Smoked Salmon and Quail’s Egg Baguette Bites Recipe
Introduction
This elegant smoked salmon and quail’s egg canapé is perfect for entertaining or as a sophisticated appetizer. Combining delicate flavors with a crunchy baguette base, it’s simple to prepare yet sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients
- 6 quail eggs, at room temperature
- 400g smoked salmon
- 6 anchovies in olive oil, drained
- 12 chunky slices of baguette
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise or aioli
Instructions
- Step 1: Put a pan of water on to boil. Place the quail eggs in a small sieve and, as soon as the water reaches a rolling boil, lower the eggs gently into the water. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare a bowl of iced water. Once the eggs are cooked, drain them and immediately transfer to the iced water to cool. Carefully peel the eggs and cut each in half lengthways.
- Step 3: Cut the smoked salmon into 2cm wide strips and slice each anchovy into 4 thin slivers.
- Step 4: Spread each slice of baguette with mayonnaise or aioli. Top with a swirl of smoked salmon, half a quail’s egg, and two anchovy slivers.
- Step 5: Secure each canapé with a cocktail stick, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a softer bread base, lightly toast the baguette slices before assembling.
- Substitute anchovies with capers or thinly sliced cucumbers for a milder flavor.
- Use lemon zest or a small dill sprig on top for added freshness and aroma.
Storage
These canapés are best served fresh. If needed, prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the bread’s crunch. Store peeled quail eggs and smoked salmon covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the quail eggs in advance?
Yes, you can boil and peel the quail eggs up to a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated in a sealed container and slice just before serving to keep them fresh.
What can I use if I don’t have aioli?
Regular mayonnaise works perfectly as a substitute and provides a creamy base for the canapés.
Print
Smoked Salmon and Quail’s Egg Baguette Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A delightful appetizer featuring delicate smoked salmon topped with halved quail’s eggs and flavorful anchovies on crusty baguette slices, enhanced with creamy mayonnaise or aioli. Perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Eggs & Seafood
- 6 quail eggs, at room temperature
- 400g smoked salmon
- 6 anchovies in olive oil, drained
Bread & Spreads
- 12 chunky slices of baguettes
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise or aioli
Instructions
- Boil the quail eggs: Place a pan of water over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Place the quail eggs into a small sieve, then carefully lower them into the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the eggs for exactly 3 minutes.
- Cool and peel the eggs: While the eggs are boiling, prepare a bowl of iced water. Once cooked, drain the eggs immediately and transfer them into the iced water to stop cooking and cool down. Once cooled, carefully peel the shells off the quail eggs.
- Prepare the toppings: Cut the peeled quail eggs in half lengthways. Slice the smoked salmon into 2cm wide strips and cut each anchovy fillet into 4 thin slivers.
- Assemble the canapé bases: Spread each baguette slice evenly with mayonnaise or aioli to provide a creamy base layer.
- Add toppings and garnish: On each bread slice, create a swirl of smoked salmon, place a halved quail egg on top, and arrange 2 slivers of anchovy. Secure each assembled canapé with a cocktail stick to hold the layers together.
- Finish and serve: Lightly sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over each canapé for a subtle spice. Serve immediately as a stylish and tasty appetizer.
Notes
- Using room temperature quail eggs helps prevent cracking when boiling.
- Ensure the water is gently simmering, not boiling vigorously, to avoid egg shells cracking.
- Aioli can be substituted with mayonnaise or flavored mayonnaise for variation.
- This appetizer pairs beautifully with dry white wine or sparkling beverages.
- For ease of serving, chill the assembled canapés briefly before serving but avoid soggy bread by serving promptly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Keywords: smoked salmon, quail eggs, canapés, appetizers, seafood bites, baguette appetizers, easy party food

