A crowd-pleasing appetizer, this nutritious one-bite smoked salmon avocado crostini combines creamy avocado, flaky smoked salmon and a crisp cracker for a perfectly balanced salty and refreshing bite.
Happy Friday! What are your plans for the weekend?
BRUNCH?
I love a good brunch—who doesn’t? While trying the latest city hotspot after a weekend workout is fun, hosting brunch at home is one of my favorite ways to gather friends, celebrate small moments and share good food. Recently I realized I hadn’t properly hosted an apartment warming yet, and brunch felt like the perfect occasion.
I sometimes worry the art of home entertaining is fading. In big cities many gatherings center on dining out or drinks, but when you cook and host, the experience feels special. I don’t often cook for large groups, so inviting close friends over felt both exciting and a little nerve-wracking.
My family has always been great at entertaining. My grandmother hosted memorable parties in a tiny house, and my mother plans events with effortless style and attention to detail. Growing up around that standard makes you want to do the same when friends come over.
How did I, a 26-year-old with limited solo entertaining experience living in a small studio, pull brunch off?
With planning, advance prep and a calm “it’s okay if something goes wrong” attitude. The result was relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.
First, I planned the menu. I used a brunch board to gather inspiration and settled on a mix of sweet and savory dishes that could be prepped ahead. I considered guests’ dietary preferences and allergies—when in doubt, ask your guests.
Next, I made a shopping list organized by grocery store sections. I printed recipes, tallied ingredients, and grouped tasks so shopping and cooking were efficient. Anything that could be made in advance was made ahead.
- I baked muffins and zucchini bread nearly a week before and froze them—big time saver.
- The night before, I assembled a baked french toast casserole so the morning required only a quick bake and the wonderful aroma of cinnamon and coconut sugar.
- I pre-chopped vegetables for a salad and prepped components for the smoked salmon avocado crostini.
When guests started arriving, appetizers were ready and the main dishes were finishing in the oven—exactly the relaxed flow you want when hosting.
Over the next few weeks I’ll share the recipes, starting with the smoked salmon avocado crostini below.
One hosting tip my mom always emphasized: have something out to nibble on as guests arrive. Appetizers set the tone without requiring you to stand by the stove. These smoked salmon avocado crostini are impressive yet simple—no cooking required, just assembly.
Smoked salmon can be polarizing, but most people love it paired with avocado. Use whole grain crackers for a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy avocado and delicate salmon. Fresh dill adds brightness and makes the crostini feel elevated.
Assemble the crostini no more than an hour before guests arrive so the crackers stay crisp. Keep extra components refrigerated and finish assembly just before serving for best texture.
Happy brunching!
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Happy weekend
XO
If you make a recipe from this post, I’d love to see it—tag your photos with #CitNutritionally.
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