combination that’s both indulgent and elegant, perfect for a festive gathering.
Pescatarian: Smoked Salmon & Dill with Lemon Yogurt – This classic combination is light, fresh, and festive—perfect for seafood lovers. Smoked salmon paired with a hint of lemon and fresh dill creates a crowd-pleasing canapé that’s a Christmas favorite.
Omnivorous: Prosciutto, Fig & Blue Cheese – For a rich and savory option, try this combination of prosciutto, figs, and tangy blue cheese. It’s a luxurious bite that balances sweet, salty, and creamy flavors—ideal for a holiday feast.
Festive Blinis for Holiday Canapés
Difficulty: Easy10-12
servings152
kcal40
minutesIngredients
- For 30-40 Blinis
1 cup buckwheat flour (plain all-purpose flour for a milder flavor)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Creamy Goat Cheese & Caramelized Onion
1/2 cup soft goat cheese, whipped for spreadability
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
- Smoked Salmon & Dill with Lemon Yogurt
3oz smoked salmon, cut into small strips
1/2 cup yogurt
Juice of half a lemon
Dill (ideally fresh, but dried will work too)
Capers, for garnish
Lemon zest, for garnish
- Prosciutto, Fig & Blue Cheese
3oz thinly sliced prosciutto, torn into small pieces
Fresh figs, thinly sliced (or use fig jam if fresh figs are unavailable)
3oz blue cheese, crumbled
Fresh arugula or microgreens, for garnish
A drizzle of honey (optional)
Directions
- To Make Blinis
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk, melted butter, and honey (if using).
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until combined. The batter should be slightly thick—if needed, add a splash more milk.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with a little butter or oil.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter per blini onto the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges are set. Flip and cook for another minute until golden.
- Remove the blinis from the skillet and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Vegetarian: Creamy Goat Cheese & Caramelized Onion
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until caramelized—about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are dark and sweet.
- Spread a layer of whipped goat cheese onto each blini, add a spoonful of caramelized onions, and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
- Pescatarian: Smoked Salmon & Dill with Lemon Yogurt
- In a small bowl, mix the yogurt with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of chopped dill.
- Spoon a dollop of lemon yogurt onto each blini, top with a strip of smoked salmon, and garnish with capers and lemon zest.
- Omnivorous: Prosciutto, Fig & Blue Cheese
- Place a slice of fresh fig or a small spoonful of fig jam on each blini.
- Add a piece of prosciutto and a few crumbles of blue cheese.
- Garnish with a small leaf of arugula or microgreens and finish with a light drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Recipe Video
Tips for Perfect Blinis and Festive Presentation
- Make Ahead: Blinis can be made in advance! Cook them, cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven before topping.
- Mix and Match: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Offer a selection so guests can choose their favorite combinations.
- Festive Garnish: Add a touch of holiday flair by garnishing with pomegranate seeds, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sparkling effect.
Why Blinis Make the Perfect Christmas Canapés
Blinis are light, fluffy, and easy to make, making them an excellent choice for Christmas canapés. They’re the perfect base for a variety of toppings, allowing you to cater to different tastes and diets without stress. Plus, they look so festive on a platter—perfect for holiday gatherings with family and friends! 🎄✨
Serve them warm with a glass of sparkling wine or a festive punch, and watch them disappear as your guests enjoy these delicious bites.
Happy Holidays and Merry Cooking!
I hope these festive blinis bring warmth, joy, and a touch of holiday magic to your Christmas celebrations. Whether you go for a classic smoked salmon, a sweet-savory goat cheese, or a rich and indulgent prosciutto topping, there’s a flavor here for everyone.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Raspberry and Basil! 🎅🌟
Nutrition Facts
12 servings per container
Serving Size3g
- Amount Per ServingCalories152
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
8g
13%
- Saturated Fat 3.1g 16%
- Total Carbohydrate
12.3g
5%
- Dietary Fiber 1.6g 7%
- Sugars 4.5g
- Protein 8.1g 17%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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